Decision-making at the limit of viability

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Lemos, A (Author) Other; Henrique Soares (Author) FMUP; Guimarães H (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Minerva Pediatrica

Vol. 73

Pages: 348-362

ISSN: 0026-4946

Publisher: EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-H3H

DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.20.05825-9

Abstract (EN): Babies born at the limit of viability have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Despite great advances in science, the approach to these newborns remains challenging. Thus, this study reviewed the literature regarding the treatment of newborns at the limit of viability. There are several interventions that can be applied before and after birth to increase the baby's survival with the least sequelae possible, but different countries make different recommendations on the gestational age that each treatment should be given. There is more consensus on the extremities of viability, being that, at the lower extremity, comfort care is preferred and active care in newborns with higher gestational age. The higher the gestational age at birth, the higher the survival and survival without morbidity rates. At all gestational ages, it is important to take into account the suffering of these babies and to provide them the best quality of life possible. Sometimes palliative care is the best therapeutic approach. The parents of these babies should be included in the decision-making process, if they wish, always respecting their needs and wishes. Nevertheless, the process of having such an immature child can be very painful for parents, so it is also important to take into account their suffering and provide them with all the necessary support. This support should be maintained even after the death of the newborn.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15