<p>
	Critical blood tests were never performed on young Aibhe Conroy six months before she died, a leading doctor claimed at an inquest.</p>
<p>
	Additionally, on the night of her death, six-year-old Aibhe did not receive the standard dose of dextrose that is usually given to hypoglycaemia patients, paediatric endocrinologist Dr Susan O&#39;Connell told the Coroner&#39;s Court in Dublin.</p>
<p>
	Aibhe, from Gowla, Connemara, died at Temple Street Children&#39;s Hospital in Dublin on December 14, 2011. Four days previously, she had been admitted to Galway University Hospital suffering from hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, weakness and vomiting.</p>
<p>
	Dr O&#39;Connell, who is based in Cork University Hospital, emphasised the significance that Aibhe suffered a prolonged episode of hypoglycaemia on the night of 10-11 December.</p>
<p>
	There is a &quot;high probability&quot; that Aibhe&#39;s hypoglycaemia was related to the cerebral oedema, or brain damage, that she suffered on 11 December, although she emphasised that the relationship is not totally understood.</p>
<p>
	Dr O&#39;Connell emphasised that prolonged hypoglycaemia &quot;is not good for the brain&quot;.</p>
<p>
	Dr O&#39;Connell also pointed out that no successful critical samples were ever carried out to determine whether Aibhe had an underlying metabolic or endocrine issue.</p>
<p>
	These are a series of blood tests to be carried out while a patient is suffering from hypoglycaemia. They are critical in the investigation of hypoglycaemia, said Dr O&#39;Connell.</p>
<p>
	Meanwhile, Aibhe&#39;s primary school teacher said the girl&#39;s mother had fully expected to receive an earlier referral to Crumlin Children&#39;s Hospital in Dublin for blood tests, although this referral was not received.</p>
<p>
	Caroline Ni Chonghaile said at the start of the school year in September 2011, Kathleen Conroy mentioned that she was expecting referrals for Aibhe to Crumlin hospital very shortly.</p>
<p>
	Kathleen and John Conroy were again present for the entire proceedings yesterday. Their solicitor, Damien Tansey, said the family is &quot;expecting answers&quot; from this inquest.</p>
<p>
	At one point a photo of Aibhe was shown to Dr O&#39;Connell, the coroner and the legal teams, in order to shower skin colour.</p>
<p>
	&quot;She looks like a sweet, happy child,&quot; Dr. O&#39;Connell said as Mrs Conroy fought back tears.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/critical-blood-tests-never-performed-on-aibhe-inquest-31554041.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/critical-blood-tests-never-performed-on-aibhe-inquest-31554041.html</a></p>
