Erasmus MC investigates rise in deaths of patients with congenital heart defects
Erasmus MC in Rotterdam has launched an internal investigation after a noticeable increase in deaths among patients with congenital heart defects occurred last year around the time of surgery. The academic hospital confirmed the inquiry but said that no clear pattern or cause has yet been identified, AD reports.
The hospital has not released the number of deaths or the ages of the patients involved. According to Erasmus MC, the rise in mortality began in mid-2024. Since then, the death rate has returned to what the hospital describes as “in line with the lower level of previous years.”
Erasmus MC runs the Center for Congenital Heart Defects in partnership with Radboudumc in Nijmegen. The facility treats both children and adults and is one of four specialized centers in the Netherlands focused on congenital heart care.
The hospital stated that it is taking the situation seriously and will continue to analyze the data to determine whether any systemic issues contributed to the deaths. The goal of the investigation is to assess possible risks and to ensure safe treatment going forward.
