Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Rosemary Petrites, 71, developed oral flush and shortly thereafter, a rash. When the rash spread across her arms and legs, family physician Catherine Spratt-Turner allegedly prescribed Benadryl. Two days later, Petrites called Spratt-Turner’s office, complaining of soreness in her mouth, in addition to the rash. Spratt-Turner allegedly called in a prescription for Diflucan and mouthwash.

When Petrites’s rash worsened significantly, Spratt-Turner referred her to a dermatologist. A physician assistant in that office allegedly diagnosed dermatitis, drug eruption rash, or contact dermatitis. The next day, Petrites went to a hospital emergency room, where she was diagnosed as having Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. She was transferred to a hospital burn unit, where she later died. She is survived by four adult children.

Petrites’s estate sued Spratt-Turner, alleging she misdiagnosed a drug eruption and failed to take a proper history, properly evaluate Petrites’s complaints, and warn of the risks and side effects of Diflucan.

The parties settled confidentially.

Citation: Edwards v. Spratt-Turner, No. 2016-06546 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Bucks Cty. July 14, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Kevin P. O’Brien, Cheltenham, Pa.