Prenatal counseling and parental decision-making following a fetal diagnosis of trisomy 13 or 18

Cardiovascular Diseases in Public Health: Chromosomal Abnormalities in Congenital Heart Disease Causing Sudden Cardiac Death in Children

Chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) are changes in the number or structure of chromosomes, manifested as alterations in the total number of chromosomes or as structural abnormalities involving the loss, duplication, or rearrangement of chromosomal segments. CAs can be inherited or can occur spontaneously, leading to congenital malformations and genetic diseases. CAs associated with cardiovascular diseases cause structural or functional alterations of the heart, affecting the cardiac chambers, valves, coronary arteries, aorta, and cardiac conduction, thus increasing the likelihood of arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). An early diagnosis and the adequate management of chromosomal abnormalities associated with cardiovascular diseases are essential to prevent SCD, which is a serious public health problem today. In our review, we analyzed the structural and functional CAs responsible for congenital heart disease (CHD) that increase the risk of SCD and analyzed the prevention strategies to be implemented to reduce SCD.

Structured Framework for Multidisciplinary Parent Counseling and Medical Interventions for Fetuses and Infants with Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18

OBJECTIVE

Trisomy 13 (T13) and 18 (T18) are aneuploidies associated with multiple structural congenital anomalies and high rates of fetal demise and neonatal mortality. Historically, patients with either one of these diagnoses have been treated similarly with exclusive comfort care rather than invasive interventions or intensive care, despite a wide phenotypic variation and substantial variations in survival length. However, surgical interventions have been on the rise in this population in recent years without clearly elucidated selection criterion. Our objective was to create a standardized approach to counseling expectant persons and parents of newborns with T13/T18 in order to provide collaborative and consistent counseling and thoughtful approach to interventions such as surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This article describes our process and presents our resulting clinical care guideline.

RESULTS

We formed a multi- and interdisciplinary committee. We used published literature when available and otherwise expert opinion to develop an approach to care featuring individualized assessment of the patient to estimate qualitative mortality risk and potential to benefit from intensive care and/or surgeries centered within an ethical framework.

CONCLUSION

Through multidisciplinary collaboration, we successfully created a patient-centered approach for counseling families facing a diagnosis of T13/T18. Other institutions may use our approach as a model for developing their own standardized approach.

KEY POINTS

· Trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 are associated with high but variable morbidity and mortality.. · Research on which patients are most likely to benefit from surgery is lacking.. · We present our institution's framework to counsel families with fetal/neonatal T13/T18..

Lactation Support as a Proxy Measure of Family-Centered Care Quality in Neonates with Life-Limiting Conditions-A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Lactation support is an important measure of Family-Centered Care (FCC) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Life-limiting conditions (LLCs) raise complex ethical care issues for providers and parents in the NICU and represent a key and often overlooked population for whom FCC is particularly important. We investigated healthcare disparities in FCC lactation support quality in infants with LLCs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of inborn infants with or without LLCs admitted to the NICU between 2015-2023 included 395 infants with 219 LLC infants and 176 matched non-LLC infants and were compared on LLC supports.

RESULTS

The LLC cohort experienced greater skin-to-skin support, but less lactation specialist visits, breast pumps provided, and human milk oral care use. LLC infants also experienced less maternal visitation, use of donor milk (LLC: 15.5%, non-LLC: 33.5%), and breastfeeds (LLC: 24.2%, non-LLC: 43.2%), with lower mean human milk provision (LLC: 36.6%, non-LLC: 67.1%). LLC infants who survived to discharge had similar human milk use as non-LLC infants (LLC: 49.8%, non-LLC: 50.6%).

CONCLUSION

Lactation support was significantly absent for families and infants who presented with LLCs in the NICU, suggesting that policies can be altered to increase lactation support FCC quality for this population.

Survival of children with trisomy 18 associated with the presence of congenital heart disease and intervention in the Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND

Trisomy 18 syndrome (T18) is the second most common autosomal trisomy and has a high risk of fetal loss and stillbirth. Aggressive surgical treatments for the respiratory, cardiac, or digestive systems of patients with T18 were previously futile, while the results of recent studies are controversial. Over the past decade, there have been approximately 300,000 to 400,000 births annually in the Republic of Korea; however, there have been no nationwide studies on T18. This nationwide retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of T18 in Korea and its prognosis according to the presence of congenital heart disease and relevant interventions.

METHODS

This study utilized NHIS-registered data between 2008 and 2017. A child was defined as having T18 if the ICD-10 revision code Q91.0-3 was reported. Subgroup analysis was performed for children with congenital heart diseases, and survival rates were compared based on the history of cardiac surgical or catheter interventions. The primary outcomes in this study were the survival rate during the first hospitalization period and the 1-year survival rate.

RESULTS

Of the children born between 2008 and 2017, 193 were diagnosed with T18. Of these, 86 died, with a median survival of 127 days. The 1-year survival rate for children with T18 was 63.2%. The survival rate in the first admission of children with T18 who did and did not have congenital heart disease was 58.3% and 94.1%, respectively. Children with heart disease who underwent surgical or catheter intervention had a longer survival time than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest these data could be used in ante- and postnatal counseling. Ethical concerns about the prolonged survival of children with T18 remain; however, the potential benefits of interventions for congenital heart disease in this population need further study.

Bioethics for Neonatal Cardiac Care

BACKGROUND

Clinicians caring for neonates with congenital heart disease encounter challenges with ethical implications in daily practice and must have some basic fluency in ethical principles and practical applications.

METHODS

Good ethical practice begins with a thorough understanding of the details and narrative of each individual case, examination via classic principles of bioethics, and further framing of that translation into practice.

RESULTS

We explore some of these issues and expand awareness through the lens of a case presentation beginning with fetal considerations through end-of-life discussions.

CONCLUSIONS

We include specific sections that bring attention to shared decision-making, research ethics, and outcomes reporting. We review empirical evidence and highlight recommendations.

Perinatal Outcomes of Fetuses and Infants Diagnosed with Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal outcomes, and determine medical care use for fetuses and infants with trisomy 13 (T13) and trisomy 18 (T18).

STUDY DESIGN

This population-based retrospective cohort study included all prenatal and postnatal diagnoses of T13 or T18 in the greater Cincinnati area from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. Overall survival, survival to hospital discharge, medical management, and maternal, fetal, and neonatal characteristics are analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 124 pregnancies (125 fetuses) that were identified, which resulted in 72 liveborn infants. Male fetal sex and hydrops were associated with a higher rate of spontaneous loss. The median length of survival was 7 and 29 days, for infants with T13 and T18, respectively. Of the 27 infants alive at 1 month of age, 13 (48%) were alive at 1 year of age. Only trisomy type (T13), goals of care (comfort care), and extremely low birthweight were associated with a shorter length of survival. A high degree of variability existed in the use of medical services, with 28% of infants undergoing at least 1 surgical procedure and some children requiring repeated (≤29) or prolonged (>1 year) hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although many infants with T13 or T18 did not survive past the first week of life, nearly 20% lived for more than 1 year with varying degrees of medical support. The length of survival for an infant cannot be easily predicted, and surviving infants have high health care use throughout their lifespans.

Medical and surgical interventions and outcomes for infants with trisomy 18 (T18) or trisomy 13 (T13) at children's hospitals neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)

OBJECTIVES

To examine characteristics and outcomes of T18 and T13 infants receiving intensive surgical and medical treatment compared to those receiving non-intensive treatment in NICUs.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort of infants in the Children's Hospitals National Consortium (CHNC) from 2010 to 2016 categorized into three groups by treatment received: surgical, intensive medical, or non-intensive.

RESULTS

Among 467 infants admitted, 62% received intensive medical treatment; 27% received surgical treatment. The most common surgery was a gastrostomy tube. Survival in infants who received surgeries was 51%; intensive medical treatment was 30%, and non-intensive treatment was 72%. Infants receiving surgeries spent more time in the NICU and were more likely to receive oxygen and feeding support at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with T13 or T18 at CHNC NICUs represent a select group for whom parents may have desired more intensive treatment. Survival to NICU discharge was possible, and surviving infants had a longer hospital stay and needed more discharge supports.

A visual tool inclusive of fetal ultrasound and autopsy findings to reach a balanced approach to counseling on trisomy 18 in early second trimester

Identified by the eponym "Edwards' Syndrome," trisomy 18 (T18) represents the second most common autosomal trisomy after T21. The pathophysiology underlying the extra chromosome 18 is a nondisjunction error, mainly linked with the advanced maternal age. More frequent in female fetuses, the syndrome portends high mortality, reaching a rate of 80% of miscarriages or stillbirths. The three-step evaluation includes first trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy using a combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency thickness, fetal heart rate and maternal serum free ß-hCG and PAPP-A; followed by the research for fragments of fetal DNA in maternal blood; and, finally, invasive techniques leave to the established diagnosis. Starting with the first trimester scan, selected ultrasound findings should be investigated to define not only the impact of the genetic problem on the fetus, but also to address the prenatal counseling. Previous series underline that T18 is not uniformly lethal. An active dialogue on the choices in the management of infants with T18 has emerged, sustained by the transition from the comfort care to the intervention attitude. Survival rates for individuals with supposedly fatal conditions have increased. In this novel scenario, an ad hoc counseling is pivotal. To support it, a comparative analysis by pictorial assays between ultrasound and autopsy findings could be beneficial. We provide an illustrative tool from a clinical case managed in early second trimester, with the purpose to strive a balanced approach in the hard choice faced by couples of fetuses with T18.

Life-limiting fetal conditions and pregnancy continuation: parental decision-making processes

OBJECTIVES

When parents are facing a life-limiting fetal condition (LLFC), decision making about prenatal and neonatal care is very stressful. To participate in successful shared decision making, interdisciplinary care teams need to understand factors that parents consider and the process by which they make decisions about care of their baby.

METHODS

This study reports on findings about parental decision making from a larger longitudinal, naturalistic study of parents' experiences of continuing pregnancy with an LLFC. Mothers and fathers over 18 were interviewed in person, on phone or via video, twice during pregnancy and twice after birth and death. Transcripts were professionally transcribed and verified. Data were analysed with iterative coding and theme identification, using within-case and cross-case comparison.

RESULTS

Thirty parents (16 mothers, 13 fathers, 1 lesbian partner) from multiple US states and a range of racial/ethnic backgrounds were interviewed. Parents' experience with decision making was difficult, stressful and time-sensitive. They described a three-phase process: (1) identifying the decision to be made, (2) conducting a risk-benefit analysis to weigh objective medical information and subjective factors (values and spirituality, impact on self, partner, baby and the other children) and (3) making a decision. Parents considered diagnostic and prognostic certainty, likelihood of a good outcome and avoidance of suffering and regrets.

CONCLUSION

For shared-decision making, healthcare providers must discuss objective medical information as well as recognise parents' subjective values and priorities. This study expands on the literature on parental decision making around the numerous types of decisions after LLFC, informing obstetrics, neonatology and palliative care.

Maternal Outcomes of Ongoing Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Life-Limiting Conditions

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine maternal outcomes of ongoing pregnancies complicated by fetal life-limiting conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of women with a diagnosis of fetal life-limiting condition between 2010 and 2018 in a single academic center. Cases were matched to controls (women who had normal fetal anatomic survey) according to year of delivery, body mass index, and parity in a 1:4 ratio. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare the prevalence of the primary composite outcome, which included any one of the following: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery, third and fourth degree laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, endometritis or wound infection, maternal intensive care unit admission, hysterectomy and maternal death, between cases and controls.

RESULTS

During the study period, we found 101 cases that met inclusion criteria, matched to 404 controls. The rate of the composite maternal outcome did not differ between the two groups (39.6 vs. 38.9%, p = 0.948). For individual outcomes, women with diagnosis of fetal life-limiting condition had higher rates of blood transfusion (2.0 vs. 0%, p = 0.005) and longer length of the first stage of labor (median of 12 [6.8-22.0] hours vs. 6.6 [3.9-11.0] hours; p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, first stage of labor continued to be longer by an average of 6.48 hours among women with a diagnosis of fetal life-limiting condition compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

After controlling for confounding factors, except a longer first stage of labor, women diagnosed with fetal life-limiting conditions who continued the pregnancy did not have a higher rate of adverse maternal outcomes.

KEY POINTS

· The rates of ongoing pregnancies with fetal life-limiting conditions are increasing.. · Women with ongoing pregnancies with fetal life-limiting conditions had longer first stage of labor.. · The rest of the adverse maternal outcomes were not increased in this obstetric population..

Interdisciplinary care of children with trisomy 13 and 18

Children with trisomy 13 and 18 (previously deemed "incompatible with life") are living longer, warranting a comprehensive overview of their unique comorbidities and complex care needs. This Review Article provides a summation of the recent literature, informed by the study team's Interdisciplinary Trisomy Translational Program consisting of representatives from: cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neonatology, otolaryngology, intensive care, neurology, social work, chaplaincy, nursing, and palliative care. Medical interventions are discussed in the context of decisional-paradigms and whole-family considerations. The communication format, educational endeavors, and lessons learned from the study team's interdisciplinary care processes are shared with recognition of the potential for replication and implementation in other care settings.

Perinatal Counseling Following a Diagnosis of Trisomy 13 or 18: Incorporating the Facts, Parental Values, and Maintaining Choices

BACKGROUND

Families with a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 13 or 18 are told many things, some true and some myths. They present with differing choices on how to proceed that may or may not be completely informed.

PURPOSE

To provide the prenatal counselor with a review of the pertinent obstetrical and neonatal outcome data and ethical discussion to help them in supporting families with the correct information for counseling.

METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY

This article provides a review of the literature on facts and myths and provides reasonable outcome data to help families in decision making.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

These disorders comprise a heterogeneous group regarding presentation, outcomes, and parental goals. The authors maintain that there needs to be balanced decision-making between parents and providers for the appropriate care for the woman and her infant.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Awareness of this literature can help ensure that prenatal and palliative care consultation incorporates the appropriate facts and parental values and in the end supports differing choices that can support the infant's interests.

Ethical issues about the paradigm shift in the treatment of children with trisomy 18

Until recently, trisomy 18 was considered a disease incompatible with life, with a high percentage of electively terminated pregnancies. The usual behavior was denial of treatment. But some medical interventions have changed the survival of children. A search for articles published in the PubMed database on the latest medical decisions in newborns with trisomy 18 was done. Two main subjects were examined: (1) the chances of survival and (2) the perception of quality of life. Trisomy 18 is no longer considered a disease incompatible with life, and the discussion has shifted towards the type of treatment that is appropriate to initiate at birth. There are two medical attitudes towards these children: either palliative care or life-prolonging interventions. With medical intervention, the survival is as high as 23% at 5 years of age. Regarding the quality of life, all decision-makers emphasize the possibility of taking the child home. The physicians' perception is more pessimistic than that of the parents. Only a few children benefit from medical interventions.Conclusion: There is a rethinking of treatment behavior in children with trisomy 18. The possible quality of life achieved should be further investigated. It seems inappropriate to simply dismiss medical interventions.What is Known• Until recently, trisomy 18 was considered a disease incompatible with life. The most common behavior was abortion and denial of treatment.What is New• It is no longer considered a lethal disease. The type of medical intervention that is appropriate to perform is now being discussed. Selected children benefit from an interventionist approach.