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Craig AK, Munoz-Blanco S, Pilon B, Lemmon M. Communicating with Parents About Therapeutic Hypothermia and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: Integrating a Palliative Care Approach into Practice. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:711-724. [PMID: 39095105 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.04.009] [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
Parents of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can face communication challenges in the neonatal intensive care unit. Both specialty palliative care and primary palliative care trained clinicians can assist parents as they navigate traumatic experiences and uncertain prognoses. Using evidence-based frameworks, the authors provide samples of how to communicate with parents and promote parent well-being across the care trajectory. The authors demonstrate how to involve parents in a shared decision-making process and give special consideration to the complexities of hospital discharge and the transition home. Sustained investment to guide the development of effective communication skills is crucial to support families of infants with HIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa K Craig
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center, Portland; Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sara Munoz-Blanco
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Division of Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Monica Lemmon
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3936, Durham 27710, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3936, Durham 27710, USA
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2
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Vermilion P, Boss R. Pediatric Perspectives on Palliative Care in the Neurocritical Care Unit. Neurocrit Care 2024:10.1007/s12028-024-02076-1. [PMID: 39138717 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-024-02076-1] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric neurocritical care teams care for patients and families facing the potential for significant neurologic impairment and high mortality. Such admissions are often marked by significant prognostic uncertainty, high levels of parental emotional overload, and multiple potentially life-altering decision points. In addition to clinical acumen, families desire clear and consistent communication, supported decision-making, a multidisciplinary approach to psychosocial supports throughout an admission, and comprehensive bereavement support after a death. Distinct from their adult counterparts, pediatric providers care for a broader set of rare diagnoses with limited prognostic information. Decision-making requires its own ethical framework, with substitutive judgment giving way to the best interest standard as well as "good parent" narratives. When a child dies, bereavement support is often needed for the broader community. There will always be a role for specialist palliative care consultation in the pediatric neurocritical care unit, but the care of every patient and family will be well served by improving these primary palliative care skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vermilion
- Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 687 , Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Renee Boss
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Guez-Barber D, Pilon B. Parental impact during and after neonatal intensive care admission. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151926. [PMID: 38964994 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151926] [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] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Parents play a pivotal role in neurodevelopmental outcomes of their children in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and beyond. Integration of parents in clinical care and research is synergistic. Engaged parents yield more comprehensive clinical care and more robust and meaningful research products. Subsequently, successful clinical and research efforts improve outcomes for children. We review strategies for parental integration into NICU clinical care and research, including parental involvement in therapeutic interventions and neurodevelopmental care, and effective communication strategies for clinicians and researchers. We discuss challenges in neonatal trials and emphasize the need for building a culture of research, collaborative partnerships with patient advocacy organizations, and ongoing support beyond the NICU. Overall, we call for recognizing and fostering the impactful role of parents as teammates with clinicians and researchers in optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes in the NICU and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Guez-Barber
- Instructor, Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Betsy Pilon
- Executive Director, Hope for HIE, West Bloomfield, MI 48325, USA
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training improves brain health across the lifespan. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1411987. [PMID: 39026582 PMCID: PMC11254674 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1411987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrated fetal, neonatal, and pediatric training constitute an interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program. A dynamic neural exposome concept strengthens curriculum content. Trainees participate in mentoring committee selection for guidance during a proposed two-year program. Prenatal to postnatal clinical learning re-enforces early toxic stressor interplay that influences gene-environment interactions. Maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonatal, or childhood diseases require diagnostic and therapeutic decisions during the first 1,000 days when 80 % of neural connections contribute to life-course phenotypic expression. Pediatric follow-up through 3 years adjusts to gestational ages of preterm survivors. Cumulative reproductive, pregnancy, pediatric and adult exposome effects require educational experiences that emphasize a principle-to-practice approach to a brain capital strategy across the lifespan. More rigorous training during fetal, neonatal, and pediatric rotations will be offered to full time trainees. Adult neurology residents, medical students, and trainees from diverse disciplines will learn essential topics during time-limited rotations. Curriculum content will require periodic re-assessments using educational science standards that maintain competence while promoting creative and collaborative problem-solving. Continued career-long learning by FNN graduates will strengthen shared healthcare decisions by all stakeholders. Recognition of adaptive or maladaptive neuroplasticity mechanisms requires analytic skills that identify phenotypes associated with disease pathways. Developmental origins and life-course concepts emphasize brain health across the developmental-aging continuum, applicable to interdisciplinary research collaborations. Social determinants of health recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities with each neurological intervention, particularly for those challenged with disparities. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies must address resource challenges particularly throughout the Global South to effectively lower the worldwide burden of neurologic disease. Sustainable development goals proposed by the World Health Organization offer universally applicable guidelines in response to ongoing global and regional polycrises. Gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic equality promote effective preventive, rescue and reparative neuroprotective interventions. Global synergistic efforts can be enhanced by establishing leadership within academic teaching hubs in FNN training to assist with structure and guidance for smaller healthcare facilities in each community that will improve practice, education and research objectives. Reduced mortality with an improved quality of life must prioritize maternal-pediatric health and well-being to sustain brain health across each lifespan with transgenerational benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Nevin SM, Le Marne FA, Beavis E, Macintosh R, Palmer EE, Sachdev R, Nunn K, Bye A. Psychosocial experiences of clinicians providing care for children with severe neurological impairment. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38837791 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate clinicians' psychosocial experiences navigating interdisciplinary care for children with severe neurological impairment (SNI), for example children with a developmental epileptic encephalopathy; secondarily, to identify preferences for future interventions to support clinicians caring for children with SNI. METHOD We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with interdisciplinary clinicians by using a purposeful sampling recruitment strategy. Twenty-four participants with expertise caring for children with SNI completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. We transcribed the interviews, de-identified them, and performed inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thematic analysis elicited interrelated themes. Clinicians experienced immense professional barriers providing patient-centred care across fragmented healthcare contexts. Physical, emotional, and psychological impacts were attributed to inadequate reflective practice training and a paucity of integrated resources to support clinicians over time. Multipronged strategies were prioritized by clinicians, incorporating psychoeducation, interdisciplinary peer mentorship, and psychological resources to build reflective practice skills for clinicians providing complex care in an advancing era of medicine. INTERPRETATION This study provides novel and in-depth insight into clinicians' experiences navigating care for children with SNI. The results will be used to inform future integrated and multipronged co-developed resources tailored for clinicians, on the basis of their recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Nevin
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioral Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Fleur A Le Marne
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Beavis
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Macintosh
- Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Palmer
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rani Sachdev
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Kenneth Nunn
- Department of Psychological Medicine Sydney, Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Bye
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Mohammad K, Molloy E, Scher M. Training in neonatal neurocritical care: A case-based interdisciplinary approach. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024:101530. [PMID: 38670881 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) training strengthens neonatal neurocritical care (NNCC) clinical decisions. Neonatal neurological phenotypes require immediate followed by sustained neuroprotective care path choices through discharge. Serial assessments during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rounds are supplemented by family conferences and didactic interactions. These encounters collectively contribute to optimal interventions yielding more accurate outcome predictions. Maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad disease pathways influence postnatal medical complications which potentially reduce effective interventions and negatively impact outcome. The science of uncertainty regarding each neonate's clinical status must consider timing and etiologies that are responsible for fetal and neonatal brain disorders. Shared clinical decisions among all stakeholders' balance "fast" (heuristic) and "slow" (analytic) thinking as more information is assessed regarding etiopathogenetic effects that impair the developmental neuroplasticity process. Two case vignettes stress the importance of FNN perspectives during NNCC that integrates this dual cognitive approach. Clinical care paths evaluations are discussed for an encephalopathic extremely preterm and full-term newborn. Recognition of cognitive errors followed by debiasing strategies can improve clinical decisions during NICU care. Re-evaluations with serial assessments of examination, imaging, placental-cord, and metabolic-genetic information improve clinical decisions that maintain accuracy for interventions and outcome predictions. Discharge planning includes shared decisions among all stakeholders when coordinating primary care, pediatric subspecialty, and early intervention participation. Prioritizing social determinants of healthcare during FNN training strengthens equitable career long NNCC clinical practice, education, and research goals. These perspectives contribute to a life course brain health capital strategy that will benefit all persons across each and successive lifespans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Scher
- Pediatrics/Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
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Mulkey SB, Williams ME, Peyton C, Arroyave-Wessel M, Berl MM, Cure C, Msall ME. Understanding the multidimensional neurodevelopmental outcomes in children after congenital Zika virus exposure. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03056-z. [PMID: 38438554 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Since 2016, international research groups have focused on assessing outcomes of children with in utero Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure. While the more severe outcomes of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) occur in up to 10% of children with antenatal exposure, early findings among ZIKV-exposed children without CZS ages 0-5 years suggest that they may also have differences in multiple domains of neurodevelopment. Thus, longitudinal follow-up of all children with antenatal ZIKV exposure has been recommended. This review presents a summary of neurodevelopmental phenotypes of infants and children following antenatal ZIKV exposure. We present a multidimensional framework to understand child neurodevelopment from an interdisciplinary and whole-child perspective (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model) and multi-domain ZIKV Outcome Toolboxes. The toolboxes are for clinicians, researchers, child educators, and others to implement longitudinal multi-domain neurodevelopmental assessments between ages 0-12 years. Recent innovations in telehealth and neuroimaging can help evaluate outcomes in ZIKV exposed children. The objective is to describe the multiple facets of neurodevelopmental focused care that can support the health, function, and well-being of children with antenatal ZIKV exposure. The research and clinical follow-up strategies are applicable to ZIKV and other congenital infectious or environmental exposures that can impact child neurodevelopment. IMPACT: International longitudinal cohort studies have revealed a range of differences in neurodevelopment among children with antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure. A multidimensional and whole-child framework is necessary to understand the neurodevelopment of children with antenatal ZIKV exposure in relation to family life, community participation, and environment. Multi-domain toolboxes that utilize parent questionnaires and child evaluations are presented. These toolboxes can be used internationally alongside telehealth, brain imaging, and other innovations to improve understanding of child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Mulkey
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | | | - Colleen Peyton
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Madison M Berl
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Michael E Msall
- University of Chicago Medicine Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Chicago, IL, USA
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Venkatesan C, Cortezzo D, Habli M, Agarwal S. Interdisciplinary fetal neurology care: Current practice, challenges, and future directions. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 29:101523. [PMID: 38604916 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
As the field of fetal-neonatal neurology has expanded over the past 2 decades with increasingly complex diagnoses, multidisciplinary collaboration with many subspecialties including genetics, neonatology, obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, surgical sub-specialties, cardiology, radiology, palliative care, and ethics has needed to evolve to strive to offer optimal patient care. While comprehensive care delivery with an inter-disciplinary approach is preferred, there are often barriers based on numerous health disparities especially in resource limited settings. Even in the context of comprehensive care, diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty lead to challenges for providers during fetal neurology consultations. We present a case that highlights advantages of a comprehensive multi-disciplinary team in caring for the medical and social challenges of patients faced with a fetal neurologic diagnosis. Inter-disciplinary training focusing on maternal, fetal, neonatal, and childhood neurodevelopmental course and collaboration among the numerous stakeholders that contribute to fetal neurology practice is needed to provide optimal counseling and care for families faced with a fetal neurological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Venkatesan
- Pediatrics and Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, United States.
| | - DonnaMaria Cortezzo
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Divisions of Neonatal Pulmonary Biology and Pain and Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, United States
| | - Mounira Habli
- Trihealth Fetal Care Center. Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Co-Chair of Perinatal Research Committee at Good Samaritan Hospital, Principal Investigator of the NICHD MFMU Satellite Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, United States
| | - Sonika Agarwal
- Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, United States.
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Scher MS. The science of uncertainty guides fetal-neonatal neurology principles and practice: diagnostic-prognostic opportunities and challenges. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1335933. [PMID: 38352135 PMCID: PMC10861710 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1335933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal-neonatal neurologists (FNNs) consider diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic decisions strengthened by interdisciplinary collaborations. Bio-social perspectives of the woman's health influence evaluations of maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad, neonate, and child. A dual cognitive process integrates "fast thinking-slow thinking" to reach shared decisions that minimize bias and maintain trust. Assessing the science of uncertainty with uncertainties in science improves diagnostic choices across the developmental-aging continuum. Three case vignettes highlight challenges that illustrate this approach. The first maternal-fetal dyad involved a woman who had been recommended to terminate her pregnancy based on an incorrect diagnosis of an encephalocele. A meningocele was subsequently identified when she sought a second opinion with normal outcome for her child. The second vignette involved two pregnancies during which fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma was identified, suggesting tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). One woman sought an out-of-state termination without confirmation using fetal brain MRI or postmortem examination. The second woman requested pregnancy care with postnatal evaluations. Her adult child experiences challenges associated with TSC sequelae. The third vignette involved a prenatal diagnosis of an open neural tube defect with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The family requested prenatal surgical closure of the defect at another institution at their personal expense despite receiving a grave prognosis. The subsequent Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) would not have recommended this procedure. Their adult child requires medical care for global developmental delay, intractable epilepsy, and autism. These three evaluations involved uncertainties requiring shared clinical decisions among all stakeholders. Falsely negative or misleading positive interpretation of results reduced chances for optimal outcomes. FNN diagnostic skills require an understanding of dynamic gene-environment interactions affecting reproductive followed by pregnancy exposomes that influence the MPF triad health with fetal neuroplasticity consequences. Toxic stressor interplay can impair the neural exposome, expressed as anomalous and/or destructive fetal brain lesions. Functional improvements or permanent sequelae may be expressed across the lifespan. Equitable and compassionate healthcare for women and families require shared decisions that preserve pregnancy health, guided by person-specific racial-ethnic, religious, and bio-social perspectives. Applying developmental origins theory to neurologic principles and practice supports a brain health capital strategy for all persons across each generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Steven Scher
- Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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10
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Msall ME. Family Reflections on a Lifecourse Journey after Neonatal Intensive Care: Neurodiversity, Enablement and Hope. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:165. [PMID: 38397277 PMCID: PMC10887092 DOI: 10.3390/children11020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In 1969, my sister Christianne was born late preterm with a genetic disorder and given a very pessimistic prognosis. I will describe, from a family perspective, some lifecourse lessons about neurodiversity using the World Health Organization International Classification Model of Functioning (WHO-ICF). This model emphasizes that, in communicating about the complexity of outcomes of disability, attention must be paid to facilitators and barriers for optimizing health, functioning in daily life, and participation in the community. I will describe several developmental lifecourse lessons learned in negotiating fragmented systems of health, education, and community care. I will suggest ways to improve physician-parent communication, focusing on enablement to decrease a family's sense of isolation and despair. I have benefitted from my parents' archives, discussions with all my seven sisters (including Christianne), and discussions with my brother and sister-in law. They all have provided invaluable feedback from a family perspective during Christianne's lived lifecourse journey with neurodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Msall
- Section of Developmental Pediatrics, JP Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Comer Children's Hospital, University of Chicago Medicine, 950 East 61st Street Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1321674. [PMID: 38288328 PMCID: PMC10824035 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1321674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program over the first 1,000 days teaches perspectives of the neural exposome that are applicable across the life span. This curriculum strengthens neonatal neurocritical care, pediatric, and adult neurology training objectives. Teaching at maternal-pediatric hospital centers optimally merges reproductive, pregnancy, and pediatric approaches to healthcare. Phenotype-genotype expressions of health or disease pathways represent a dynamic neural exposome over developmental time. The science of uncertainty applied to FNN training re-enforces the importance of shared clinical decisions that minimize bias and reduce cognitive errors. Trainees select mentoring committee participants that will maximize their learning experiences. Standardized questions and oral presentations monitor educational progress. Master or doctoral defense preparation and competitive research funding can be goals for specific individuals. FNN principles applied to practice offer an understanding of gene-environment interactions that recognizes the effects of reproductive health on the maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonate, child, and adult. Pre-conception and prenatal adversities potentially diminish life-course brain health. Endogenous and exogenous toxic stressor interplay (TSI) alters the neural exposome through maladaptive developmental neuroplasticity. Developmental disorders and epilepsy are primarily expressed during the first 1,000 days. Communicable and noncommunicable illnesses continue to interact with the neural exposome to express diverse neurologic disorders across the lifespan, particularly during the critical/sensitive time periods of adolescence and reproductive senescence. Anomalous or destructive fetal neuropathologic lesions change clinical expressions across this developmental-aging continuum. An integrated understanding of reproductive, pregnancy, placental, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposome effects offers a life-course perspective of the neural exposome. Exosome research promises improved disease monitoring and drug delivery starting during pregnancy. Developmental origins of health and disease principles applied to FNN practice anticipate neurologic diagnoses with interventions that can benefit successive generations. Addressing health care disparities in the Global South and high-income country medical deserts require constructive dialogue among stakeholders to achieve medical equity. Population health policies require a brain capital strategy that reduces the global burden of neurologic diseases by applying FNN principles and practice. This integrative neurologic care approach will prolong survival with an improved quality of life for persons across the lifespan confronted with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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12
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Bernstein SM, Barks MC, Ubel PA, Weinfurt K, Barlet MH, Farley S, Jiao MG, Bansal S, Fisher K, Lemmon ME. Prognostic Discordance Among Parents and Physicians Caring for Infants with Neurologic Conditions. J Pediatr 2023; 263:113677. [PMID: 37611734 PMCID: PMC10841319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency, degree, and nature of prognostic discordance between parents and physicians caring for infants with neurologic conditions. STUDY DESIGN In this observational cohort study, we enrolled parents and physicians caring for infants with neurologic conditions in advance of a family conference. Parent-physician dyads completed a postconference survey targeting expected neurologic outcomes across 3 domains (motor, speech, and cognition) using a 6-point scale. Prognostic discordance was defined as a difference of ≥2 response options and was considered moderate (difference of 2-3 response options) or high (difference of 4-5 response options). Responses were categorized as differences in belief and/or differences in understanding using an existing paradigm. RESULTS Forty parent-physician dyads of 28 infants completed surveys. Parent-physician discordance about prognosis occurred in ≥1 domain in the majority of dyads (n = 28/40, 70%). Discordance was generally moderate in degree (n = 23/28, 82%) and occurred with similar frequency across all domains. Of parent-physician dyads with discordance, the majority contained a difference in understanding in at least 1 domain (n = 25/28, 89%), while a minority contained a difference of belief (n = 6/28, 21%). When discordance was present, parents were typically more optimistic in their predictions compared with physicians (n = 25/28, 89%). CONCLUSIONS Differing perceptions about the prognosis of critically ill infants are common and due to differences in both understanding and belief. These findings can be used to develop targeted interventions to improve prognostic communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Bernstein
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
| | - Mary C Barks
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC
| | | | | | | | | | - Megan G Jiao
- Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Monica E Lemmon
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, Durham, NC
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Sleurs C, Fletcher P, Mallucci C, Avula S, Ajithkumar T. Neurocognitive Dysfunction After Treatment for Pediatric Brain Tumors: Subtype-Specific Findings and Proposal for Brain Network-Informed Evaluations. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1873-1886. [PMID: 37615933 PMCID: PMC10661593 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01096-9] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of long-term survivors of pediatric brain tumors requires us to incorporate the most recent knowledge derived from cognitive neuroscience into their oncological treatment. As the lesion itself, as well as each treatment, can cause specific neural damage, the long-term neurocognitive outcomes are highly complex and challenging to assess. The number of neurocognitive studies in this population grows exponentially worldwide, motivating modern neuroscience to provide guidance in follow-up before, during and after treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of structural and functional brain connectomes and their role in the neuropsychological outcomes of specific brain tumor types. Based on this information, we propose a theoretical neuroscientific framework to apply appropriate neuropsychological and imaging follow-up for future clinical care and rehabilitation trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Sleurs
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Paul Fletcher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Conor Mallucci
- Department of Neurosurgery, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L14 5AB, UK
| | - Shivaram Avula
- Department of Radiology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L14 5AB, UK
| | - Thankamma Ajithkumar
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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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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Treat L, Dingman A. What Do Parents of Seriously Ill Infants With Neurologic Conditions Want From Their Medical Team? Starting Out With Care. Neurology 2023; 100:361-362. [PMID: 36456198 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Treat
- From the Section of Neurology (L.T., A.D.), and Section of Palliative Medicine (L.T., A.D.), Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Andra Dingman
- From the Section of Neurology (L.T., A.D.), and Section of Palliative Medicine (L.T., A.D.), Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora.
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