Dennis Quaid's Twins in Intensive Care Unit

The Family

Dennis Quaid and his wife Kimberly Buffington welcomed twins into their family on November 8, 2007. The fraternal twins, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace were carried to term and delivered by a surrogate mother. Quaid also has a 15-year old son, Jack, with actress Meg Ryan.

Accidental Overdose

According to reports, Zoe and Thomas began to bleed internally, often referred to as "bleeding out." As a result of the bleeding, doctors ordered 10 units of the anti-clotting drug Heparin, to be injected into the babies intravenously in order to prevent dangerous blood clots.

As a result of hospital staff error, the six pound twelve ounce twin Thomas and his five pound nine ounce sister Zoe, were give not 10 units, but 10,000 units of Heparin, resulting in an accidental overdose.

What Happened?

The only explanation that was given for such a huge medical mistake is that the Heparin was "stored improperly". Due to the improper storage of the drug, the nurse administered 10,000 units instead of the prescribed 10 units.

The Antidote

Upon realizing the grievous error, the twins were given the drug protamine sulfate. Protomine sulfate is said to counteract the effects of Heparin and is considered an antidote. Zoe and Thomas are still in the neonatal intensive care unit, but are said to be in stable condition.