1
|
Syltern J. Scandinavian perspectives on life support at the border of viability. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1394077. [PMID: 38720944 PMCID: PMC11076765 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1394077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in neonatal medicine have allowed us to rescue extremely preterm infants. However, both long-term vulnerability and the burden of treatment in the neonatal period increase with decreasing gestational age. This raises questions about the justification of life support when a baby is born at the border of viability, and has led to a so-called "grey zone", where many professionals are unsure whether provision of life support is in the child's best interest. Despite cultural, political and economic similarities, the Scandinavian countries differ in their approach to periviable infants, as seen in their respective national guidelines and practices. In Sweden, guidelines and practice are more rescue-focused at the lower end of the border of viability, Danish guidelines emphasizes the need to involve parental views in the decision-making process, whereas Norway appears to be somewhere in between. In this paper, I will give an overview of national consensus documents and practices in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and reflect on the ethical justification for the different approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janicke Syltern
- Department of Neonatology, St. Olavs Hospital University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ravaldi C, Mercuro C, Mosconi L, Roper F, Lotto L, Vannacci A, Gavaruzzi T. Communication and shared decision-making after stillbirth: Results of the ShaDeS study. Women Birth 2023; 36:e518-e526. [PMID: 37062619 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.04.001] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared decision-making (SDM) is included in guidelines for bereavement care after a stillbirth, as it can improve women's long-term health and wellbeing. SDM within the stillbirth context is still not common, and Italy does not yet have standardised guidelines. AIM The ShaDeS (Shared Decision-Making in Stillbirth) study aims to investigate how Italian women with a stillbirth perceive their own centrality in decision-making processes around bereavement care and how this might impact satisfaction of care. METHODS The ShaDeS study is a cross-sectional study based on a web survey consisted of four sections: sociodemographic information and medical history, communication of bad news and bereavement care, decisions about childbirth (SDM-Q-9, SHARED, and DCS), and decisions and communication about autopsy (CPS). FINDINGS 187 women answered the survey. For the 41.1% of women that did not have an emergency childbirth, the SDM-Q-9 median score was 66.6 (0-100 range), and the SHARED median score was 3.5 (1-5 range). 29.4% of participants reached the proposed cutoff of 37.5 in the DCS (0-100 range) suggesting a difficulty in reaching decisions. Satisfaction scores were lower for those with such difficulties (p < 0.0001). Of the 64.5% of women that discussed autopsy, 28.3% were involved in an SDM approach, despite this being associated with higher levels of satisfaction of care (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION An SDM approach is only moderately widespread amongst our participants, despite it being significantly related to higher levels of satisfaction. Further studies should investigate the tools that both patients and healthcare professionals need for an SDM approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ravaldi
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Mercuro
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Mosconi
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bruno AM, Horns JJ, Allshouse AA, Metz TD, Debbink ML, Smid MC. Association Between Periviable Delivery and New Onset of or Exacerbation of Existing Mental Health Disorders. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:395-402. [PMID: 36657144 PMCID: PMC10477003 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether there is an association between periviable delivery and new onset of or exacerbation of existing mental health disorders within 12 months postpartum. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals with liveborn singleton neonates delivered at 22 or more weeks of gestation from 2008 to 2017 in the MarketScan Commercial Research Database. The exposure was periviable delivery , defined as delivery from 22 0/7 through 25 6/7 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was a mental health morbidity composite of one or more of the following: emergency department encounter associated with depression, anxiety, psychosis, posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, self-harm, or suicide; new psychotropic medication prescription; new behavioral therapy visit; and inpatient psychiatry admission in the 12 months postdelivery. Secondary outcomes included components of the primary composite. Those with and without periviable delivery were compared using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for clinically relevant covariates, with results reported as adjusted incident rate ratios (aIRRs). Effect modification by history of mental health diagnoses was assessed. Incidence of the primary outcome by 90-day intervals postdelivery was assessed. RESULTS Of 2,300,244 included deliveries, 16,275 (0.7%) were periviable. Individuals with periviable delivery were more likely to have a chronic health condition, to have undergone cesarean delivery, and to have experienced severe maternal morbidity. Periviable delivery was associated with a modestly increased risk of the primary composite outcome, occurring in 13.8% of individuals with periviable delivery and 11.0% of individuals without periviable delivery (aIRR 1.18, 95% CI 1.12-1.24). The highest-risk period for the composite primary outcome was the first 90 days in those with periviable delivery compared with those without periviable delivery (51.6% vs 42.4%; incident rate ratio 1.56, 95% CI 1.47-1.66). CONCLUSION Periviable delivery was associated with a modestly increased risk of mental health morbidity in the 12 months postpartum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Bruno
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, and Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, Utah
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thivierge E, Luu TM, Bourque CJ, Duquette LA, Pearce R, Jaworski M, Barrington KJ, Synnes A, Janvier A. Guilt and Regret Experienced by Parents of Children Born Extremely Preterm. J Pediatr 2022:S0022-3476(22)01019-8. [PMID: 36463935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore decisional regret of parents of babies born extremely preterm and analyze neonatal, pediatric, and parental factors associated with regret. STUDY DESIGN Parents of infants born <29 weeks of gestational age, aged between 18 months and 7 years, attending neonatal follow-up were enrolled. Hospital records were reviewed to examine morbidities and conversations with parents about levels of care. Parents were asked the following question: "Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?" Mixed methods were used to analyze responses. RESULTS In total, 248 parents (98% participation) answered, and 54% reported they did not have regret. Of those who reported regret (n = 113), 3 themes were most frequently invoked: 35% experienced guilt, thinking they were responsible for the preterm birth; 28% experienced regret about self-care decisions; and 20% regretted decisions related to their parental role, generally wishing they knew sooner how to get involved. None reported regret about life-and-death decisions made at birth or in the neonatal intensive care unit. Impairment at follow-up, gestational age, and decisions about levels/reorientation of care were not associated with regret. More mothers reported feeling guilt about the preterm birth (compared with fathers); parents of children with severe lesions on ultrasonography of the head were less likely to report regret. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-half of the parents of infants born extremely preterm had regrets regarding their neonatal intensive care unit stay. Causes of regret and guilt should be addressed and minimized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Thivierge
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada
| | - Claude Julie Bourque
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada; Unité d'éthique clinique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada; Centre d'excellence en éthique clinique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Rebecca Pearce
- Canadian Premature Baby Foundation, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Magdalena Jaworski
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; Unité d'éthique clinique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
| | - Keith J Barrington
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada
| | - Anne Synnes
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Women's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Annie Janvier
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada; Centre d'excellence en éthique clinique, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada; Bureau de l'éthique Clinique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada; Unité de soins palliatifs, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cavolo A. Embrace the Gray: How Tackling the Clinical Complexities of the Gray Zone Will Improve Decision-making. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2022; 22:40-43. [PMID: 36332041 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2123982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
|
6
|
De Proost L, Geurtzen R, Ismaili M'hamdi H, Reiss IKMI, Steegers EAPE, Joanne Verweij EJ. Prenatal counseling for extreme prematurity at the limit of viability: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:1743-1760. [PMID: 34872804 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore, based on the existing body of literature, main characteristics of prenatal counseling for parents at risk for extreme preterm birth. METHODS A scoping review was conducted searching Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. RESULTS 46 articles were included. 27 of them were published between 2017 and 2021. More than half of them were conducted in the United States of America. Many different study designs were represented. The following characteristics were identified: personalization, parent-physician relationships, shared decision-making, physician bias, emotions, anxiety, psychosocial factors, parental values, religion, spirituality, hope, quality of life, and uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Parental values are mentioned in 37 of the included articles. Besides this, uncertainty, shared decision-making, and emotions are most frequently mentioned in the literature. However, reflecting on the interrelation between all characteristics leads us to conclude that personalization is the most notable trend in prenatal counseling practices. More and more, it is valued to adjust the counseling to the parent(s). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This scoping review emphasizes again the complexity of prenatal counseling at the limit of viability. It offers an exploration of how it is currently approached, and reflects on how future research can contribute to optimizing it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lien De Proost
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands.
| | - Rosa Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hafez Ismaili M'hamdi
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - E A P Eric Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - E J Joanne Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|