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Anwar T, Triplett RL, Ahmed A, Glass HC, Shellhaas RA. Treating Seizures and Improving Newborn Outcomes for Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:573-586. [PMID: 39095097 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.04.013] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is the most common cause of neonatal seizures. Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring is recommended given high rates of subclinical seizures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of seizures may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. International League Against Epilepsy guidelines indicate that (1) phenobarbital remains the first-line treatment of neonatal seizures and (2) early discontinuation of antiseizure medications following resolution of acute provoked seizures, and prior to discharge home, is recommended. Long-term follow-up of these infants is necessary to screen for postneonatal epilepsy and support neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyba Anwar
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Regina L Triplett
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Afaf Ahmed
- Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, MSC 8091-29-12400, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Baker AC, Mercurio MR, Donn SM, Fanaroff JM. Ethical and Legal Perspectives on the Treatment of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in the Newborn. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:725-734. [PMID: 39095106 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.04.010] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates can cause severe, life-long functional impairments or death. Treatment of these neonates can involve ethically challenging questions about if, when, and how it may be appropriate to limit life-sustaining medical therapy. Further, parents whose infants suffer severe neurologic damage may seek recourse in the form of a medical malpractice lawsuit. This study uses several hypothetical cases to highlight important ethical and legal considerations in the care of infants with HIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208064, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Mark R Mercurio
- Program for Biomedical Ethics, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208064, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Steven M Donn
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Michigan Medicine, 1540 East Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jonathan M Fanaroff
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Rainbow Center for Pediatric Ethics, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Song IG, Lee J, Kim MS, Lee JW, Jeon SY, Yoo SH, Park HY. Beyond Legal Boundaries: Public and Clinician Perspectives on Treatment Withdrawal in Infants With Poor Neurological Prognosis. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e196. [PMID: 38952347 PMCID: PMC11216905 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite medical advancements in neonatal survival rates, many children have poor neurological outcomes. Because the law in Korea restricts the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment to only cases of imminent death, treatment discontinuation may not be an option, even in patients with poor neurological prognosis. This study investigated the opinions of the general population and clinicians regarding life-sustaining treatment withdrawal in such cases using hypothetical scenarios. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on the general population and clinicians using a web-based questionnaire. The sample of the general population from an online panel comprised 500 individuals aged 20-69 years selected by quota sampling. The clinician sample comprised 200 clinicians from a tertiary university hospital. We created hypothetical vignettes and questionnaire items to assess attitudes regarding mechanical ventilation withdrawal for an infant at risk of poor neurological prognosis due to birth asphyxia at 2 months and 3 years after the incidence. RESULTS Overall, 73% of the general population and 74% of clinicians had positive attitudes toward mechanical ventilator withdrawal at 2 months after birth asphyxia. The proportion of positive attitudes toward mechanical ventilator withdrawal was increased in the general population (84%, P < 0.001) and clinicians (80.5%, P = 0.02) at 3 years after birth asphyxia. Religion, spirituality, the presence of a person with a disability in the household, and household income were associated with the attitudes of the general population. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the general population, respondents living with a person with a disability or having a disability were more likely to find the withdrawal of the ventilator at 2 months and 3 years after birth asphyxia not permissible. Regarding religion, respondents who identified as Christians were more likely to find the ventilator withdrawal at 2 months after birth asphyxia unacceptable. CONCLUSION The general population and clinicians shared the perspective that the decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment in infants with a poor neurological prognosis should be considered before the end of life. A societal discussion about making decisions centered around the best interest of pediatric patients is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Gyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Lee
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ji Weon Lee
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Yoon Park
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Boerwinkle VL, Manjón I, Sussman BL, McGary A, Mirea L, Gillette K, Broman-Fulks J, Cediel EG, Arhin M, Hunter SE, Wyckoff SN, Allred K, Tom D. Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Network Association With Mortality, Epilepsy, Cognition, and Motor Two-Year Outcomes in Suspected Severe Neonatal Acute Brain Injury. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 152:41-55. [PMID: 38198979 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In acute brain injury of neonates, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (RS) showed incremental association with consciousness, mortality, cognitive and motor development, and epilepsy, with correction for multiple comparisons, at six months postgestation in neonates with suspected acute brain injury (ABI). However, there are relatively few developmental milestones at six months to benchmark against, thus, we extended this cohort study to evaluate two-year outcomes. METHODS In 40 consecutive neonates with ABI and RS, ordinal scores of resting-state networks; MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electroencephalography; and up to 42-month outcomes of mortality, general and motor development, Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale (PCPC), and epilepsy informed associations between tests and outcomes. RESULTS Mean gestational age was 37.8 weeks, 68% were male, and 60% had hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Three died in-hospital, four at six to 42 months, and five were lost to follow-up. Associations included basal ganglia network with PCPC (P = 0.0003), all-mortality (P = 0.005), and motor (P = 0.0004); language/frontoparietal network with developmental delay (P = 0.009), PCPC (P = 0.006), and all-mortality (P = 0.01); default mode network with developmental delay (P = 0.003), PCPC (P = 0.004), neonatal intensive care unit mortality (P = 0.01), and motor (P = 0.009); RS seizure onset zone with epilepsy (P = 0.01); and anatomic MRI with epilepsy (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION For the first time, at any age, resting state functional MRI in ABI is associated with long-term epilepsy and RSNs predicted mortality in neonates. Severity of RSN abnormality was associated with incrementally worsened neurodevelopment including cognition, language, and motor function over two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varina L Boerwinkle
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Iliana Manjón
- University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Bethany L Sussman
- Division of Neuroscience Research, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Alyssa McGary
- Department of Clinical Research, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Lucia Mirea
- Department of Clinical Research, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kirsten Gillette
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jordan Broman-Fulks
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emilio G Cediel
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Martin Arhin
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Senyene E Hunter
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina Medical School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah N Wyckoff
- Division of Neuroscience Research, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kimberlee Allred
- Division of Neonatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Deborah Tom
- Division of Neonatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
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Boerwinkle VL, Gillette K, Rubinos CA, Broman-Fulks J, Aseem F, DeHoff GK, Arhin M, Cediel E, Strohm T. Functional MRI for Acute Covert Consciousness: Emerging Data and Implementation Case Series. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:712-734. [PMID: 37788679 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Although research studies have begun to demonstrate relationships between disorders of consciousness and brain network biomarkers, there are limited data on the practical aspects of obtaining such network biomarkers to potentially guide care. As the state of knowledge continues to evolve, guidelines from professional societies such as the American and European Academies of Neurology and many experts have advocated that the risk-benefit ratio for the assessment of network biomarkers has begun to favor their application toward potentially detecting covert consciousness. Given the lack of detailed operationalization guidance and the context of the ethical implications, herein we offer a roadmap based on local institutional experience with the implementation of functional MRI in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units of our local government-supported health system. We provide a case-based demonstrative approach intended to review the current literature and to assist with the initiation of such services at other facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varina L Boerwinkle
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kirsten Gillette
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clio A Rubinos
- Division of Neurocritical Care, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jordan Broman-Fulks
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Fazila Aseem
- Division of Neurocritical Care, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Grace K DeHoff
- Division of Neurocritical Care, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Martin Arhin
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emilio Cediel
- Division of Child Neurology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tamara Strohm
- Division of Neurocritical Care, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Peralta D, Bogetz J, Lemmon ME. Seminars in Fetal & neonatal medicine: Palliative and end of life care in the NICU. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101457. [PMID: 37230860 PMCID: PMC10827319 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Peralta
- Duke North Pavilion, 2400 Pratt Street, 8th Floor, DUMC 102509, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Jori Bogetz
- 1900 Ninth Ave, JMB-6, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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Lemmon ME, Barks MC, Bansal S, Bernstein S, Kaye EC, Glass HC, Ubel PA, Brandon D, Pollak KI. The ALIGN Framework: A Parent-Informed Approach to Prognostic Communication for Infants With Neurologic Conditions. Neurology 2023; 100:e800-e807. [PMID: 36456199 PMCID: PMC9984217 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Clinicians often communicate complex, uncertain, and distressing information about neurologic prognosis to parents of critically ill infants. Although communication tools have been developed in other disciplines and settings, none address the unique needs of the neonatal and pediatric neurology context. We aimed to develop a parent-informed framework to guide clinicians in communicating information about neurologic prognosis. METHODS Parents of infants with neurologic conditions in the intensive care unit were enrolled in a longitudinal study of shared decision-making from 2018 to 2020. Parents completed semistructured interviews following recorded family meetings with the health care team, at hospital discharge, and 6 months after discharge. All interviews targeted information about parent preferences for prognostic disclosure. We analyzed the data using a conventional content analysis approach. Two study team members independently coded all interview transcripts, and discrepancies were resolved in consensus. We used NVIVO 12 qualitative software to index and organize codes. RESULTS Fifty-two parents of 37 infants completed 123 interviews. Parents were predominantly mothers (n = 37/52, 71%) with a median age of 31 (range 19-46) years. Half were Black (n = 26/52, 50%), and a minority reported Hispanic ethnicity (n = 2/52, 4%). Inductive analysis resulted in the emergence of 5 phases of prognostic communication (Approach, Learn, Inform, Give support, and Next steps: ALIGN): (1) Approach: parents appreciated receiving consistent information about their child's neurologic outcome from clinicians who knew their child well. (2) Learn: parents valued when clinicians asked them how they preferred receiving information and what they already knew about their child's outcome prior to information delivery. (3) Inform: parents valued honest, thorough, and balanced information that disclosed prognostic uncertainty and acknowledged room for hope. (4) Give support: parents valued empathic communication and appreciated clinicians who offered real-time emotional support. (5) Next steps: parents appreciated clinicians who connected them to resources, including peer support. DISCUSSION The ALIGN framework offers a novel, parent-informed strategy to effectively communicate neurologic prognosis. Although ALIGN represents key elements of a conversation about prognosis, each clinician can adapt this framework to their own approach. Future work will assess the effectiveness of this framework on communication quality and prognostic understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Lemmon
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC.
| | - Mary C Barks
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Simran Bansal
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Erica C Kaye
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Hannah C Glass
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Peter A Ubel
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Debra Brandon
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Kathryn I Pollak
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
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Proceedings of the First Pediatric Coma and Disorders of Consciousness Symposium by the Curing Coma Campaign, Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group, and NINDS: Gearing for Success in Coma Advancements for Children and Neonates. Neurocrit Care 2023; 38:447-469. [PMID: 36759418 PMCID: PMC9910782 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01673-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
This proceedings article presents the scope of pediatric coma and disorders of consciousness based on presentations and discussions at the First Pediatric Disorders of Consciousness Care and Research symposium held on September 14th, 2021. Herein we review the current state of pediatric coma care and research opportunities as well as shared experiences from seasoned researchers and clinicians. Salient current challenges and opportunities in pediatric and neonatal coma care and research were identified through the contributions of the presenters, who were Jose I. Suarez, MD, Nina F. Schor, MD, PhD, Beth S. Slomine, PhD Erika Molteni, PhD, and Jan-Marino Ramirez, PhD, and moderated by Varina L. Boerwinkle, MD, with overview by Mark Wainwright, MD, and subsequent audience discussion. The program, executively planned by Varina L. Boerwinkle, MD, Mark Wainwright, MD, and Michelle Elena Schober, MD, drove the identification and development of priorities for the pediatric neurocritical care community.
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Rent S, Bidegain M, Lemmon ME. Neonatal neuropalliative care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:185-199. [PMID: 36599508 PMCID: PMC10615113 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal neuropalliative care is directed toward patients and families impacted by serious, life limiting, or debilitating neurologic illness in the antenatal and newborn period. This chapter will outline key considerations for clinicians hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We focus on three core domains: (1) family-centered communication and care, (2) prognostication and decision-making, and (3) pain and symptom management. In each domain, we outline key considerations in the antenatal period, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We also address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts. We conclude with suggestions for future research and key considerations for neonatal clinicians who wish to incorporate a neuropalliative approach to care into their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.
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Barlet MH, Barks MC, Ubel PA, Davis JK, Pollak KI, Kaye EC, Weinfurt KP, Lemmon ME. Characterizing the Language Used to Discuss Death in Family Meetings for Critically Ill Infants. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2233722. [PMID: 36197666 PMCID: PMC9535532 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Communication during conversations about death is critical; however, little is known about the language clinicians and families use to discuss death. Objective To characterize (1) the way death is discussed in family meetings between parents of critically ill infants and the clinical team and (2) how discussion of death differs between clinicians and family members. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal qualitative study took place at a single academic hospital in the southeast US. Patients were enrolled from September 2018 to September 2020, and infants were followed up longitudinally throughout their hospitalization. Participants included families of infants with neurologic conditions who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and had a planned family meeting to discuss neurologic prognosis or starting, not starting, or discontinuing life-sustaining treatment. Family meetings were recorded, transcribed, and deidentified before being screened for discussion of death. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the language used to reference death during family meetings between parents and clinicians. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data. Results A total of 68 family meetings involving 36 parents of 24 infants were screened; 33 family meetings (49%) involving 20 parents (56%) and 13 infants (54%) included discussion of death. Most parents involved in discussion of death identified as the infant's mother (13 [65%]) and as Black (12 [60%]). Death was referenced 406 times throughout the family meetings (275 times by clinicians and 131 times by family members); the words die, death, dying, or stillborn were used 5% of the time by clinicians (13 of 275 references) and 15% of the time by family members (19 of 131 references). Four types of euphemisms used in place of die, death, dying, or stillborn were identified: (1) survival framing (eg, not live), (2) colloquialisms (eg, pass away), (3) medical jargon, including obscure technical terms (eg, code event) or talking around death with physiologic terms (eg, irrecoverable heart rate drop), and (4) pronouns without an antecedent (eg, it). The most common type of euphemism used by clinicians was medical jargon (118 of 275 references [43%]). The most common type of euphemism used by family members was colloquialism (44 of 131 references [34%]). Conclusions and Relevance In this qualitative study, the words die, death, dying, or stillborn were rarely used to refer to death in family meetings with clinicians. Families most often used colloquialisms to reference death, and clinicians most often used medical jargon. Future work should evaluate the effects of euphemisms on mutual understanding, shared decision-making, and clinician-family relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary C. Barks
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter A. Ubel
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - J. Kelly Davis
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathryn I. Pollak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kevin P. Weinfurt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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11
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Lemmon ME, Barks MC, Bernstein S, Davis JK, Jiao MG, Kaye EC, Glass HC, Brandon D, Ubel PA. Prognostic Discussion for Infants with Neurologic Conditions: Qualitative Analysis of Family Conferences. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:699-709. [PMID: 35866708 PMCID: PMC9600061 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We characterize the content and role of prognostic discussion for infants with neurologic conditions. METHODS In this descriptive qualitative study, we prospectively enrolled infants (age < 1 year) in the intensive care unit with a neurologic condition anticipated to have ≥1 family conference about prognosis or goals of care. We audiorecorded family conferences as they occurred. We used a rapid-cycle qualitative approach to identify and refine themes. RESULTS Forty infants and 61 parents were enrolled; 68 family conferences occurred for 24 infants. The majority of infant cases (n = 23/24, 96%) and conferences (n = 64/68, 94%) included discussion of neurologic prognosis. Common infant diagnoses included prematurity (n = 12, 52%), genetic conditions (n = 9, 35%), and brain malformations (n = 7, 30%). We identified 2 themes relating to the characterization of the infant's prognosis: (1) predictions of impairment and (2) rationale for prognostic predictions. We identified 3 themes characterizing the role of prognostic discussion: (1) aligning parent and clinician understanding of infant outcome, (2) influencing decision-making, and (3) preparing for life at home. We identified 2 themes characterizing discussion of prognostic uncertainty: (1) multilayered types of uncertainty and (2) holding space for hope alongside uncertainty. INTERPRETATION In this cohort of infants with neurologic conditions and their parents, we identified salient themes characterizing the content and role of discussion about neurologic outcome. Our findings highlight that prognostic discussion focuses on anticipated impairments, informs decision-making, and helps families prepare for home life. Future work should characterize whether these findings align with parent preferences for prognostic disclosure. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:699-709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary C Barks
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J Kelly Davis
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan G Jiao
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Debra Brandon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter A Ubel
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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12
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Barlet MH, Ubel PA, Weinfurt KP, Glass HC, Pollak KI, Brandon DH, Lemmon ME. Decisional Satisfaction, Regret, and Conflict Among Parents of Infants with Neurologic Conditions. J Pediatr 2022; 245:81-88.e3. [PMID: 35227757 PMCID: PMC9232962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize decisional satisfaction, regret, and conflict among parents of critically ill infants with neurologic conditions. STUDY DESIGN In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled parents of infants with neurologic conditions in the intensive care unit (ICU). Hospital discharge surveys included the validated Family Satisfaction with the ICU (FS-ICU) decision making subscale, Decision Regret Scale (DRS), and Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). We defined high satisfaction with decision making as an FS-ICU score ≥75, high decisional regret/conflict as DRS/DCS score >25, and within-couple disagreement as a difference of at least 25 points between scores. RESULTS We enrolled 61 parents of 40 infants (n = 40 mothers, n = 21 fathers); 35 mothers and 15 fathers completed surveys. Most mothers reported high satisfaction with decision making (27 of 35; 77%) and low decision regret (28 of 35; 80%); 40% (14 of 35) reported high decisional conflict. Mothers and fathers reported higher decisional conflict in the domains of uncertainty and values clarity compared with the domain of effective decision making (Bonferroni-corrected P < .05). There were no differences in decision outcomes between paired mothers and fathers; however, within any given couple, there were numerous instances of disagreement (7 of 15 for decision regret and 5 of 15 for decisional conflict). CONCLUSIONS Many parents experience decisional conflict even if they ultimately have high satisfaction and low regret, underscoring the need for decision aids targeting uncertainty and values clarity. Couples frequently experience different levels of decisional regret and conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A. Ubel
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA,Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kevin P. Weinfurt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hannah C. Glass
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn I. Pollak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Debra H. Brandon
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Abstract
Many childhood neurologic conditions are first diagnosed in the perinatal period and shorten or seriously alter the lives of affected infants. Neonatal neuropalliative care incorporates core practices and teachings of both neurology and palliative care and is directed toward patients and families affected by serious neurologic conditions in the antenatal and immediate newborn period. This review outlines key considerations for neurologists hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, in the neonatal intensive care unit, and around hospital discharge. We explore 4 core domains of neuropalliative care: (1) family-centered communication, (2) prognostication, (3) decision making, and (4) pain and symptom management. We address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Margaret H. Bost
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chi Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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14
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Koskela T, Kendall GS, Memon S, Sokolska M, Mabuza T, Huertas-Ceballos A, Mitra S, Robertson NJ, Meek J, Whitehead K. Prognostic value of neonatal EEG following therapeutic hypothermia in survivors of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:2091-2100. [PMID: 34284244 PMCID: PMC8407358 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early prediction of neurological deficits following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) may help to target support. Neonatal animal models suggest that recovery following hypoxia-ischemia depends upon cortical bursting. To test whether this holds in human neonates, we correlated the magnitude of cortical bursting during recovery (≥postnatal day 3) with neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS We identified 41 surviving infants who received therapeutic hypothermia for HIE (classification at hospital discharge: 19 mild, 18 moderate, 4 severe) and had 9-channel electroencephalography (EEG) recordings as part of their routine care. We correlated burst power with Bayley-III cognitive, motor and language scores at median 24 months. To examine whether EEG offered additional prognostic information, we controlled for structural MRI findings. RESULTS Higher power of central and occipital cortical bursts predicted worse cognitive and language outcomes, and higher power of central cortical bursts predicted worse motor outcome, all independently of structural MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS Clinical EEG after postnatal day 3 may provide additional prognostic information by indexing persistent active mechanisms that either support recovery or exacerbate brain damage, especially in infants with less severe encephalopathy. SIGNIFICANCE These findings could allow for the effect of clinical interventions in the neonatal period to be studied instantaneously in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Koskela
- Research IT Services, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Giles S Kendall
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK; Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HU, UK.
| | - Sara Memon
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Magdalena Sokolska
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK.
| | - Thalitha Mabuza
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK.
| | - Angela Huertas-Ceballos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK.
| | - Subhabrata Mitra
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK; Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HU, UK.
| | - Nicola J Robertson
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK; Academic Neonatology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HU, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellors Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Judith Meek
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK.
| | - Kimberley Whitehead
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DB, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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15
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Zhang L, Gao J, Zhao Y, Zhang Q, Lu J, Yang X. The application of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and kernicterus in premature infants. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:958-966. [PMID: 34012843 PMCID: PMC8107838 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and kernicterus in premature infants. METHODS Fifty-eight premature infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and fifty-eight premature infants with kernicterus who were examined and treated in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2021 were assigned to the observation group or the control group. All patients were examined by MRI imaging and DWI imaging, and the examination results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS No significant differences were found in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, or negative predictive value between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). MRI could clearly visualize the signal changes of patients, whereas DWI did not show any signal changes. There was no significant difference between MRI and DWI in the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in premature infants. Further, there was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance of MRI between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). However, the diagnostic performance of DWI in the control group was better than that in the observation group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MRI and DWI imaging have high detection rates for the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and kernicterus in premature infants. These imaging methods can benefit the treatment of premature infants and have important clinical application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jin Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yibin Zhao
- Rehabilitation Department, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiantian Lu
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Yuxi Children's Hospital, Yuxi, China
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16
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Lemmon ME, Bonifacio SL, Shellhaas RA, Wusthoff CJ, Greenberg RG, Soul JS, Chang T, Chu CJ, Bates S, Massey SL, Abend NS, Cilio MR, Glass HC. Characterization of Death in Infants With Neonatal Seizures. Pediatr Neurol 2020; 113:21-25. [PMID: 32980743 PMCID: PMC7669564 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal seizures are associated with death and neurological morbidity; however, little is known about how neonates with seizures die. METHODS This was a prospective, observational cohort study of neonates with seizures treated at seven sites of the Neonatal Seizure Registry. We characterized the mode of death, evaluated the association between infant characteristics and mode of death, and evaluated predictors of death or transfer to hospice. RESULTS We enrolled 611 consecutive neonates with seizures, and 90 neonates (15%) died before hospital discharge at a median age of 11 days (range: 1 to 163 days); 32 (36%) died in the first postnatal week. An additional 19 neonates (3%) were transferred to hospice. The most common mode of in-hospital death was death after extubation amidst concerns for poor neurological prognosis, in the absence of life-threatening physiologic instability (n = 43, 48%). Only one infant died while actively receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In an adjusted analysis, premature birth (odds ratio: 3.06, 95% confidence interval 1.59 to 5.90) and high seizure burden (odds ratio: 4.33, 95% confidence interval 1.88 to 9.95) were associated with increased odds of death or transfer to hospice. CONCLUSION In a cohort of neonates with seizures, death occurred predominantly after decisions to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining intervention(s). Future work should characterize how these decisions occur and develop optimized approaches to support families and clinicians caring for newborns with seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Dr, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Sonia L. Bonifacio
- Departments of Pediatrics, Stanford University, 291 Campus Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94305, United States
| | - Renée A. Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 1540 E Hospital Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Courtney J. Wusthoff
- Departments of Pediatrics, Stanford University, 291 Campus Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94305, United States;,Departments of Neurology, Stanford University, 291 Campus Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94305, United States
| | - Rachel G. Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Dr, Durham, NC 27710, United States;,Duke Clinical Research Institute, 301 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Janet S. Soul
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States
| | - Catherine J. Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Sara Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Shavonne L. Massey
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 United States
| | - Nicholas S. Abend
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 United States;,Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 United States
| | - M. Roberta Cilio
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Catholic University of Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannah C. Glass
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1975 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States;,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics; University of California San Francisco, 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States;,Department of Neurology; UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 1975 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States
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17
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Al Amrani F, Racine E, Shevell M, Wintermark P. Death after Birth Asphyxia in the Cooling Era. J Pediatr 2020; 226:289-293. [PMID: 32682749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In asphyxiated newborn infants treated with hypothermia, 31 of 50 (62%) deaths occurred in unstable infants electively extubated before completing hypothermia treatment. Later deaths occurred after consultation with palliative care (13/19) or clinical ethics (6/19) services, suggesting these decisions were challenging and required support, particularly if nutrition and hydration were withdrawn (n = 4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Al Amrani
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- Department of Medicine and Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Medicine, and Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michael Shevell
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Pia Wintermark
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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18
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Natarajan G, Mathur A, Zaniletti I, DiGeronimo R, Lee KS, Rao R, Dizon M, Hamrick S, Rudine A, Cook N, Smith D, Flibotte J, Murthy K, Massaro A. Withdrawal of Life-Support in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 91:20-26. [PMID: 30559002 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We describe the frequency and timing of withdrawal of life-support (WLS) in moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and examine its associations with medical and sociodemographic factors. PROCEDURES We undertook a secondary data analysis of a prospective multicenter data registry of regional level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Units participating in the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database. Infants ≥36 weeks gestational age with HIE admitted to a Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2010 and 2016, who underwent therapeutic hypothermia were categorized as (1) infants who died following WLST and (2) survivors with severe HIE (requiring tube feedings at discharge). RESULTS Death occurred in 267/1,925 (14%) infants with HIE, 87.6% following WLS. Compared to infants with WLS (n = 234), the survived severe group (n = 74) had more public insurance (73% vs 39.3%, P = 0.00001), lower household income ($37,020 vs $41,733, P = 0.006) and fewer [20.3% vs 35.0%, P = 0.0212] were from the South. Among infants with WLS, electroencephalogram was performed within 24 hours in 75% and was severely abnormal in 64% cases; corresponding rates for MRI were 43% and 17%, respectively. Private insurance was independently associated with WLS, after adjustment for HIE severity and center. CONCLUSIONS In a multicenter cohort of infants with HIE, WLS occurred frequently and was associated with sociodemographic factors. The rationale for decision-making for WLS in HIE require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Natarajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan.
| | - Amit Mathur
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital
| | | | - Robert DiGeronimo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kyong-Soon Lee
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital
| | - Maria Dizon
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shannon Hamrick
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, Atlanta
| | - Anthony Rudine
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Noah Cook
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Danielle Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John Flibotte
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karna Murthy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Chicago, Illinois
| | - An Massaro
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, and George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington DC
| | -
- Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium, Kansas City, MO
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19
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Glass HC, Numis AL, Gano D, Bali V, Rogers EE. Outcomes After Acute Symptomatic Seizures in Children Admitted to a Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service. Pediatr Neurol 2018; 84:39-45. [PMID: 29886041 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal seizures due to acute brain injury are associated with high rates of death, disability, and epilepsy. Our objective was to examine incidence of and risk factors for epilepsy among survivors of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures who were cared for by a neonatal neurocritical care service. METHODS Neonates with acute symptomatic seizures who were admitted to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Neuro-Intensive Care Nursery from July 2008 to June 2014 were considered for inclusion. RESULTS A total of 144 children with acute symptomatic seizures met study criteria and 37 (26%) died before age one. Eighty-seven children (85% of eligible survivors) were followed up to one year or longer. Epilepsy was diagnosed in eight children at median age 4.9 (interquartile range 1.7, 6.1) years. The cumulative incidence risk of epilepsy at one year was 2% (95% confidence interval 0.6% to 9%) and at five years was 7% (95% confidence interval 3% to 20%). Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 21%. Bayley-III cognitive subscale less than 85 was present in 13%. Children with epilepsy were more likely to be preterm, have brain injury, and be discharged home on antiseizure medication, although the results were not significant after adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS The risk of epilepsy was lower and age at onset was older than in previous reports, which may be related to multiple factors including a neurocritical care approach, treatment of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with hypothermia, high rate of neonatal transition to palliative care, and the exclusion of neonatal onset epilepsies. Continuation of antiseizure medications in infancy did not decrease the risk of epilepsy. Long-term, multicenter studies are needed to understand whether neonatal seizure management can alter the risk of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Adam L Numis
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Dawn Gano
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Elizabeth E Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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20
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Glass HC, Grinspan ZM, Shellhaas RA. Outcomes after acute symptomatic seizures in neonates. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2018; 23:218-222. [PMID: 29454756 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute symptomatic seizures are a common sign of neurological dysfunction and brain injury in neonates and occur in approximately one to three per 1000 live births. Seizures in neonates are usually a sign of underlying brain injury and, as such, are commonly associated with adverse outcomes. Neurological morbidities in survivors often co-occur; epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability often occur together in the most severely affected children. Risk factors for adverse outcome include prematurity, low Apgar scores, low pH on the first day of life, seizure onset <24 or >72 h after birth, abnormal neonatal neurological examination, abnormal neonatal electroencephalographic background, status epilepticus, and presence and pattern of brain injury (particularly deep gray or brainstem injury). Despite this list of potential indicators, accurate prediction of outcome in a given child remains challenging. There is great need for long-term, multicenter studies to examine risk factors for, and pathogenesis of, adverse outcomes following acute symptomatic seizures in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Zachary M Grinspan
- Department of Healthcare Policy, Department of Research and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Natarajan G, Laptook A, Shankaran S. Therapeutic Hypothermia: How Can We Optimize This Therapy to Further Improve Outcomes? Clin Perinatol 2018; 45:241-255. [PMID: 29747886 PMCID: PMC5953210 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy remains associated with considerable death and disability. In multiple randomized controlled trials, therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy among term infants has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing death and disability in survivors. In this article, the current status of infant and childhood outcomes following this therapy is reviewed. The clinical approaches that may help to optimize this innovative neuroprotective therapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Natarajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Detroit, MI
| | - Abbot Laptook
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Seetha Shankaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Hutzel Women's Hospital, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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