In Hermosillo, Sonora, the number of people who have died after receiving intravenous treatment known as a “vitamin serum” has risen to four. These facts are already being investigated by state ministerial and health authorities. The most recent victim was identified as Catalina Figueroa, 38, who remained hospitalized at the General Hospital of Specialties after her health condition worsened following the administration of the serum. Earlier, local media had reported three other deaths: Jesús Héctor Almeida Flores, his son Sebastián Almeida Cáñez, and Dinora Ontiveros, who, like Catalina, received the same treatment at a private clinic in Hermosillo. Relatives mentioned that the victims sought the serum with the intention of improving their general well-being, but within hours they began to suffer serious complications, including damage to organs such as kidneys and liver. In the case of Dinora Ontiveros, her relatives informed La Jornada that the administered serum also contained a homeopathic medication. They noted that after receiving the intravenous treatment, her health condition progressively deteriorated. Catalina Figueroa, a 40-year-old stylist dedicated to the beauty industry, died after experiencing immediate complications following the administration of a vitamin serum with drugs. The case raises alarms, as the procedure was performed at the same location where... The families of the victims filed complaints and demanded that these cases not be considered isolated, as other patients show similar symptoms after receiving the serums. Associates of the deceased also demanded a quick response from the authorities and publicly disclosed the name of the doctor who administered the treatments, in order to prevent other people from going to the same place. The Attorney General's Office of Justice of the State of Sonora (FGJES) confirmed that it is investigating the four complaints related to these deaths, all with the common background of having received intravenous serums prescribed by the same professional. The case is already being handled by the Attorney General's Office, as well as by health authorities, mainly the State Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Coesprisson), who are seeking to determine if there was malpractice in the administration of these solutions. As part of the investigations, a raid was carried out on the clinic, where medications and other supplies were secured, which were sent to laboratories for analysis. Intravenous therapy is also used to administer medications that cannot be taken orally or to maintain hemodynamic stability in critical patients. Despite being common, intravenous therapy is invasive and carries certain risks. It should be used in situations that involve saving lives, not for hangovers or to put vitamins in order to “increase energy,” he posted on his networks. According to the National Library of Medicine, intravenous therapy consists of the administration of fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Possible side effects include: infections at the insertion site, vein inflammation, bleeding, clots, adverse drug reactions. Macías warns of the risks of “banalizing” intravenous therapy. Through his X account, Dr. Alejandro Macías warned about the dangers of administering intravenous serums in situations that do not require it, stating that these practices can even cause death. “Banalizing intravenous therapy can have fatal consequences. This route allows for rapid action of the drugs and is especially useful when the digestive system cannot adequately process nutrients or medications, or when immediate rehydration is required. It is recommended in situations such as severe dehydration, serious infections, nutritional deficiency, or the need for controlled analgesia through infusion pumps. Additionally, histopathological studies are planned on the tissues of the victims to identify possible cellular damage related to the administration of the serums.
