WESTERN PA. HOSPITAL Officials conduct a 'major' probe

None of the patients is diabetic, and all were in the same area of the hospital.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- The Mercer County district attorney said the probe into what caused four hospital patients to suddenly register low blood sugar levels is being conducted as "a major criminal investigation" that will take some time to complete.
Atty. James Epstein, speaking at a press conference Wednesday, said the investigation into what happened at Sharon Regional Health System will continue in that fashion until and unless facts show that there was no criminal conduct involved.
Four nondiabetic patients, all in the same area of the hospital, experienced the symptoms within a short period over the weekend, Epstein said.
They exhibited classic symptoms of low blood sugar such as clamminess, disorientation and a dropping heart rate, he said.
A loss of consciousness could also be a symptom, he said, declining to say if any of the patients experienced that particular condition or had to be resuscitated. If untreated, the condition could be fatal, he said.
Hospital statement
Sharon Regional, in a brief statement, said its hospital staff quickly recognized the situation and responded promptly to care for the patients.
All are doing well, the hospital said, declining to give any additional specifics.
The hospital said it has taken steps to maintain a safe patient-care environment but wouldn't reveal what those measures are.
The FBI and the U.S. Food & amp; Drug Administration are working with the district attorney's office and Sharon police to determine if there was any criminal involvement, Epstein said.
Agents of both federal agencies attended the press conference but offered no comments.
Sharon police were called into the case around 6 p.m. Sunday by the hospital, said Capt. Michael Menster of the Sharon Police Department.
Epstein said his office usually doesn't comment on ongoing investigations but decided to release some information on this case because of the public's right to know and the fact that it involves a hospital.
At this point, authorities aren't sure a crime exists, he said, adding that investigators are examining hospital records to determine if there were any previous cases and, if so, whether they might be related to this matter.
No person or people have been targeted as suspects, he said, explaining that it could be a case of medication error, product tampering, criminality or any combination of the three.
Authorities are assuring the personal security of the patients involved, Epstein said, predicting that the investigation will be a long process. The hospital is cooperating fully, he added.