Nevada psychiatrist Adekunle O. Ajayi reprimanded for malpractice

August 24, 2009

The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners reprimanded psychiatrist ADEKUNLE OLOUROTIMI AJAYI for malpractice.  The Board’s Order states that in May 2005, Ajayi treated a 45-year-old female who had been placed on a 72-hour hold for psychotic behavior.  After conducting a check and finding that the patient’s blood showed a therapeutic level of lithium, Ajayi increased the patient’s lithium level to 1,800 mg a day and the antipsychotic Seroquel 600 mg per day.  On the ensuing four days, the patient continued to exhibit manic, agitated, irritable conduct.  Ajayi ordered the Seroquel to be increased to 800 mg and lithium to remain the same.  Four days later, the patient was observed to be unsteady on her feet.  A series of test were done which found her lithium levels to be outside the therapeutic range (the limit is 1.3; her test results showed 2.9).  Lithium administration was ceased but the next day, the patient was noted to be confused with slurred speech and an unsteady gait, which was attributed to lithium toxicity.  The patient was transferred to an intensive care facility where it was determined she was suffering from kidney and respiratory failure due to lithium toxicity.

(Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order, In the Matter of Charges and Complaint Against Adekunle Ajayi, M.D., Case No. 08-28519-1, Board of Medical Examiners of the State of Nevada, filed August 24, 2009.)