28 June 2023 , 13:28
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A "bright and gentle" boy died after drinking a protein shake that is believed to have triggered a rare genetic condition, an inquest has heard.
Rohan Godhania, 16, suffered "irreversible" brain damage days after his dad bought him the drink at a supermarket to help him build up muscle.
His cause of death was not known at the time because his organs had been donated.
An inquest has now heard how the protein shake brought on a rare disorder called Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, which can be caused by a spike in protein.
The hereditary disease prevents the breakdown of ammonia, causing it to build up to lethal levels in the bloodstream.
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Rohan's parents described him as a "bright, gentle, reliable and highly intelligent” boy (PA)Rohan died in hospital three days after drinking the protein shake, reports MyLondon.
His dad, Pushpa Godhania, previously said: "He was fine with it and then late afternoon when we were having lunch, he said his tummy ached.
"He didn’t have anything else to eat and a little later on in the early evening he vomited a few times. Again, there was nothing concerning."
Rohan's family became concerned the following day when he was unable to find the table in his bedroom.
He was rushed to hospital, where his health continued to deteriorate.
Rohan's family said the "world is a darker place" without himThe teenager was moved to intensive care where medics carried out a CT scan, which found severe brain swelling.
Neurologists said they were unwilling to operate because it would not be in his best interests. Rohan died on August 18, 2020.
A post-mortem examination could not identify OTC as the cause of death because Rohan’s organs were donated for transplant before his illness was solved, an inquest in Buckinghamshire heard.
The person who received the organs ended up being rushed to the hospital suffering seizures 13 months later.
Lawyers acting for Rohan’s family have since questioned whether opportunities were missed to screen him for ammonia prior to his death.
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Rohan "had his entire life ahead of him"The inquest heard how warnings should be added to the widely-available protein drinks - an intervention supported by a senior neurologist who described it as “potentially life-saving”.
Giving evidence, Rohan's dad told the inquest: “I purchased it (…) just to build up muscles. He was quite skinny.
"We thought that rather than just nagging him, if he built up muscles in his shoulders he would stand a bit taller."
A statement was read to the inquest on behalf of Mr Godhania and his wife, Hitendra, paying tribute to their "bright, gentle, reliable and highly intelligent” son.
Rohan pictured with his familyThey said: “Rohan had only just turned 16. We imagined Rohan developing into a wonderful young man.
“Rohan had his entire life ahead of him, so many hopes and so many dreams. The loss revibrates out to so many people whose lives Rohan touched. This world is a darker place with the loss of such a kind and gentle soul.”
The inquest, originally expected to continue on Wednesday, has been postponed for senior coroner Tom Osborne to consider legal submissions before delivering his findings.
Mr Osborne reassured Rohan’s parents that he would not delay the inquest for any longer than necessary and hoped to make his findings of fact before the start of the school summer holidays.