State Investigates Reused Syringes At Children's Hospital

The state Department of Health is investigating after officials at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh acknowledged syringes were reused on at least 250 patients, mostly at an affiliated clinic in Wexford, north of the city.

Dr. Marian Michaels, an infectious-disease specialist at the hospital, said at least one physician reused syringes when giving Botox injections to treat muscle tightness. Most injections were on children with cerebral palsy dating to 2005.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said reusing syringes can spread disease, though Michaels said the potential for that is low. Still, she said the practice was improper and will be discontinued.

Michaels said the physician in question was trying not to waste Botox, which is in short supply and has a limited shelf life.

Botox is most popularly known for its effect on wrinkles, but Michaels said it’s been used for years to help pediatric cerebral palsy patients, and in some cases, has helped adult stroke victims.

“After two days, I was able to turn my hand over, which I never did for seven years,” said stroke patient Sandy Gerber.

Michaels said although the risk of children being infected with a blood borne illness is remote, the hospital will contact its former patients.

“We want to go back and make sure we're being very conservative and covering everyone," said Michaels.

Hospital officials said if your child received the Botox injections at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital in the past five years, you should contact the hospital with more information.

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