Infants of borderline viability: ethical and clinical considerations

Ethics of resuscitation for extremely premature infants: a systematic review of argument-based literature

OBJECTIVE

To present (1) the ethical concepts related to the debate on resuscitation of extremely premature infants (EPIs) as they are described in the ethical literature; and (2) the ethical arguments based on these concepts.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review of the ethical literature. We selected articles based on the following predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria: (1) English language articles (2) presenting fully elaborated ethical arguments (3) on resuscitation (4) of EPIs, that is, infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.

ANALYSIS

After repeated reading of articles, we developed individual summaries, conceptual schemes and an overall conceptual scheme. Ethical arguments and concepts were identified and analysed.

RESULTS

Forty articles were included out of 4709 screened. Personhood, best interest, autonomy and justice were concepts grounding the various arguments. Regarding these concepts, included authors agreed that the best interest principle should guide resuscitation decisions, whereas justice seemed the least important concept. The arguments addressed two questions: Should we resuscitate EPIs? Who should decide? Included authors agreed that not all EPIs should be resuscitated but disagreed on what criteria should ground this decision. Overall, included authors agreed that both parents and physicians should contribute to the decision.

CONCLUSIONS

The included publications suggest that while the best interest is the main concept guiding resuscitation decisions, justice is the least important. The included authors also agree that both parents and physicians should be actively involved in resuscitation decisions for EPIs. However, our results suggest that parents' decision should be over-ridden when in contrast with the EPI's best interest.

End-of-Life Decisions 20 Years after EURONIC: Neonatologists' Self-Reported Practices, Attitudes, and Treatment Choices in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in attitudes of neonatologists regarding the care of extremely preterm infants and parental involvement over the last 20 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Internet-based survey (2016) involving 170 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany using the European Project on Parents' Information and Ethical Decision Making in Neonatal Intensive Care Units questionnaire (German edition) with minor modifications to the original survey from 1996 to 1997.

RESULTS

The 2016 survey included 104 respondents (52.5% response rate). In 2016, significantly more neonatologists reported having ever withheld intensive care treatment (99% vs 69%) and withdrawn mechanical ventilation (96% vs 61%) or life-saving drugs (99% vs 79%), compared with neonatologists surveyed in 1996-1997. Fewer considered limiting intensive care as a slippery slope possibly leading to abuse (18% vs 48%). In the situation of a deteriorating clinical condition despite all treatment, significantly more neonatologists would ask parental opinion about continuation of intensive care (49% vs 18%). In 2016, 21% of German neonatologists would resuscitate a hypothetical infant at the limits of viability, even against parental wishes.

CONCLUSIONS

Withholding or withdrawing intensive care for extremely preterm infants at the limits of viability with parental involvement has become more acceptable than it was 20 years ago. However, resuscitating extremely preterm infants against parental wishes remains an option for up to one-fifth of the responding neonatologists in this survey.

Antenatal Consultations at Extreme Prematurity: A Systematic Review of Parent Communication Needs

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize and describe parental expectations on how healthcare professionals should interact with them during a peripartum, antenatal consultation for extremely preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

For this systematic literature review with textual narrative synthesis, we included studies that explored parental perspectives regarding the antenatal consultation for an extremely preterm infant. Electronic searches of Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Embase were conducted, along with a search of the grey literature. Quality appraisal was conducted using the guide by Walsh and Downe. Two independent reviewers reviewed 783 titles, of which 130 abstracts then 40 full-text articles were reviewed. Final data abstraction includes 19 studies. We predetermined 6 topics of interest (setting, timing, preferred healthcare professional, information, resources, and parents-physician interaction) to facilitate thematic analysis.

RESULTS

In consideration of the variability of parents' specific desires, six predetermined topics and additional overarching themes such as perception of support, degree of understanding, hope, spirituality, and decision-making influences emerged. Studies suggest the quality of the antenatal consultation is not purely about information content, but also the manner in which it is provided. Limitations include thematic analysis that can potentially lead to the exclusion of important nuances. Relevant studies may have been missed if published outside the healthcare literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings may inform clinical practice guidelines. This paper includes suggested strategies related to parents' perspectives that may facilitate communication during antenatal consultation for an extremely preterm infant. These strategies may also support parental engagement and satisfaction.

A transdisciplinary approach to the decision-making process in extreme prematurity

Background

A wide range of dilemmas encountered in the health domain can be addressed more efficiently by a transdisciplinary approach. The complex context of extreme prematurity, which is raising important challenges for caregivers and parents, warrants such an approach.

Methods

In the present work, experts from various disciplinary fields, namely biomedical, epidemiology, psychology, ethics, and law, were enrolled to participate in a reflection. Gathering a group of experts could be very demanding, both in terms of time and resources, so we created a web-based discussion forum to facilitate the exchanges. The participants were mandated to solve two questions: “Which parameters should be considered before delivering survival care to a premature baby born at the threshold of viability?” and “Would it be acceptable to give different information to parents according to the sex of the baby considering that outcome differences exist between sexes?”

Results

The discussion forum was performed over a period of nine months and went through three phases: unidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary, which required extensive discussions and the preparation of several written reports. Those steps were successfully achieved and the participants finally developed a consensual point of view regarding the initial questions. This discussion board also led to a concrete knowledge product, the publication of the popularized results as an electronic book.

Conclusions

We propose, with our transdisciplinary analysis, a relevant and innovative complement to existing guidelines regarding the decision-making process for premature infants born at the threshold of viability, with an emphasis on the respective responsabilities of the caregivers and the parents.

Cost estimate of hospital stays for premature newborns of adolescent mothers in a Brazilian public hospital

Objective:

To estimate the direct costs of hospital stay for premature newborns of adolescent mothers, in a public hospital.

Methods:

A cost estimate study conducted between 2009 and 2011, in which direct hospital costs were estimated for premature newborns of adolescent mothers, with 22 to 36 6/7 gestational weeks, and treated at the neonatal unit of the hospital.

Results:

In 2006, there were 5,180 deliveries at this hospital, and 17.8% (922) were newborns of adolescent mothers, of which 19.63% (181) were admitted to the neonatal unit. Out of the 181 neonates, 58% (105) were premature and 80% (84) of them were included in this study. These 84 neonates had a total of 1,633 days in-patient hospital care at a total cost of US$195,609.00. Approximately 72% of this total cost (US$141,323.00) accounted for hospital services. The mean daily costs ranged from US$97.00 to US$157.00.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the average cost of premature newborns from adolescent mothers was US$2,328.00 and varied according to birth weight. For those weighing <1,000g at birth, the mean direct cost was US$8,930.00 per stay as opposed to a cost of US$642.00 for those with birth weight >2,000g. The overall estimated direct cost for the 84 neonates in the study totaled US$195,609.00.

Antenatal steroid exposure and outcomes of very premature infants: a regional cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality, short-term morbidity and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of <29 week premature infants with antenatal steroid exposure (none, incomplete and complete).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Multicentre retrospective cohort study, within a geographically defined area in Australia served by a network of 10 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), of infants <29 weeks gestational age, admitted to NICUs between 1998 and 2004. Outcome measures included hospital survival, perinatal complications and functional disability at 2-3 years follow-up.

RESULTS

2549 neonates were included; 319 (12.5%) received no exposure to steroids. Hospital mortality (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.76, p<0.001, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.81, p=0.001) and necrotising entercolitis (NEC) (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.91, p=0.018) was less likely in infants with any steroid exposure. Any steroid exposure was associated with less need for surfactant (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.57, p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.52, p<0.001). Subgroup analyses demonstrated differences in outcomes only with complete steroid coverage and not with incomplete coverage. Survival benefit and reduction in the incidence of severe IVH was evident from 24 to 28 weeks. Long-term neurodevelopmental data available for 1473 survivors showed no significant difference in outcomes with steroid exposure after multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to a complete course of antenatal steroids is associated with higher infant survival rates, lower rates of severe IVH and NEC compared to an incomplete course or no exposure. Any exposure to steroids reduces the risk of moderate cerebral palsy, however, long-term neurodevelopmental outcome may not be affected by steroid exposure.

Perinatal palliative care: Parent perceptions of caring in interactions surrounding counseling for risk of delivering an extremely premature infant

OBJECTIVE

When infants are at risk of being born at a very premature gestation (22-25 weeks), parents face important life-support decisions because of the high mortality for such infants. Concurrently, providers are challenged with providing parents a supportive environment within which to make these decisions. Practice guidelines for medical care of these infants and the principles of perinatal palliative care for families can be resources for providers, but there is limited research to bridge these medical and humanistic approaches to infant and family care. The purpose of this article is to describe how parents at risk of delivering their infant prior to 26 weeks gestation interpreted the quality of their interpersonal interactions with healthcare providers.

METHODS

Directed content analysis was employed to perform secondary analysis of data from 54 parents (40 mothers and 14 fathers) from the previously coded theme "Quality of Interactions." These categorized data described parents' encounters, expectations, and experiences of interactions that occurred prenatally with care providers. For this analysis, Swanson's theory of caring was selected to guide analysis and to delineate parents' descriptions of caring and uncaring interactions.

RESULTS

Parents' expectations for caring included: (a) respecting parents and believing in their capacity to make the best decisions for their family (maintaining belief); (b) understanding parents' experiences and their continued need to protect their infant (knowing); (c) physically and emotionally engaging with the parents (being with); (d) providing unbiased information describing all possibilities (enabling); and (e) helping parents navigate the system and creating a therapeutic environment for them in which to make decisions (doing for).

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Understanding parents' prenatal caring expectations through Swanson's theory gives deeper insights, aligning their expectations with the palliative care movement.

The Ethics of Neonatal Resuscitation

Decisions about initiating resuscitation are often based on the best-interest principle, which considers the chance of survival, pain of attempted resuscitation, and subsequent benefits or burdens that continued living with potential disability may bring. For neonates at 23–25 weeks gestation, this decision is difficult given the uncertain prognosis. It is thus reasonable to defer to parental wishes given that the family has to bear the burden of taking care of the child. Adequate and early antenatal counselling is important to enable parents to make an informed decision. Further studies of local long-term outcomes are needed to identify better markers for outcomes to help guide resuscitation decisions.

Have the boundaries of the 'grey zone' of perinatal resuscitation changed for extremely preterm infants over 20 years?

AIM

To determine the boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation over the past 20 years.

BACKGROUND

As the likelihood of survival improves over time, the BW- and GA-specific boundaries of discretionary nonresuscitation should fall.

HYPOTHESIS

Between 1988 and 2008 reductions in BW- and GA-specific mortality would drive a parallel reduction in BW and GA boundaries of discretionary resuscitation.

METHODS

We determined the likelihood of resuscitation and survival to NICU discharge for all infants born <700 g or <26 gestational weeks from 1988 to 2008. In addition, for 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008, we determined the BW and GA for the 10 smallest infants who were resuscitated, and the 10 largest infants who were not resuscitated. We excluded any infant born with congenital anomaly.

RESULTS

Mortality fell from 80% in 1988 to 28% in 2008, and as expected, the percentage who were resuscitated rose from 63% in 1988-93 to 95% in 2004-2008. However, unexpectedly, over the 20-year study period, the smallest infants who were resuscitated despite extreme immaturity did not change (450-550 g and 23-24 weeks) and the largest infants not resuscitated did not change (600-700 g and 23-24 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Neither the BW nor GA boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation have fallen over the past 20 years. Factors guiding resuscitation at the border of viability are complex and incompletely understood.

Divergent views of hope influencing communications between parents and hospital providers

This study evaluated parents' and health care providers' (HCPs) descriptions of hope following counseling of parents at risk of delivering an extremely premature infant. Data came from a longitudinal multiple case study investigation that examined the decision making and support needs of 40 families and their providers. Semistructured interviews were conducted before and after delivery. Divergent viewpoints of hope were found between parents and many HCPs and were subsequently coded using content analysis. Parents relied on hope as an emotional motivator, whereas most HCPs described parents' notions of hope as out of touch with reality. Parents perceived that such divergent beliefs about the role of hope negatively shaped communicative interactions and reduced trust with some of their providers. A deeper understanding of how varying views of hope might shape communications will uncover future research questions and lead to theory-based interventions aimed at improving the process of discussing difficult news with parents.

Outcome trajectories in extremely preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

Methods are required to predict prognosis with changes in clinical course. Death or neurodevelopmental impairment in extremely premature neonates can be predicted at birth/admission to the ICU by considering gender, antenatal steroids, multiple birth, birth weight, and gestational age. Predictions may be improved by using additional information available later during the clinical course. Our objective was to develop serial predictions of outcome by using prognostic factors available over the course of NICU hospitalization.

METHODS

Data on infants with birth weight ≤ 1.0 kg admitted to 18 large academic tertiary NICUs during 1998-2005 were used to develop multivariable regression models following stepwise variable selection. Models were developed by using all survivors at specific times during hospitalization (in delivery room [n = 8713], 7-day [n = 6996], 28-day [n = 6241], and 36-week postmenstrual age [n = 5118]) to predict death or death/neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months.

RESULTS

Prediction of death or neurodevelopmental impairment in extremely premature infants is improved by using information available later during the clinical course. The importance of birth weight declines, whereas the importance of respiratory illness severity increases with advancing postnatal age. The c-statistic in validation models ranged from 0.74 to 0.80 with misclassification rates ranging from 0.28 to 0.30.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic models of the changing probability of individual outcome can improve outcome predictions in preterm infants. Various current and future scenarios can be modeled by input of different clinical possibilities to develop individual "outcome trajectories" and evaluate impact of possible morbidities on outcome.

The nonimpact of gestational age on neurodevelopmental outcome for ventilated survivors born at 23-28 weeks of gestation

AIM

It has long been known that survival of preterm infants strongly depends upon birth weight and gestational age. This study addresses a different question - whether the gestational maturity improves neurodevelopmental outcomes for ventilated infants born at 23-28 weeks who survive to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of 199 ventilated infants born between 23 and 28 weeks of gestation. Neurodevelopmental impairment was determined using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II at 24 months.

RESULTS

As expected, when considered as a ratio of all births, both survival and survival without neurodevelopmental impairment were strongly dependent on gestational age. However, the percentage of surviving infants who displayed neurodevelopmental impairment did not vary with gestational age for any level of neurodevelopmental impairment (MDI or PDI <50, <60, <70). Moreover, as a higher percentage of ventilated infants survived to NICU discharge at higher gestational ages, but the percentage of neurodevelopmental impairment in NICU survivors was unaffected by gestational age, the percentage of all ventilated births who survived with neurodevelopmental impairment rose - not fell - with increasing gestation age.

CONCLUSION

For physicians, parents and policy-makers whose primary concern is the presence of neurodevelopmental impairment in infants who survive the NICU, reliance on gestational age appears to be misplaced.

Resuscitation of likely nonviable infants: a cost-utility analysis after the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of universal vs selective resuscitation on maternal utilities, perinatal costs, and outcomes of preterm delivery and termination of pregnancy at 20-23 weeks 6 days' gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

We used studies on medical practices, prematurity outcomes, costs, and maternal utilities to construct decision-analytic models for a cohort of annual US deliveries after preterm delivery or induced termination. Outcome measures were (1) the numbers of infants who survived intact or with mild, moderate, or severe sequelae; (2) maternal quality-adjusted life years (QALYs); and (3) incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS

Universal resuscitation of spontaneously delivered infants between 20-23 weeks 6 days' gestation increases costs by $313.1 million and decreases QALYs by 329.3 QALYs; after a termination, universal resuscitation increases costs by $15.6 million and decreases QALYs by 19.2 QALYs. With universal resuscitation, 153 more infants survive: 44 infants are intact or mildly affected; 36 infants are moderately impaired, and 73 infants are severely disabled.

CONCLUSION

Selective intervention constitutes the highest utility and least costly treatment for infants at the margin of viability.

Decision-making at the border of viability by means of values clarification: a case study to achieve distinct communication by ordinary language approach

OBJECTIVES

We set out to investigate the major obstacles in achieving a sensitive and supportive communication between parents and clinicians in ethical dilemma situations. We focused on discussions in emergency situations by means of values clarification.

METHODS

The study population (n=141) covers four samples of clinical staff (n(1)=72) from different specialties and parents of preterm and term infants (n(2)=69). Because of the vulnerability of parents and the virulence of the topic, the descriptive qualitative case study comprises standardized questionnaires and half-standardized interviews. Data were analyzed graphically and statistically, comparing parents and professionals for the justification of acting using values clarification in this context.

RESULTS

Our study indicated that the use of a critically reconsidered and less personalized language has to be a major goal in the care of preterm infants at the edge of viability. Furthermore we found that acting ethically means making decisions individually by using open-context terms sensitively in consideration of diverging action-guiding principles.

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions in medicine concern different people - experts as well as patients and their representatives. The present study is an attempt to establish more awareness for improved communication, which is a part of professionalism, as well as coping strategies for all involved.

Improved neonatal survival and outcomes at borderline viability brings increasing ethical dilemmas

With improvements in neonatal intensive care over the past five decades, the limits of viability have reduced to around 24 weeks' gestation. While increasing survival has been the predominant driver leading to lowering the gestation at which care can be provided, these infants remain at significant risk of adverse long-term outcomes including neuro-developmental disability. Decisions about commencing and continuing intensive care are determined in partnership with parents, considering the best interests of the baby and the family. Occasionally, clinicians and parents come to an impasse regarding institution or continuation of intensive care. Inevitably, these ethical dilemmas need to consider the uncertainty of the long-term prognosis and challenges surrounding providing or withdrawing active treatment. Further reduction in the gestational age considered for institution of intensive care will need to be guided by short- and long-term outcomes, community expectations and the availability of sufficient resources to care for these infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and beyond.

Predictive value of the 1-min Apgar score for survival at 23-26 weeks gestational age

AIM

  Is a 1-min Apgar score ≤1 predictive of mortality in resuscitated extremely premature infants?

METHODS

 A retrospective case-control review of all infants with gestational ages < 27 weeks over a 5-year period. All values as median [75% CI].

RESULTS

 Of 237 infants, 29 had 1-min Apgar scores ≤1 (Group 1) and 208 had scores >1 (Group 2). Despite earlier and more frequent intubation (2 min [2.3; 6.7] vs. 5 min [7.5; 10] and 93% vs. 77%, p = 0.04), mortality was higher in Group 1 (62% vs. 17%; p < 0.0001). Age at death did not differ (Group 1: 3.5days [1; 30] vs. Group 2: 6 days [6; 44]). Birth weight and sex were the best predictors of survival. With a 1-min Apgar score of 1, a male infant at 23 weeks and 500g had a mortality rate of 92%.

CONCLUSION

  Despite successful resuscitation, infants between 23 and 26 weeks have a very poor prognosis for survival when presenting with bradycardia, cyanosis and no respiratory efforts (1-min Apgar = 1) at birth. According to our data, initiating active treatment for an infant at 23 weeks with bradycardia and apnoea is almost always unsuccessful, whereas by 26 weeks gestation, the chance of survival is higher than the probability of death.

Análise da produção científica acerca da atenção ao recém-nascido de baixo peso em UTI

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a natureza e tendência dos artigos na temática saúde do recém nascido de baixo peso. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa desenvolvida em agosto de 2009, a partir dos descritores: "recém-nascido de baixo peso" or "recém-nascido de muito baixo peso" and "unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal", no recorte temporal 1990-2008. A amostra de 608 resumos foi submetida à análise de conteúdo temática. Nos resultados, os estudos de natureza clínico-epidemiológica contemplam os fatores de risco do baixo peso e morbimortalidade neonatal e os de tendência assistencial contribuem com as rotinas e cuidados prestados. Evidenciam-se os avanços na atenção a saúde do recém-nascido, a complexidade clínica e as implicações para sua assistência. Destaca-se a lacuna de pesquisas que aponte a subjetividade, o apoio e a inclusão das famílias nos cuidados e no enfrentamento dessa situação.

How nurses assist parents regarding life support decisions for extremely premature infants

OBJECTIVE

To describe nurse behaviors that assisted parents to make life-support decisions for an extremely premature infant before and after the infant's birth.

DESIGN

Qualitative, longitudinal, collective case study where interviews were done pre- and postnatally and medical chart data were collected.

SETTING

Interviews were conducted face-to-face in a private room in the hospital, in the mother's home, or over the telephone.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample of 40 cases (40 mothers, 14 fathers, 42 physicians, 17 obstetric nurses, 6 neonatal nurses, and 6 neonatal nurse practitioners) was recruited from three hospitals that provided high-risk perinatal care. Parents were at least 18 years of age, English speaking, and had participated in a prenatal discussion with a physician regarding treatment decisions for their infant due to threatened preterm delivery. Physicians and nurses were those identified by parents who had spoken to them about life-support treatment decisions for the infant.

METHODS

Using a semistructured interview guide, a total of 203 interviews were conducted (137 prenatal, 51 postnatal, and 15 end-of-life). For this analysis, all coded data related to the nurse's role were analyzed and summarized.

RESULTS

Parents and nurses described several nurse behaviors: providing emotional support, giving information, and meeting the physical care needs of mothers, infants, and fathers. Physicians' description of the nurse behaviors focused on the way nurses provided emotional support and gave information.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses play a critical role in assisting parents surrounding life-support decisions.

Clinical assessment of extremely premature infants in the delivery room is a poor predictor of survival

BACKGROUND

Some neonatologists state that at the delivery of extremely premature infants they rely on "how the baby looks" when deciding whether to initiate resuscitation. Previous studies have reported poor correlation between early clinical signs and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if neonatologists can accurately predict survival to discharge of extremely premature infants on the basis of observations in the first minutes after birth.

METHODS

We showed videos of the resuscitation of 10 extremely premature infants (<26 weeks' gestation) to attending neonatologists and fellows from the 3 major perinatal centers in Melbourne, Australia. Antenatal information was available to the observers. A monitor visible in each video displayed the heart rate and oxygen saturation of the infant. Observers were asked to estimate the likelihood of survival to discharge for each infant at 3 time points: 20 seconds, 2 minutes, and 5 minutes after birth. The predictive ability of observers was expressed as the area (95% confidence interval [CI]) under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve.

RESULTS

Seventeen attending neonatologists and 17 neonatal fellows completed the study. Receiver-operating-characteristic curves were generated for the combined and individual groups. Observers' ability to predict survival was poor (combined results): 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54-0.67) at 20 seconds, 0.59 (95% CI: 0.52-0.64) at 2 minutes, and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.55-0.67) at 5 minutes. Level of experience did not affect the observers' accuracy of predicting survival.

CONCLUSION

Neonatologists' reliance on initial appearance and early response to resuscitation in predicting survival for extremely premature infants is misplaced.

How old are you? Newborn gestational age discriminates neonatal resuscitation practices in the Italian debate

Background

Multidisciplinary study groups have produced documents in an attempt to support decisions regarding whether to resuscitate "at risk" newborns or not. Moreover, there has been an increasingly insistent request for juridical regulation of neonatal resuscitation practices as well as for clarification of the role of parents in decisions regarding this kind of assistance. The crux of the matter is whether strict guidelines, reference standards based on the parameter of gestational age and authority rules are necessary.

Discussion

The Italian scenario reflects the current animated debate, illustrating the difficulty intrinsic in rigid guidelines on the subject, especially when gestational age is taken as a reference parameter for the medical decision.

Summary

Concerning the decision to interrupt or not to initiate resuscitation procedures on low gestational age newborns, physicians do not need rigid rules based on inflexible gestational age and birth weight guidelines. Guidance in addressing the difficult and trying issues associated with infants born at the margins of viability with a realistic assessment of the infant's clinical condition must be based on the infant's best interests, with clinicians and parents entering into what has been described as a "partnership of care".