Family Settles After Medication-Linked Death of Restaurateur

The family of a businesswoman, who reportedly passed away following treatment with a medication for a skin condition, has reached a settlement in court proceedings. Poh Kwai Tan, known as Joyce Tan, was a Malaysian entrepreneur residing in Dunboyne, Co Meath, and managed five restaurants before her untimely demise at 47 in May 2020.

Her spouse, Tuck Nam Au, along with their daughter Yen Ching Au, pursued legal action against Dr Anas Mansour, a general practitioner based in Blanchardstown, Dublin, alleging his involvement in the circumstances leading to Ms Tan's death. The settlement was agreed upon without any admission of liability, and its terms remain confidential.

Legal Proceedings and Mediation

The family’s legal team, led by Jeremy Maher SC and advised by Michael Boylan Litigation, informed the court that an agreement was reached through mediation. Ms Tan's relatives in Malaysia were able to follow the court's judgment remotely.

An inquest conducted last year by Dublin coroner Dr Clare Keane concluded with a verdict of death by misadventure. Evidence presented suggested that Ms Tan developed a rare and severe reaction, known as drug hypersensitivity syndrome, after being prescribed Dapsone for a skin rash.

Dr Keane noted the lack of evidence supporting claims that Ms Tan may have utilized traditional Chinese remedies for her skin issues.

Allegations in Court

In the High Court, it was stated that in December 2019, Ms Tan sought medical attention for an itchy rash, initially suspected to be scabies. In January 2020, she consulted Dr Mansour due to persistent symptoms, including sleepless nights caused by itchiness.

Dr Mansour recommended repeating the treatment for scabies as the rash spread across Ms Tan's arms and back. On February 12, 2020, she commenced treatment with Dapsone, a medication typically used for severe skin conditions.

It was claimed that Ms Tan visited a hospital's emergency department on April 4, suffering from worsening skin conditions and abdominal pain, and was found to have abnormal liver function. A few days later, the possibility of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome was considered, prompting a liver biopsy and additional medication.

Ms Tan was reportedly admitted to hospital twice more, and by May 18, 2020, she was transferred to a different hospital for a potential liver transplant. Her health continued to decline, leading to liver failure, multi-organ failure, and septic shock, culminating in her death on May 30.

Claims and Denials

The legal case alleged that Ms Tan was diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis without a dermatologist referral and that there was a failure to monitor her for Dapsone's adverse effects. It was further claimed that Ms Tan was not informed of the risks associated with Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome, nor advised to cease the drug if symptoms emerged. All allegations were denied.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted the settlement and conveyed condolences to Ms Tan's family, acknowledging the distribution of the statutory mental distress solatium payment. The case highlights the complexities involved in medical treatments and the potential risks associated with prescription medications.