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Cambonie G, Desage C, Thaller P, Lemaitre A, de Balanda KB, Combes C, Gavotto A. Context of a neonatal death affects parental perception of end-of-life care, anxiety and depression in the first year of bereavement. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:58. [PMID: 37173678 PMCID: PMC10182590 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal death is often preceded by end-of-life medical decisions. This study aimed to determine whether the context of death - after a decision of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WWLST) or despite maximum care - was associated with subsequent risk of parental anxiety or depression. The secondary objective was to assess parents' perceptions of end-of-life care according to death context. METHODS Prospective single center observational study of all neonatal deaths in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 5-year period. Data were collected during hospitalization and from face-to-face interviews with parents 3 months after the infant's death. Anxiety and depression were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires, completed by parents 5 and 15 months after death. RESULTS Of 179 deaths, 115 (64%) occurred after the WWLST decision and 64 (36%) despite maximum care. Parental satisfaction with newborn care and received support by professionals and relatives was higher in the first condition. Sixty-one percent of parents (109/179) attended the 3-month interview, with the distribution between groups very close to that of hospitalization. The completion rates of the HADS questionnaires by the parents who attended the 3-month interview were 75% (82/109) at 5 months and 65% (71/109) at 15 months. HADS scores at 5 months were consistent with anxiety in at least one parent in 73% (60/82) of cases and with depression in 50% (41/82). At 15 months, these rates were, respectively, 63% (45/71) and 28% (20/71). Risk of depression at 5 months was lower after a WWLST decision (OR 0.35 [0.14, 0.88], p = 0.02). Explicit parental agreement with the WWLST decision had an equivocal impact on the risk of anxiety at 5 months, being higher when expressed during hospitalization, but not at the 3-month interview. CONCLUSIONS Context of death has a significant impact on the emotional experience of parents after neonatal loss, which underlines the importance of systematic follow-up conversations with bereaved parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Cambonie
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France.
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infection, UMR 1058, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Chloé Desage
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Pénélope Thaller
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Lemaitre
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Bertran de Balanda
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Clémentine Combes
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Arthur Gavotto
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
- PhyMedExp, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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"We Absolutely Had the Impression That It Was Our Decision"-A Qualitative Study with Parents of Critically Ill Infants Who Participated in End-of-Life Decision Making. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010046. [PMID: 36670597 PMCID: PMC9856896 DOI: 10.3390/children10010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend shared decision making (SDM) between neonatologists and parents when a decision has to be made about the continuation of life-sustaining treatment (LST). In a previous study, we found that neonatologists and parents at a German Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit performed SDM to a variable but overall small extent. However, we do not know whether parents in Germany prefer an extent of more or sharing. METHODS We performed a qualitative interview study with parents who participated in our first study. We analyzed the semi-structured interviews with qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. RESULTS The participation in medical decision making (MDM) varied across cases. Overall, neonatologists and parents conducted SDM in most cases only to a small extent. All parents appreciated their experience independent of how much they were involved in MDM. The parents who experienced a small extent of sharing were glad that they were protected by neonatologists from having to decide, shielding them from a conflict of interest. The parents who experienced a large extent of sharing especially valued that they were able to fulfil their parental duties even if that meant partaking in a decision to forgo LST. DISCUSSION Other studies have also found a variety of possibilities for parents to partake in end-of-life decision making (EOL-DM). Our results suggest that parents do not have a uniform preference for one specific decision-making approach, but rather different parents appreciate their individual experience regardless of the model for DM. CONCLUSION SDM is apparently not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, neonatologists and parents have to adapt the decision-making process to the parents' individual needs and preferences for autonomy and protection. Therefore, SDM should not be prescribed as a uniform standard in medico-ethical guidelines, but rather as a flexible guidance for DM for critically ill patients in neonatology.
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Lin M, Deming R, Wolfe J, Cummings C. Infant mode of death in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic scoping review. J Perinatol 2022; 42:551-568. [PMID: 35058594 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize literature that describes infant mode of death and to clarify how limitation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) is defined and rationalized. STUDY DESIGN Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, English-language, and included number of infant deaths by mode out of all infant deaths in the NICU and/or delivery room. RESULT 58 included studies were primarily published in the last two decades from North American and European centers. There was variation in rates of infant mode of death by study, with some showing an increase in deaths following limitation of LST over time. Limitation of LST was defined by the intervention withheld/withdrawn, the relationship between the two practices, and prior frameworks. Themes for limiting LST included diagnoses, low predicted survival and/or quality of life, futility, and suffering. CONCLUSION Limitation of LST is a common infant mode of death, although rates, study definitions, and clinical rationale for this practice are variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rachel Deming
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Christy Cummings
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
This article explores the ethical concept of "the equivalence thesis" (ET), or the idea that withdrawing and withholding life sustaining treatments are morally equivalent practices, within neonatology. We review the historical origins, theory, and clinical rationale behind ET, and provide an analysis of how ET relates to literature that describes neonatal mode of death and healthcare professional and parent attitudes towards end-of-life care. While ET may serve as an ethical tool to optimize resource allocation in theory, its clinical utility is limited given the complexity of end-of-life care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lin
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Christy L Cummings
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Bührer C, Felderhoff-Müser U, Gembruch U, Hecher K, Kainer F, Kehl S, Kidszun A, Kribs A, Krones T, Lipp V, Maier RF, Mitschdörfer B, Nicin T, Roll C, Schindler M. Frühgeborene an der Grenze der Lebensfähigkeit
(Entwicklungsstufe S2k, AWMF-Leitlinien-Register Nr. 024/019, Juni
2020). Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2020; 224:244-254. [PMID: 33075837 DOI: 10.1055/a-1230-0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Redaktionskomitee
Federführende Fachgesellschaft
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Bührer
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | | | - Ulrich Gembruch
- Zentrum für Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg
| | - Franz Kainer
- Abteilung für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Klinik Hallerwiese, Nürnberg
| | - Sven Kehl
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - André Kidszun
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz
| | | | - Tanja Krones
- Klinische Ethik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - Volker Lipp
- Lehrstuhl für Bürgerliches Recht, Zivilprozessrecht, Medizinrecht und Rechtsvergleichung, Juristische Fakultät / Institut für Notarrecht / Zentrum für Medizinrecht, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen
| | - Rolf F Maier
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Marburg
| | | | - Tatjana Nicin
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Klinikum Hanau, Hanau
| | - Claudia Roll
- Abteilung Neonatologie, Pädiatrische Intensivmedizin, Schlafmedizin, Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Datteln
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Arnaez J, Tejedor JC, Caserío S, Montes MT, Moral MT, González de Dios J, García-Alix A. Bioethics in end-of-life decisions in neonatology: Unresolved issues. An Pediatr (Barc) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Kim MJ, Lee JH, Lee HD. Recent Changes in End-of-Life Decisions for Newborns in a Korean Hospital. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2017; 35:574-578. [PMID: 28905637 DOI: 10.1177/1049909117730024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in neonatal intensive care in Korea, few studies exist on the end-of-life decisions in newborns. In this study, we sought to examine the status of end-of-life decisions in neonates, changes over time, and affecting factors. METHODS This is a retrospective study of neonates who died between 2001 and 2015 in the neonatal intensive care unit of Dong-A University Hospital in Busan. The types of end-of-life decisions were divided into active resuscitation, withholding treatment, and withdrawing treatment. The study period was divided into 3 time frames using 5-year intervals to investigate changes over time. To identify the associated factors, we analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of the neonates and their parents using the χ2 test and independent t test. RESULTS Of the neonatal deaths included in the analysis (n = 222), active resuscitation, withholding treatment, and withdrawing treatment groups accounted for 73.4%, 25.2%, and 1.4% of cases, respectively. When comparing changes over time, between period 1 (2001-2005), 2 (2006-2010), and 3 (2011-2015), the proportion of active resuscitation decreased significantly, from 80.9% to 60.8%, while that of nonactive resuscitation increased significantly from 19.1% to 39.2%. The factors associated with end-of-life decisions were the clinical condition of the neonate at the time of death, rather than general characteristics or socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSIONS In Korea, changes in the decisions on end-of-life care in neonates are shifting from active resuscitation to nonactive resuscitation based on clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo-Jing Kim
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Jin-Hyeok Lee
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Doo Lee
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, Busan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
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Arnaez J, Tejedor JC, Caserío S, Montes MT, Moral MT, González de Dios J, García-Alix A. [Bioethics in end-of-life decisions in neonatology: Unresolved issues]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2017; 87:356.e1-356.e12. [PMID: 28476218 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This document is the result of previous work carried out by different expert groups and submitted to multidisciplinary debate at a Conference about controversial, deficient, or new aspects in the field of neonatal palliative care, such as: 1) the deliberative decision-making process, 2) hospital and domiciliary palliative care, 3) donation after controlled cardiac death, and 4) moral stress in professionals. The most relevant conclusions were: the need to instruct professionals in bioethics and in the deliberative method to facilitate thorough and reasonable decision-making; the lack of development in the field of perinatal palliative care and domiciliary palliative care in hospitals that attend newborns; the need to provide neonatal units with resources that help train professionals in communication skills and in the management of moral distress, as well as delineate operational procedure and guidelines for neonatal organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Arnaez
- Unidad de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario de Burgos, Fundación NeNe, Burgos, España.
| | | | - Sonia Caserío
- Unidad de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Fundación NeNe, Valladolid, España
| | | | - María Teresa Moral
- Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Fundación NeNe, Red Samid, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Javier González de Dios
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Departamento de Pediatría, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, España
| | - Alfredo García-Alix
- Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Universitat de Barcelona Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Fundación NeNe, Barcelona, España
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9
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Neonatal Death in the Emergency Department: When End-of-Life Care Is Needed at the Beginning of Life. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Chan LCN, Cheung HM, Poon TCW, Ma TPY, Lam HS, Ng PC. End-of-life decision-making for newborns: a 12-year experience in Hong Kong. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2016; 101:F37-42. [PMID: 26271752 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
SETTING Neonatal end-of-life decisions could be influenced by cultural and ethnic backgrounds. These practices have been well described in the West but have not been systematically studied in an Asian population. OBJECTIVES To determine: (1) different modes of neonatal death and changes over the past 12 years and (2) factors influencing end-of-life decision-making in Hong Kong. DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted to review all death cases from 2002 to 2013 in the busiest neonatal unit in Hong Kong. Modes of death, demographical data, diagnoses, counselling and circumstances around the time of death, were collected and compared between groups. RESULTS Of the 166 deaths, 46% occurred despite active resuscitation (group 1); 35% resulted from treatment withdrawal (group 2) and 19% occurred from withholding treatment (group 3). A rising trend towards treatment withdrawal was observed, from 20% to 47% over the 12-year period. Similar number of parents chose extubation (n=44, 27%) compared with other modalities of treatment limitation (n=45, 27%). Significantly more parents chose to withdraw rather than to withhold treatment if clinical conditions were 'stable' (p=0.03), whereas more parents chose withholding therapy if treatment was considered futile (p=0.03). CONCLUSION In Hong Kong, a larger proportion of neonatal deaths occurred despite active resuscitation compared with Western data. Treatment withdrawal is, however, becoming increasingly more common. Unlike Western practice, similar percentages of parents chose other modalities of treatment limitation compared with direct extubation. Cultural variance could be a reason for the different end-of-life practice adopted in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence C N Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hon M Cheung
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Terence C W Poon
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Terence P Y Ma
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hugh S Lam
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pak C Ng
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Koper JF, Bos AF, Janvier A, Verhagen AAE. Dutch neonatologists have adopted a more interventionist approach to neonatal care. Acta Paediatr 2015; 104:888-93. [PMID: 26014464 DOI: 10.1111/apa.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated whether continuous improvements to neonatal care and the legalisation of newborn euthanasia in 2005 had changed end-of-life decisions by Dutch neonatologists. METHODS We carried out a retrospective study of foetuses and neonates of more than 22 weeks' gestation that died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary referral hospital in the Netherlands, comparing end-of-life decisions and mortality in 2001-2003 and 2008-2010, before and after euthanasia legislation was introduced. RESULTS In 2008-2010, there were more deaths in the delivery room due to termination of pregnancy than in 2001-2003 (17% versus 29%, p = 0.031), and fewer infants received comfort medication (12% versus 20%, p = 0.078). The main mode of death in the NICU was the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. The number of days that infants lived increased significantly between 2001-2003 (11.5 days) and 2008-2010 (18.4 days, p < 0.006). Most infants received comfort medication, and neuromuscular blocking agents were administered incidentally. CONCLUSION Terminations increased after changes in healthcare regulations. Modes of death in the NICU remained similar over 10 years. The increased duration of NICU treatment before dying suggests a more interventionist approach to treatment in 2008-2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan F. Koper
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Arend F. Bos
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Annie Janvier
- Division of Neonatology and Clinical Ethics; Sainte-Justine Hospital; University of Montreal; Montreal QC Canada
| | - A A Eduard Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen the Netherlands
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Finn D, Collins A, Murphy BP, Dempsey EM. Mode of neonatal death in an Irish maternity centre. Eur J Pediatr 2014; 173:1505-9. [PMID: 24916041 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-014-2356-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Modes of neonatal dying vary among maternity centres, both within and between countries. There have been few reports concerning mode of dying from countries with low rates of termination of pregnancy, such as Ireland. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all neonatal deaths, between January 2010 and January 2013, within a single Irish maternity centre. The mode of dying was classified as one of (1) withholding life-sustaining treatment (LST), (2) withdrawal of LST in moribund infants, (3) withdrawal of LST for quality of life reasons or (4) death despite maximal intensive care treatment. There were a total of 64 deaths during the study period. Congenital abnormalities accounted for 47 % of deaths and prematurity for 41 % of deaths. Withholding LST was the most frequent mode of dying, occurring in 38 % of all deaths. A total of 12 % of neonatal deaths occurred despite maximal intensive care treatment. CONCLUSIONS Congenital abnormalities were the most common cause of neonatal deaths. A high proportion followed LST being withheld, most likely a reflection of the low rates of medical termination in Ireland. Modes of dying in the neonatal period vary between maternity centres with culturally different backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daragh Finn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,
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Saha S, Kent AL. Length of time from extubation to cardiorespiratory death in neonatal intensive care patients and assessment of suitability for organ donation. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2014; 99:F59-63. [PMID: 24105623 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A common concern for parents when end of life decisions are made is the length of time their baby may take to die. Postcardiac death organ donation is now becoming more common, along with neonatal organ donation. The aim was to determine the length of time from extubation until cardiorespiratory death (CRD) in neonatal intensive care patients and consideration of potential organ donation. DESIGN Retrospective review of medical records of neonates who died in a neonatal intensive care unit between 2000 and 2009. PATIENTS Data collected included gestation at birth, age at death, birth weight, reason for cessation of intensive care, inotrope and ventilation requirements, sedation and muscle relaxation prior to death, time from extubation to documented CRD. An assessment was made for potential suitability for consideration of organ donation with a gestation at birth ≥ 34 weeks and birth weight >2.0 kg. RESULTS 117 neonates were included, median gestation 29 weeks and median birth weight 1220 grams. The median age at death was 4 days of age. The median time from discussing prognosis to death was 137 min. The median time from extubation to CRD was 30 min. Seven (6%) neonates were considered suitable for organ donation, and for these infants the median time from extubation to CRD was 120 min. Two neonates donated heart valves. CONCLUSIONS This provides a guide for grieving parents on time frames for the interval between extubation and CRD. More accurate postextubation CRD times are required to determine likely potential for postcardiac death organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Saha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Canberra Hospital, , Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Garcia-Alix A, Arnaez J, Cortes V, Girabent-Farres M, Arca G, Balaguer A. Neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: most deaths followed end-of-life decisions within three days of birth. Acta Paediatr 2013; 102:1137-43. [PMID: 24102859 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the circumstances surrounding end-of life decisions (EoL) of infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and examine changes over a 10-year period. METHODS Retrospective chart review of all infants with HIE who died during 2000-2004 and 2005-2009 in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Madrid, Spain. RESULTS Of 70 infants with HIE, 18 died during the neonatal period. The mean age of death was 64.4 ± 51 h. In 17 of the 18 infants (94%), death was preceded by an EoL decision, four after withholding therapy (WH) and 13 after withdrawal therapy (WDT). All infants with WH were previously stable and without respiratory support, while all 13 infants in the WDT group had respiratory support and three were unstable. The age of death was greater in the WH group than the WDT group (122 ± 63 h vs 50 ± 34; p < 0.001). After the EoL decision, 11 (65%) infants received sedatives. There were no differences between the time periods. CONCLUSION In our cohort, most deaths in newborns with HIE were preceded by EoL decisions mainly within the first 3 days after birth. We did not find changes over the first decade of the 21st century, and death was mainly determined by WDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Garcia-Alix
- Agrupacio Sanitaria Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Hospital Clinic-Maternitat; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
- Hospital Universitario La Paz; Autonoma University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - Juan Arnaez
- Hospital Universitario La Paz; Autonoma University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
- Hospital Universitario de Burgos; Burgos Spain
| | - Veronica Cortes
- Agrupacio Sanitaria Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Hospital Clinic-Maternitat; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | | | - Gemma Arca
- Agrupacio Sanitaria Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Hospital Clinic-Maternitat; University of Barcelona; Barcelona Spain
| | - Albert Balaguer
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences; Universitat International de Catalunya; Barcelona Spain
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Eventov-Friedman S, Kanevsky H, Bar-Oz B. Neonatal end-of-life care: a single-center NICU experience in Israel over a decade. Pediatrics 2013; 131:e1889-96. [PMID: 23669519 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-0981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To follow changes in the causes of neonatal deaths in the NICU at Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel, over a decade; to examine trends regarding types of end-of-life-care provided (primary nonintervention, maximal intensive, and redirection of intensive care, including limitation of care and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment); and to assess the parental role in the decision-making process given that the majority of the population is religious. METHODS All neonates who died between 2000 and 2009 were identified. The causes and circumstances of death were abstracted from the medical records. Trends in end-of-life decisions were compared between 2 time periods: 2000-2004 versus 2005-2009. RESULTS Overall, 239 neonates died. The leading cause of death in both study periods was prematurity and its complications (76%). Among term infants, the leading cause of death was congenital anomalies (48%). Fifty-six percent of the infants received maximal intensive care; 28% had redirection of intensive care, of whom 10% had withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment; and 16% had primary nonintervention care. Over the years, maximal intensive care decreased from 65% to 46% (P < .02), whereas redirection of care increased from 19.2% to 37.5% (P < .0005). An active parental role in the end-of-life decision process increased from 38% to 84%. CONCLUSIONS Even among religious families of extremely sick neonates, redirection of care is a feasible treatment option, suggesting that apart from survival, quality-of-life considerations emerge as an important factor in the decision-making process for the infant, parents, and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smadar Eventov-Friedman
- Department of Neonatology, Hadassah and Hebrew University Medical Centers, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Sauer PJJ, Dorscheidt JHHM, Verhagen AAE, Hubben JH. Medical practice and legal background of decisions for severely ill newborn infants: viewpoints from seven European countries. Acta Paediatr 2013. [PMID: 23194471 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To comparing attitudes towards end-of-life (EOL) decisions in newborn infants between seven European countries. METHODS One paediatrician and one lawyer from seven European countries were invited to attend a conference to discuss the practice of EOL decisions in newborn infants and the legal aspects involved. RESULTS All paediatricians/neonatologists indicated that the best interest of the child should be the leading principle in all decisions. However, especially when discussing cases, important differences in attitude became apparent, although there are no significant differences between the involved countries with regard to national legal frameworks. CONCLUSION Important differences in attitude towards neonatal EOL decisions between European countries exist, but they cannot be explained solely by medical or legal reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- PJJ Sauer
- Department of Pediatrics; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen; the Netherlands
| | - JHHM Dorscheidt
- Section of Health Law; Department of Civil Law; STATE University Groningen; Groningen; the Netherlands
| | - AAE Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics; University Medical Center Groningen; Groningen; the Netherlands
| | - JH Hubben
- Section of Health Law; Department of Civil Law; STATE University Groningen; Groningen; the Netherlands
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Duffy D, Reynolds P. Babies born at the threshold of viability: attitudes of paediatric consultants and trainees in South East England. Acta Paediatr 2011; 100:42-6. [PMID: 20874711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.01975.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine attitudes of paediatric consultants and trainees towards immediate care of babies born at 22-24 weeks gestation. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to one consultant and one trainee within each of 63 neonatal units in South East England. RESULTS Response rate was 90% (111/123). At 22 weeks gestation, 51% of all respondents would not attend the delivery. At 23 weeks gestation, 63% of respondents would advise against resuscitation during antenatal counselling but 45% would resuscitate despite a parental request for comfort care. Forty-one percent of respondents would provide comfort care for a 23 week gestation baby born in poor condition. If required, 53% of respondents would use chest compressions and/or adrenaline at birth of a 24 week gestation infant (38% consultants, 54% trainees; p = 0.05). More experienced and older paediatricians were more likely to attend 22 week deliveries and be comfortable with parental requests for resuscitation. Fifty-four percent of units had written guidelines on care of these babies. Significantly more consultants (67%) than trainees (25%) correctly classified neonatal deaths. CONCLUSIONS Paediatricians with greater experience and age demonstrated more shared decision-making with parents. Nearly half of paediatricians would defy parental wishes at 23 weeks gestation, contrary to ethical recommendations (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, http://www.nuffieldbioethics.org).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Duffy
- Ashford and St Peter's NHS Trust, St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey, Surrey, UK.
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Verhagen AAE, de Vos M, Dorscheidt JHHM, Engels B, Hubben JH, Sauer PJ. Conflicts about end-of-life decisions in NICUs in the Netherlands. Pediatrics 2009; 124:e112-9. [PMID: 19564256 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency and background of conflicts about neonatal end-of-life (EoL) decisions. METHODS We reviewed the medical files of 359 newborns who had died during 1 year in the 10 Dutch NICUs and identified 150 deaths that were preceded by an EoL decision on the basis of the child's poor prognosis. The attending neonatologists of 147 of the 150 newborns were interviewed to obtain details about the decision-making process. RESULTS EoL decisions about infants with a poor prognosis were initiated mainly by the physician, who subsequently involved the parents. Conflicts between parents and the medical team occurred in 18 of 147 cases and were mostly about the child's poor neurologic prognosis. Conflicts within the team occurred in 6 of 147 cases and concerned the uncertainty of the prognosis. In the event of conflict, the EoL decision was postponed. Consensus was reached by calling additional meetings, performing additional diagnostic tests, or obtaining a second opinion. The chief causes of conflict encountered by the physicians were religious convictions that forbade withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and poor communication between the parents and the team. CONCLUSIONS The parents were involved in all EoL decision-making processes, and consensus was ultimately reached in all cases. Conflicts within the team occurred in 4% of the cases and between the team and the parents in 12% of the cases. The conflicts were resolved by postponing the EoL decision until consensus was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Eduard Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED We examined the literature on ethical decisions regarding neonates, to assess whether personal beliefs and prejudices influence end-of-life decisions taken by caregivers. Studies show that religion and familiarity with disability influence caregivers' decisions, whereas the influx of already being a parent, age, sex and professional experience is controverse. Caregivers' attitudes towards end-of-life decisions are also affected by personal concerns about litigation, prejudices and their view of disability. The concept of 'poor quality of life' is widely used as a reference in end-of-life decisions, but this can be interpreted differently, leaving room for a wide range of personal viewpoints. In most cases, parents' opinions are considered important and are sometimes the main determinant in decision making. However, it is unclear whether parents' decisions are based on their own wishes or on the best interests of the newborn. CONCLUSION In neonatal end-of-life decisions, patients may not receive cures based only on their best interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo V Bellieni
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproduction Medicine, University of Siena, Italy.
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Williams C, Cairnie J, Fines V, Patey C, Schwarzer K, Aylward J, Lohfeld L, Kirpalani H. Construction of a parent-derived questionnaire to measure end-of-life care after withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatrics 2009; 123:e87-95. [PMID: 19117852 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-2950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to develop and pretest a questionnaire to assess the practice of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the NICU on the basis of the experiences of bereaved parents. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 11 parents whose infants had undergone withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the NICU at McMaster University Medical Centre to obtain their views on helpful practices. Interviews continued until no new items were obtained (ie, saturation point). A total of 370 items were distilled into 82 questionnaire statements on care by a multidisciplinary team and grouped for analysis into 6 domains: communication, quality of care, quality of life, shared decision-making, withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment process, and bereavement care. Respondents were asked to rank how frequently events occurred on a 7-point Likert scale anchored from 1 = never to 7 = always. A score of >5 was considered favorable. The questionnaire was distributed to a pretest sample of perinatal social workers who attended a bereavement workshop at an international conference. RESULTS The response rate was 48%. Respondents ranked items that pertained to the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment process highest, indicating that items were done well. Items related to quality of care and bereavement care ranked lowest. Other domains ranked as follows: communication, shared decision-making, and quality of life. Consistency of items within domains was tested by Cronbach's alpha and split-half testing and were >0.6 for most domains. CONCLUSIONS Parents' views on important aspects of end-of-life care in the NICU were incorporated into a quality assurance questionnaire. Pretesting assessed the performance of the instrument and the perceptions of social workers on the effectiveness of end-of-life practices. Respondents identified that parents' practical needs were met during the withdrawal process but were not consistently met in regard to the quality of in-hospital and follow-up bereavement care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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BIBLIOGRAPHY. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2007. [DOI: 10.1179/096992607x196132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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