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Colicchia L, Snowise S, Wunderlich WL, Taghon JR, Schulte AK, Sidebottom AC. Patient Experience and Decision-Making Process for Laser Photocoagulation for Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy: A Qualitative Exploration. Fetal Diagn Ther 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38679010 DOI: 10.1159/000539054] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to explore patients' perspectives on diagnosis and treatment options for complicated monochorionic multiple gestations, and experiences with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laser photocoagulation. Participants were interviewed during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Qualitative analysis was performed. RESULT Twenty-seven patients who were candidates for laser photocoagulation were included. All elected to have laser photocoagulation. Patients chose surgery with goals of improving survival, decreasing the risk of preterm delivery, and improving the long-term health of their fetuses. They demonstrated accurate knowledge of the risks and benefits of treatment. Most (74%) felt that laser photocoagulation represented their only viable clinical option. Few seriously considered pregnancy termination or selective reduction (7% and 11% respectively). Postpartum, patients expressed no regrets about their decisions for surgery, but many felt unprepared for the challenges of preterm delivery. CONCLUSION Participants weighed treatment options similarly to fetal specialists. They acknowledged but did not seriously consider treatments other than fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and were highly motivated to do whatever they could to improve outcomes for their fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Colicchia
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Minnesota Perinatal Physicians/Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Saul Snowise
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Midwest Fetal Care Center/Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Jessica R Taghon
- Allina Improvement System, Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anna K Schulte
- Care Delivery Research, Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Okpaise OO, Tonni G, Werner H, Araujo Júnior E, Lopes J, Ruano R. Three-dimensional real and virtual models in fetal surgery: a real vision. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:303-311. [PMID: 36565438 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- O O Okpaise
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - G Tonni
- Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Neonatology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - H Werner
- Biodesign Lab DASA/PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Medical School, Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), Bela Vista Campus, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J Lopes
- Biodesign Lab DASA/PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R Ruano
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Maternal-Fetal-Children Service of Excellence, Americas Group, United Health Care Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dütemeyer V, Schaible T, Badr DA, Cordier AG, Weis M, Perez-Ortiz A, Carriere D, Cannie MM, Vuckovic A, Persico N, Cavallaro G, Benachi A, Jani JC. Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion vs expectant management for fetuses with severe left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101248. [PMID: 38070678 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of fetuses with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is challenging, but there is evidence that fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion has a benefit over expectant care. In addition, standardization and expertism have a great impact on survival and are probably crucial in centers that rely on expectant management with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after birth. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the survival and morbidity rates of fetuses with a severe isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia who underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion vs expectant management in high-volume centers. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter, retrospective study that included all consecutive fetuses with severe isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia who were expectantly managed in a German center or who underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion in 3 other European centers (Belgium, France, and Italy). Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia was defined as having an observed to expected total fetal lung volume ≤35% with intrathoracic position of the liver diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. All magnetic resonance images were centralized, and lung volumes were measured by 2 experienced operators who were blinded to the pre- and postnatal data. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of the management strategy in the 2 groups on the short- and long-term outcomes. RESULTS A total of 147 patients who were managed expectantly and 47 patients who underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion were analyzed. Fetuses who were managed expectantly had lower observed to expected total fetal lung volumes (20.6%±7.5% vs 23.7%±6.8%; P=.013), higher gestational age at delivery (median weeks of gestation, 37.4; interquartile range, 36.6-38.00 vs 35.1; interquartile range, 33.1-37.2; P<.001), and more frequent use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (55.8% vs 4.3%; P<.001) than the fetuses who underwent fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion. The survival rates at discharge and at 2 years of age in the expectant management group were higher than the survival rates of the fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion group (74.3% vs 44.7%; P=.001 and 72.8% vs 42.5%; P=.001, respectively). After adjustment for maternal age, gestational age at birth, observed to expected total fetal lung volume, and birth weight Z-score, the odds ratios were 4.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-11.9; P=.001) and 4.37 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-11.0; P=.001), respectively. CONCLUSION Fetuses with a severe isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia had a higher survival rate when treated in an experienced center in Germany with antenatal expectant management and frequent use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the postnatal period than fetuses who were treated with fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion in 3 centers in Belgium, France, and Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Dütemeyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium (Drs Dütemeyer, Badr, and Jani); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (Drs Dütemeyer)
| | - Thomas Schaible
- Department of Neonatology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany (Drs Schaible and Perez-Ortiz)
| | - Dominique A Badr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium (Drs Dütemeyer, Badr, and Jani)
| | - Anne-Gael Cordier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France (Drs Cordier and Benachi)
| | - Meike Weis
- Department of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany (Dr Weis)
| | - Alba Perez-Ortiz
- Department of Neonatology, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany (Drs Schaible and Perez-Ortiz)
| | - Diane Carriere
- Service de Réanimation Pédiatrique, Hôpital Bicêtre- AP-HP, Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France (Dr Carriere)
| | - Mieke M Cannie
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium (Dr Cannie)
| | - Aline Vuckovic
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Queen Fabiola Children's Hospital-ULB, Brussels, Belgium (Dr Vuckovic)
| | - Nicola Persico
- Fetal Medicine and Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy (Dr Persico); Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (Dr Persico)
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy (Dr Cavallaro)
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Antoine Béclère, Université Paris Saclay, Clamart, France (Drs Cordier and Benachi)
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium (Drs Dütemeyer, Badr, and Jani).
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Gibson RB. A critique of whole body gestational donation. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2023; 44:353-369. [PMID: 37507608 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-023-09637-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In her controversial paper, Anna Smajdor proposes that brain-dead people could be used as gestation units for prospective parents unable or unwilling to undertake the act themselves-what she terms whole body gestational donation (WBGD). She explores the ethical issues of such an idea and, comparing it with traditional organ donation, asserts that such deceased surrogacy could be a way of outsourcing pregnancy's harms to a populace unable to be affected by them. She argues that if the prospect is unacceptable, this may reveal some underlying problems with traditional cadaveric organ donation. Smajdor's analysis, however, overlooks several problems arising from WBGD. This paper provides an account of those issues and argues that, in addition to WBGD being viscerally unpleasant, it is also ethically unviable. The paper starts by providing an account of WBGD before acknowledging its negative response within traditional and social media. After arguing that such cursory and gut reactions are insufficient to reject the proposal outright, this paper then provides three concerns regarding WBGD omitted by Smajdor: (i) the co-opting of life-saving organs for reproduction, (ii) the discrepancy between using cadaveric organs to save a life versus creating one, and (iii) the universalization of feminist concerns regarding reproductive body commodification. The paper concludes by tentatively agreeing with Smajdor that considering WBGD may help reveal vulnerable assumptions regarding organ donation and surrogacy, but that the significant ethical issues raised may prove insurmountable and make the intervention-thought experiment or otherwise-untenable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Gibson
- Institute for Bioethics and Health Humanities, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Carver AJ, Taylor RJ, Stevens HE. Mouse In Vivo Placental Targeted CRISPR Manipulation. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64760. [PMID: 37125793 PMCID: PMC10664715 DOI: 10.3791/64760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an essential organ that regulates and maintains mammalian development in utero. The placenta is responsible for the transfer of nutrients and waste between the mother and fetus and the production and delivery of growth factors and hormones. Placental genetic manipulations in mice are critical for understanding the placenta's specific role in prenatal development. Placental-specific Cre-expressing transgenic mice have varying effectiveness, and other methods for placental gene manipulation can be useful alternatives. This paper describes a technique to directly alter placental gene expression using CRISPR gene manipulation, which can be used to modify the expression of targeted genes. Using a relatively advanced surgical approach, pregnant dams undergo a laparotomy on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), and a CRISPR plasmid is delivered by a glass micropipette into the individual placentas. The plasmid is immediately electroporated after each injection. After dam recovery, the placentas and embryos can continue development until assessment at a later time point. The evaluation of the placenta and offspring after the use of this technique can determine the role of time-specific placental function in development. This type of manipulation will allow for a better understanding of how placental genetics and function impact fetal growth and development in multiple disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie J Carver
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa; Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa
| | - Robert J Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa
| | - Hanna E Stevens
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa; Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa; Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa;
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Jesudason E. Surgery should be routinely videoed. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 49:235-239. [PMID: 35459741 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2022-108171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Video recording is widely available in modern operating rooms. Here, I argue that, if patient consent and suitable technology are in place, video recording of surgery is an ethical duty. I develop this as a duty to protect, arguing for professional and institutional duties, as distinguished for duties of rescueA professional duty to protect is described in mental healthcare. Practitioners have to take reasonable steps to prevent serious, foreseeable harm to their clients and others, even if that entails a non-consensual breach of confidentiality. I argue surgeons have a similar duty to patients which means that, provided the patient consents, surgery should be routinely videoed. This avoids non-consensual breaches of patient confidentiality and is aligned with stated professional obligations.An institutional duty to protect means institutions have to take reasonable steps to prevent serious, foreseeable harm at the hands of their surgeons. Rulli and Millum highlighted how institutions can meet their duty using a more consequentialist approach that balances wider interests.To test the force and scope of such duties, I examine potential impacts of routine videoing on aspects of autonomy, justice, beneficence and non-maleficence. I find routine videoing can benefit areas including safety, candour, consent and fairness in access (to surgical careers and expertise). Countervailing claims, for example, on liability, confidentiality and privacy can be resisted-such that where consent and the technology are in place, routine videoing meets a duty of easy protection In other words, its use should be standard of care.
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Rousseau AC, Riggan KA, Schenone MH, Whitford KJ, Pittock ST, Allyse MA. Ethical considerations of maternal-fetal surgery. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:519-527. [PMID: 35092654 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The practice of maternal-fetal surgery (MFS) has expanded from lethal fetal conditions to conditions which are significantly disabling but not a lethal fetal abnormality. The inclusion of myelomeningocele within the scope of MFS in the 1990s sparked a renewed debate over the ethics of MFS. While demonstrating increasing efficacy and range of application, MFS continues to be ethically fraught due to the inherent tension between maternal and fetal interests. Ethical issues central to MFS include the patienthood of the fetus; the balance of risks and benefits between the woman and fetus; informed consent for experimental procedures; and determination of conditions that meet ethical qualifications for MFS intervention. These concerns are likely to persist and evolve as perinatal medicine continues to advance. Here we summarize the current state of MFS ethics, highlighting the major positions in the literature thus far as well as examine future directions. It is essential robust discussions of these important issues continue both to ensure ethical medical practice and to provide support to clinicians, pregnant women, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail C Rousseau
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kirsten A Riggan
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mauro H Schenone
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kevin J Whitford
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Siobhan T Pittock
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Megan A Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Hendriks S, Grady C, Wasserman D, Wendler D, Bianchi DW, Berkman B. A new ethical framework to determine acceptable risks in fetal therapy trials. Prenat Diagn 2022; 42:962-969. [PMID: 35506484 PMCID: PMC10134777 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal therapy trials pose complex ethical challenges because risks and benefits to both fetuses and pregnant persons must be considered. Existing regulatory guidance is limited and many proposed ethical frameworks have unnecessarily restrictive criteria that would block the development and implementation of important new fetal therapies. We aimed to develop a new ethical framework for assessing the risks and benefits of fetal therapy trials. METHODS We reviewed existing regulatory and ethical guidance on fetal therapy trials. We used conceptual analysis to design a new ethical framework, which is grounded in general ethical principles for clinical research. RESULTS We propose a new framework for assessing the risks and benefits of fetal therapy trials. We suggest that the potential benefits of a fetal therapy trial - for the fetus, the pregnant person, and society - should outweigh the risks for the fetus and the pregnant person. Furthermore, the risk-benefit profile for just the fetus and the risk-benefit profile for just the pregnant person should be appropriate. CONCLUSIONS We hope that this new framework will permit important studies while protecting pregnant persons and fetuses from disproportionate harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hendriks
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine Grady
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Wasserman
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Wendler
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Section on Prenatal Genomics and Fetal Therapy, Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin Berkman
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Hendriks S, Grady C, Wasserman D, Wendler D, Bianchi DW, Berkman B. A New Ethical Framework for Assessing the Unique Challenges of Fetal Therapy Trials. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2022; 22:45-61. [PMID: 33455521 PMCID: PMC8530458 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2020.1867932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
New fetal therapies offer important prospects for improving health. However, having to consider both the fetus and the pregnant woman makes the risk-benefit analysis of fetal therapy trials challenging. Regulatory guidance is limited, and proposed ethical frameworks are overly restrictive or permissive. We propose a new ethical framework for fetal therapy research. First, we argue that considering only biomedical benefits fails to capture all relevant interests. Thus, we endorse expanding the considered benefits to include evidence-based psychosocial effects of fetal therapies. Second, we reject the commonly proposed categorical risk and/or benefit thresholds for assessing fetal therapy research (e.g., only for life-threatening conditions). Instead, we propose that the individual risks for the pregnant woman and the fetus should be justified by the benefits for them and the study's social value. Studies that meet this overall proportionality criterion but have mildly unfavorable risk-benefit ratios for pregnant women and/or fetuses may be acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hendriks
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National
Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C118, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine Grady
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National
Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C118, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Wasserman
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National
Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C118, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Wendler
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National
Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C118, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Diana W. Bianchi
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National
Institutes of Health, 31 Center Dr, Room 2A03, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Benjamin Berkman
- Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National
Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C118, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Segers S, Mertes H, Pennings G. An ethical exploration of pregnancy related mHealth: does it deliver? MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 24:677-685. [PMID: 34228303 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-021-10039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Many pregnant women use pregnancy related mHealth (PRmHealth) applications, encompassing a variety of pregnancy apps and wearables. These are mostly directed at supporting a healthier fetal development. In this article we argue that the increasing dominance of PRmHealth stands in want of empirical knowledge affirming its beneficence in terms of improved pregnancy outcomes. This is a crucial ethical issue, especially in the light of concerns about increasing pressures and growing responsibilities ascribed to pregnant women, which may, in turn, be reinforced by PRmHealth. A point can be made that it would be ethically askew if PRmHealth does not lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, while at the same time increasing maternal duties to closely monitor fetal development. We conclude that more research is needed to get a view on the benefits and burdens of PRmHealth in order to ethically assess whether the latter are proportionate to the former. If not, there is a case in saying that endorsement of PRmHealth is overdemanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppe Segers
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent & METAMEDICA, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent & METAMEDICA, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Begović D. Maternal-Fetal Surgery: Does Recognising Fetal Patienthood Pose a Threat to Pregnant Women's Autonomy? HEALTH CARE ANALYSIS 2021; 29:301-318. [PMID: 34674098 PMCID: PMC8529227 DOI: 10.1007/s10728-021-00440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Maternal–fetal surgery (MFS) encompasses a range of innovative procedures aiming to treat fetal illnesses and anomalies during pregnancy. Their development and gradual introduction into healthcare raise important ethical issues concerning respect for pregnant women’s bodily integrity and autonomy. This paper asks what kind of ethical framework should be employed to best regulate the practice of MFS without eroding the hard-won rights of pregnant women. I examine some existing models conceptualising the relationship between a pregnant woman and the fetus to determine what kind of framework is the most adequate for MFS, and conclude that an ecosystem or maternal–fetal dyad model is best suited for upholding women’s autonomy. However, I suggest that an appropriate framework needs to incorporate some notion of fetal patienthood, albeit a very limited one, in order to be consistent with the views of healthcare providers and their pregnant patients. I argue that such an ethical framework is both theoretically sound and fundamentally respectful of women’s autonomy, and is thus best suited to protect women from coercion or undue paternalism when deciding whether to undergo MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Begović
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, England.
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Schmitz D, Henn W. The fetus in the age of the genome. Hum Genet 2021; 141:1017-1026. [PMID: 34426855 PMCID: PMC9160108 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02348-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Due to a number of recent achievements, the field of prenatal medicine is now on the verge of a profound transformation into prenatal genomic medicine. This transformation is expected to not only substantially expand the spectrum of prenatal diagnostic and screening possibilities, but finally also to advance fetal care and the prenatal management of certain fetal diseases and malformations. It will come along with new and profound challenges for the normative framework and clinical care pathways in prenatal (and reproductive) medicine. To adequately address the potential ethically challenging aspects without discarding the obvious benefits, several agents are required to engage in different debates. The permissibility of the sequencing of the whole fetal exome or genome will have to be examined from a philosophical and legal point of view, in particular with regard to conflicts with potential rights of future children. A second requirement is a societal debate on the question of priority setting and justice in relation to prenatal genomic testing. Third, a professional-ethical debate and positioning on the goal of prenatal genomic testing and a consequential re-structuring of clinical care pathways seems to be important. In all these efforts, it might be helpful to envisage the unborn rather not as a fetus, not as a separate moral subject and a second "patient", but in its unique physical connection with the pregnant woman, and to accept the moral quandaries implicitly given in this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Schmitz
- Institute for History, Theory and Ethics in Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Wolfram Henn
- Institute of Human Genetics, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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14
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Segers S. The path toward ectogenesis: looking beyond the technical challenges. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:59. [PMID: 33985480 PMCID: PMC8120724 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breakthroughs in animal studies make the topic of human application of ectogenesis for medical and non-medical purposes more relevant than ever before. While current data do not yet demonstrate a reasonable expectation of clinical benefit soon, several groups are investigating the feasibility of artificial uteri for extracorporeal human gestation. MAIN TEXT This paper offers the first comprehensive and up to date discussion of the most important pros and cons of human ectogenesis in light of clinical application, along with an examination of crucial ethical (and legal) issues that continued research into, and the clinical translation of, ectogenesis gives rise to. The expected benefits include advancing prenatal medicine, improving neonatal intensive care, and providing a novel pathway towards biological parenthood. This comes with important future challenges. Prior to human application, important questions have to be considered concerning translational research, experimental use of human fetuses and appropriate safety testing. Key questions are identified regarding risks to ectogenesis' subjects, and the physical impact on the pregnant person when transfer from the uterus to the artificial womb is required. Critical issues concerning proportionality have to be considered, also in terms of equity of access, relative to the envisaged application of ectogenesis. The advent of ectogenesis also comes with crucial issues surrounding abortion, extended fetal viability and moral status of the fetus. CONCLUSIONS The development of human ectogenesis will have numerous implications for clinical practice. Prior to human testing, close consideration should be given to whether (and how) ectogenesis can be introduced as a continuation of existing neonatal care, with due attention to both safety risks to the fetus and pressures on pregnant persons to undergo experimental and/or invasive procedures. Equally important is the societal debate about the acceptable applications of ectogenesis and how access to these usages should be prioritized. It should be anticipated that clinical availability of ectogenesis, possibly first as a way to save extremely premature fetuses, may spark demand for non-medical purposes, like avoiding physical and social burdens of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seppe Segers
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Blandijnberg 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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15
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Hautier S, Kermorvant E, Khen-Dunlop N, de Wailly D, Beauquier B, Corroenne R, Milani G, Bonnet D, James S, Vinit N, Blanc T, Aigrain Y, Colmant C, Salomon L, Ville Y, Stirnemann J. [Prenatal path of care following the diagnosis of a malformation for which a novel prenatal therapy is available]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 49:172-179. [PMID: 33166705 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2020.11.003] [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: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal therapy is part of the available care offer for several severe malformations. The place of these emergent prenatal interventions in the prenatal path of care is poorly known. The objective of this study is to describe the decision-making process of patients facing the option of an emergent in utero intervention. METHODS We have conducted a retrospective monocentric descriptive study in the department of maternal-fetal medicine of Necker Hospital. We collected data regarding eligibility or not for fetal surgery and the pregnancy outcomes of patients referred for myelomeningocele, diaphragmatic hernia, aortic stenosis and low obstructive uropathies. RESULTS All indications combined, 70% of patients opted for fetal surgery. This rate was lower in the case of myelomeningocele with 21% consent, than in the other pathologies: 69% for diaphragmatic hernias, 90% for aortic stenoses and 76% for uropathy. When fetal intervention was declined, the vast majority of patients opted for termination of pregnancy: 86%. In 14% of the considering fetal surgery, the patient was referred too far. CONCLUSION The acceptance rate for fetal surgeries depends on condition. It offers an additional option and is an alternative for couples for which termination of pregnancy (TOP) is not an option. Timely referral to an expert center allows to discuss the place of a fetal intervention and not to deprive couples of this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hautier
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - E Kermorvant
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - N Khen-Dunlop
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - D de Wailly
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - B Beauquier
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - R Corroenne
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - G Milani
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - D Bonnet
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - S James
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - N Vinit
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - T Blanc
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Y Aigrain
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - C Colmant
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - L Salomon
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Y Ville
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
| | - J Stirnemann
- Maternité et médecine fœtale, hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, 149, rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France.
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16
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Abstract
Open neural tube defects or myelomeningoceles are a common congenital condition caused by failure of closure of the neural tube early in gestation, leading to a number of neurologic sequelae including paralysis, hindbrain herniation, hydrocephalus and neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction. Traditionally, the condition was treated by closure of the defect postnatally but a recently completed randomized controlled trial of prenatal versus postnatal closure demonstrated improved neurologic outcomes in the prenatal closure group. Fetal surgery, or more precisely maternal-fetal surgery, raises a number of ethical issues that we address including who the patient is, informed consent, surgical innovation and equipoise as well maternal assumption of risk. As the procedure becomes more widely adopted into practice, we suggest close monitoring of new fetal surgery centers, in order to ensure that the positive results of the trial are maintained without increased risk to both the mother and fetus.
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17
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Derbyshire SW, Bockmann JC. Reconsidering fetal pain. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 46:3-6. [PMID: 31937669 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Fetal pain has long been a contentious issue, in large part because fetal pain is often cited as a reason to restrict access to termination of pregnancy or abortion. We have divergent views regarding the morality of abortion, but have come together to address the evidence for fetal pain. Most reports on the possibility of fetal pain have focused on developmental neuroscience. Reports often suggest that the cortex and intact thalamocortical tracts are necessary for pain experience. Given that the cortex only becomes functional and the tracts only develop after 24 weeks, many reports rule out fetal pain until the final trimester. Here, more recent evidence calling into question the necessity of the cortex for pain and demonstrating functional thalamic connectivity into the subplate is used to argue that the neuroscience cannot definitively rule out fetal pain before 24 weeks. We consider the possibility that the mere experience of pain, without the capacity for self reflection, is morally significant. We believe that fetal pain does not have to be equivalent to a mature adult human experience to matter morally, and so fetal pain might be considered as part of a humane approach to abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Wg Derbyshire
- Psychology and NUS Clinical Imaging Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Cao KX, Booth A, Ourselin S, David AL, Ashcroft R. The legal frameworks that govern fetal surgery in the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United States. Prenat Diagn 2018; 38:475-481. [PMID: 29663461 PMCID: PMC6033164 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The specialty of fetal surgery or fetal intervention is one of the most exciting emerging fields of modern medicine. It is made possible by decades of major developments in antenatal imaging, obstetric anaesthesia, fetal medicine, paediatric surgery, and of course by the bold and novel practitioners willing to take new steps to advance the field. Beginning in the 1970s, it has now reached a stage of maturity where there are several established in utero procedures and countless clinical trials and studies to develop more. But what is the legal situation that fetal surgeons find themselves in? What are the rights and legal protections for the fetus and the mother, both of which are arguably the patient? This article will address this question, discussing and summarising the current legal frameworks governing fetal surgery in the jurisdictions of the United Kingdom, European Court of Human Rights, and the United States of America as well as discuss what the future may hold and how researchers and physicians in the specialty can best navigate the legal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin X. Cao
- Department of UrologyGreat Ormond Street HospitalLondonUK
| | | | | | - Anna L. David
- UCL Institute for Women's HealthLondonUK
- Department of Development and RegenerationKatholieke Universiteit LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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19
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Fry JT, Frader JE. "We want to do everything": how parents represent their experiences with maternal-fetal surgery online. J Perinatol 2018; 38:226-232. [PMID: 29317765 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-017-0040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is little available evidence on how patients make decisions regarding maternal-fetal surgery. We studied online patient narratives for insight on how pregnant women and their partners consider such decisions. STUDY DESIGN We used Google search strings and a purposive snowball method to locate patient blogs. We analyzed blog entries using qualitative methods to identify author details, medical information, and common themes. RESULTS We located 32 blogs of patients who describe maternal-fetal surgery consultation. Twenty-eight (88%) underwent fetal interventions. Most (91%) explicitly described consultation with maternal-fetal surgery teams; 83% of those depicted making decisions prior to formal consultation. Few expressed regret for decisions made (6%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Patients openly share experiences with maternal-fetal surgery online. Women portray their decisions as made outside of formal medical processes and overwhelmingly feel these decisions were "right". As the field of maternal-fetal surgery expands, prospective evaluation of patient decision-making is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Fry
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Joel E Frader
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Palliative Care, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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Antiel RM, Janvier A, Feudtner C, Blaine K, Fry J, Howell LJ, Houtrow AJ. The experience of parents with children with myelomeningocele who underwent prenatal surgery. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018; 11:217-225. [PMID: 30507587 DOI: 10.3233/prm-170483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele (MMC) has been demonstrated to have benefits over postnatal surgery. Nevertheless, prenatal surgery requires a significant emotional, physical, and financial commitment from the entire family. METHODS Mixed methods study of parents' perceptions regarding provider communication, treatment choices, and the family impact of having a child with MMC. RESULTS Parents of children with MMC (n= 109) completed questionnaires. Parents were well informed and reported gathering information about prenatal surgery from a wide range of sources. After a fetal diagnosis of MMC, most learned about their options from their obstetrician, although one-third were not told about the option of prenatal surgery. About one-fourth of these parents felt pressure to undergo one particular option. Half of parents said that having a child with MMC has had a positive impact on them and their family, while the other half indicated that having a child with MMC has had both positive and negative impacts. The most commonly noted positive impacts were changes in parental attitudes, as well as having new opportunities and relationships. The most frequently reported negative impacts concerned relational and financial strain. The vast majority of parents indicated that they would still undergo prenatal surgery if they could travel back in time with their present knowledge. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of the parental experiences and perspectives following prenatal surgery will play an important role in providing overall support for parents and family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Antiel
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Annie Janvier
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Ethics, University of Montreal, Neonatology, Clinical Ethics, Palliative Care, Sainte-Justine Hospital, and Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Fry
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and Division of Neonatology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lori J Howell
- Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy J Houtrow
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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21
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Antiel RM, Flake AW, Collura CA, Johnson MP, Rintoul NE, Lantos JD, Curlin FA, Tilburt JC, Brown SD, Feudtner C. Weighing the Social and Ethical Considerations of Maternal-Fetal Surgery. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-0608. [PMID: 29101225 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-0608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ethics of maternal-fetal surgery involves weighing the importance of potential benefits, risks, and other consequences involving the pregnant woman, fetus, and other family members. We assessed clinicians' ratings of the importance of 9 considerations relevant to maternal-fetal surgery. METHODS This study was a discrete choice experiment contained within a 2015 national mail-based survey of 1200 neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and maternal-fetal medicine physicians, with latent class analysis subsequently used to identify groups of physicians with similar ratings. RESULTS Of 1176 eligible participants, 660 (56%) completed the discrete choice experiment. The highest-ranked consideration was of neonatal benefits, which was followed by consideration of the risk of maternal complications. By using latent class analysis, we identified 4 attitudinal groups with similar patterns of prioritization: "fetocentric" (n = 232), risk-sensitive (n = 197), maternal autonomy (n = 167), and family impact and social support (n = 64). Neonatologists were more likely to be in the fetocentric group, whereas surgeons were more likely to be in the risk-sensitive group, and maternal-fetal medicine physicians made up the largest percentage of the family impact and social support group. CONCLUSIONS Physicians vary in how they weigh the importance of social and ethical considerations regarding maternal-fetal surgery. Understanding these differences may help prevent or mitigate disagreements or tensions that may arise in the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Antiel
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Biomedical Ethics Program.,Department of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alan W Flake
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Mark P Johnson
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Natalie E Rintoul
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - John D Lantos
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Farr A Curlin
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, and History of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and
| | - Jon C Tilburt
- Biomedical Ethics Program.,General Internal Medicine, and
| | - Stephen D Brown
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
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22
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Antiel RM, Collura CA, Flake AW, Johnson MP, Rintoul NE, Lantos JD, Curlin FA, Tilburt JC, Brown SD, Feudtner C. Physician views regarding the benefits and burdens of prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele. J Perinatol 2017; 37:994-998. [PMID: 28617430 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2017.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine how pediatric and obstetrical subspecialists view benefits and burdens of prenatal myelomeningocele (MMC) closure. STUDY DESIGN Mail survey of 1200 neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and maternal-fetal medicine specialists (MFMs). RESULTS Of 1176 eligible physicians, 670 (57%) responded. Most respondents disagreed (68%, 11% strongly) that open fetal surgery places an unacceptable burden on women and their families. Most agreed (65%, 10% strongly) that denying the benefits of open maternal-fetal surgery is unfair to the future child. Most (94%) would recommend prenatal fetoscopic over open or postnatal MMC closure for a hypothetical fetoscopic technique that had similar shunt rates (40%) but decreased maternal morbidity. When the hypothetical shunt rate for fetoscopy was increased to 60%, physicians were split (49% fetoscopy versus 45% open). Views about burdens and fairness correlated with the likelihood of recommending postnatal or fetoscopic over open closure. CONCLUSION Individual and specialty-specific values may influence recommendations about prenatal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Antiel
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Biomedical Ethics Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C A Collura
- Biomedical Ethics Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A W Flake
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M P Johnson
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N E Rintoul
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J D Lantos
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - F A Curlin
- Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, and History of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J C Tilburt
- Biomedical Ethics Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S D Brown
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Feudtner
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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23
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24
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Balkenende EME, Dondorp W, Ploem MC, Lambalk CB, Goddijn M, Mol F. A mother's gift of life: exploring the concerns and ethical aspects of fertility preservation for mother-to-daughter oocyte donation. Hum Reprod 2016; 32:2-6. [PMID: 27816926 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the introduction of oocyte vitrification, a special form of intergenerational intrafamilial medically assisted reproduction (IMAR) has now become feasible: fertility preservation for mother-to-daughter oocyte donation (FPMDD). For girls diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), banking of their mothers' oocytes can preserve the option of having genetically related offspring. Since policy documents on IMAR do not discuss specific concerns raised by FPMDD, clinicians can feel at a loss for guidance with regard to handling these requests. Through a comparison of FPMDD with reproductive practices in which similar concerns were raised, proportionality of cryopreservation for self-use and pressure to use the oocytes in fertility preservation in minors, we argue that FPMDD can be acceptable under conditions. The paper ends with recommendations for handling FPMDD-requests, including different options for the legal construction of this form of oocyte donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M E Balkenende
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W Dondorp
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society Research schools CAPHRI and GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M C Ploem
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C B Lambalk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Goddijn
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Mol
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Abstract
This article explores some of the complex ethical challenges that exist in the field of fetal diagnosis and treatment, especially surrounding maternal-fetal surgery. The rise of these new treatments force us to reconsider who or what is the fetus, what are our obligations to the fetus, and what are the limits to those obligations. In addition, we will consider provider and professional biases, disability issues, and how maternal-fetal surgery has, for a select group of women, changed the very experience of motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Antiel
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Dr, FL 14 Market St, Suite 320, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
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26
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Rossi KQ, Lehman KJ, O’Shaughnessy RW. Effects of antepartum therapy for fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia on maternal lifestyle. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 29:1783-8. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2015.1063607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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27
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Spinner SS, Miesnik SR, Koh JG, Howell LJ. Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Care in Open Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41:447-54. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01357.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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28
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Abstract
In his article “Research Priorities and the Future of Pregnancy” in this issue of CQ, Timothy Murphy evaluates some of the arguments I advanced in an earlier publication, “The Moral Imperative for Ectogenesis.
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29
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Ville Y. Fetal therapy: practical ethical considerations. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:621-7. [PMID: 21660998 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Progress in prenatal diagnosis can lead to the diagnosis of severe fetal abnormalities for which natural history anticipates a fatal outcome or the development of severe disability despite optimal postnatal care. Intrauterine therapy can be offered in these selected cases. Prenatal diagnosis is the only field of medicine in which termination is an option in the management of severe diseases. Fetal therapy has therefore developed as an alternative to fatalist expectant prenatal management as well as to termination of pregnancy (TOP). There are few standards of fetal care that have gone beyond the stage of equipoise and even fewer have been established based on appropriate studies comparing pre- and postnatal care. Several ethical questions are being raised as fetal surgery develops, including basic Hippocratic principles of patients' autonomy and doctors' duty of competence moving the boundaries between experimental surgery, therapeutic innovation and standard care. In addition, the technical success of a fetal intervention can only rarely fully predict the postnatal outcome. Managing uncertainty regarding long-term morbidity and the possibility for fetal therapy to change the risk of perinatal death into that of severe handicap remains a critical factor affecting women's choice for TOP as an alternative to fetal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Ville
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, UFR Necker-Enfants-Malades, Université René Descartes, 75015 Paris, France.
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30
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Deprest J, Toelen J, Debyser Z, Rodrigues C, Devlieger R, De Catte L, Lewi L, Van Mieghem T, Naulaers G, Vandevelde M, Claus F, Dierickx K. The fetal patient -- ethical aspects of fetal therapy. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2011; 3:221-7. [PMID: 24753868 PMCID: PMC3991449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The pregnant patient is a vulnerable subject, and even more so when a serious fetal condition is diagnosed. (Invasive) fetal therapy should only be offered when there is a good chance that the life of the fetus will be saved, or irreversible damage by the disease or disability is prevented. Following diagnosis of a potentially treatable condition, the patient needs to be referred to a center with sufficient expertise in diagnosis and all therapeutic options. Preferences of the physician towards one or another antenatal intervention is not at stake prior to that moment. When fetal therapy is justified--, it should be offered with full respect for maternal choice and individual assessment and perception of potential-- risks, and should be at the location where there is sufficient expertise. For therapies of unproven benefit, the absence of evidence must be disclosed, and therapy should only be undertaken with full voluntary consent of the mother. These ought to be undertaken within well designed and approved trials and only by experts in the treatment modality. Potential risks and eventual morbidities in case of therapeutic failure should be part of the counselling, neither-- should fetal therapy be presented as an alternative to termination of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Deprest
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - J. Toelen
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Z. Debyser
- Division of Molecular Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - C. Rodrigues
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R. Devlieger
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - L. De Catte
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - L. Lewi
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - G. Naulaers
- Department of Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - M. Vandevelde
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - F. Claus
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
| | - K. Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium;
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