A Singaporean doctor has been convicted of negligence leading to the death of a 31-year-old woman following an aesthetic treatment in 2019. Chan Bingyi intravenously administered ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to Lau Li Ting, a property agent, despite there being no medical need for the treatment.
Details of the Case
Court documents reveal that EDTA is intended for specific uses, such as treating heavy metal poisoning or elevated calcium levels, and should only be administered by trained clinicians. The prosecution argued that Chan administered the “dangerous substance” at an inappropriately high concentration and too quickly at the Revival Medical & Aesthetics Centre on March 8, 2019.
Ms. Lau, who had no pre-existing medical conditions, subsequently developed EDTA toxicity, leading to cardiac arrest. She died five days later at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun convicted Chan on January 9th of committing a negligent act that led to her death.
According to testimony, Ms. Lau had previously undergone a “chelation” treatment with another doctor and requested the same procedure from Chan, despite his assessment that she was not a suitable candidate. Chan ultimately agreed to administer the treatment after a 15-minute consultation.
The prosecution presented evidence that Chan initially admitted to administering the EDTA to Ms. Lau, providing a detailed account to the Ministry of Health (MOH) ten days after the incident. He later recanted this admission, claiming his statement was unreliable due to his “poor mental state” and a misunderstanding of the questions asked.
Defense Arguments
A defense witness, Professor Johan Duflou, testified that 400g of unidentified “yellowish pill residue” was found in Ms. Lau’s stomach during autopsy, suggesting the possibility that other substances contributed to her collapse. However, prosecutors argued there was no evidence Ms. Lau was consuming any such products.
What’s Next?
Chan’s mitigation and sentencing are scheduled for March. He remains registered as a medical practitioner with the Singapore Medical Council. Additionally, Chan faces three other pending charges under the Health Products Act, related to possessing expired injection ampoules of adrenaline and a heartburn relief drug at the Revival Medical & Aesthetics Centre in March 2019. These charges are expected to be addressed at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EDTA and why is it dangerous in this context?
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chemical used to bind to metallic ions. In this case, the disodium EDTA used binds to calcium, which is essential for vital bodily functions like neurotransmission and muscle function. Depleting calcium levels can lead to heart failure and impaired muscle function.
What was the doctor’s justification for administering EDTA?
According to Chan, Ms. Lau requested a “chelation” treatment she had previously received from another doctor, believing it would remove “various metals, including heavy metal” from her body. Despite advising her against it, he ultimately agreed to the procedure.
What is the current status of the doctor’s medical license?
The Singapore Medical Council’s database indicates that Chan Bingyi is still registered as a medical practitioner, despite his conviction.
As this case underscores the potential risks associated with medical procedures, what role should patients play in questioning treatments and ensuring their safety?
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