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Zaidi D, Kirkpatrick JN, Fedson SE, Hull SC. Deactivation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices at the End of Life: Narrative Review and Ethical Framework. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2023; 11:1481-1490. [PMID: 37768252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become an increasingly common advanced therapy in patients with severe symptomatic heart failure. Their unique nature in prolonging life through incorporation into the circulatory system raises ethical questions regarding patient identity and values, device ontology, and treatment categorization; approaching requests for LVAD deactivation requires consideration of these factors, among others. To that end, clinicians would benefit from a deeper understanding of: 1) the history and nature of LVADs; 2) the wider context of device deactivation and associated ethical considerations; and 3) an introductory framework incorporating best practices in requests for LVAD deactivation (specifically in controversial situations without obvious medical or device-related complications). In such decisions, heart failure teams can safeguard patient preferences without compromising ethical practice through more explicit advance care planning before LVAD implantation, early integration of hospice and palliative medicine specialists (maintained throughout the disease process), and further research interrogating behaviors and attitudes related to LVAD deactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danish Zaidi
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James N Kirkpatrick
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Savitri E Fedson
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Department of Medicine, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah C Hull
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Program for Biomedical Ethics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Hollander S, Char D. A Bridge to Nowhere. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:54-56. [PMID: 37220366 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2201228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
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Hollander SA, Wujcik K, Schmidt J, Liu E, Lin A, Dykes J, Good J, Brown M, Rosenthal D. Home Milrinone in Pediatric Hospice Care of Children with Heart Failure. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:216-221. [PMID: 36417945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.014] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The symptom profile of children dying from cardiac disease, especially heart failure, differs from those with cancer and other non-cardiac conditions. Treatment with vasoactive infusions at home may be a superior therapy for symptom control for these patients, rather than traditional pain and anxiety management with morphine and benzodiazepines. OBJECTIVES We report our experience using outpatient milrinone in children receiving hospice care for end-stage heart failure. METHODS Retrospective review of a contemporary cohort of all patients at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford who were discharged on intravenous milrinone and hospice care between 2008 and 2021. Clinical data, including cardiac diagnosis, milrinone dose and route of administration, total milrinone days, symptoms reported, rehospitalization rates, concurrent therapies and complications were analyzed. RESULTS Among 8 patients, median duration of home milrinone infusion was 191 (33, 572) days with the longest support duration 1,054 days. All (100%) patients were also receiving diuretics at the time of death. Five (63%) were receiving no other pain control medications until the active phase of dying. From milrinone initiation to last outpatient assessment, a reduction in the number of patients reporting respiratory discomfort, abdominal pain, weight loss/lack of appetite, and fatigue was observed. Six (75%) died at home. CONCLUSION We used milrinone with oral diuretics effectively for symptom control in children with heart failure on palliative care. Our experience was that this combination can be used safely in the outpatient setting for long-term use without the addition of opiates, benzodiazepines, or supplemental oxygen in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - Kari Wujcik
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Julie Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Esther Liu
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Aileen Lin
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - John Dykes
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Julie Good
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michelle Brown
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Tadros HJ, Gupta D. "A Good Death": Role of Shared Decision Making and Palliative Care in Children with Cardiac Disease. Pediatr Cardiol 2023; 44:958-959. [PMID: 36773076 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03124-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J Tadros
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dipankar Gupta
- Congenital Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Hollander SA, Pyke-Grimm KA, Shezad MF, Zafar F, Cousino MK, Feudtner C, Char DS. End-of-Life in Pediatric Patients Supported by Ventricular Assist Devices: A Network Database Cohort Study. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:41-50. [PMID: 36398973 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most pediatric patients on ventricular assist device (VAD) survive to transplantation. Approximately 15% will die on VAD support, and the circumstances at the end-of-life are not well understood. We, therefore, sought to characterize patient location and invasive interventions used at the time of death. DESIGN Retrospective database study of a cohort meeting inclusion criteria. SETTING Thirty-six centers participating in the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Registry. PATIENTS Children who died on VAD therapy in the period March 2012 to September 2021. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of the 117 of 721 patients (16%) who died on VAD, the median (interquartile range) age was 5 years (1-16 yr) at 43 days (17-91 d) postimplant. Initial goals of therapy were bridge to consideration for candidacy for transplantation in 60 of 117 (51%), bridge to transplantation in 44 of 117 (38%), bridge to recovery 11 of 117 (9%), or destination therapy (i.e., VAD as the endpoint) in two of 117 (2%). The most common cause of death was multiple organ failure in 35 of 117 (30%), followed by infection in 12 of 117 (10%). Eighty-five of 92 (92%) died with a functioning device in place. Most patients were receiving invasive interventions (mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, etc.) at the end of life. Twelve patients (10%) died at home. CONCLUSIONS One-in-six pediatric VAD patients die while receiving device support, with death occurring soon after implant and usually from noncardiac causes. Aggressive interventions are common at the end-of-life. The ACTION Registry data should inform future practices to promote informed patient/family and clinician decision-making to hopefully reduce suffering at the end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Kimberly A Pyke-Grimm
- Departments of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology), and Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Muhammad F Shezad
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Farhan Zafar
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Melissa K Cousino
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics (General Pediatrics), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Danton S Char
- Department of Anesthesia (Pediatric Cardiac), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
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Char D, Gal D, Hollander S. Sharing Decisions When Withdrawing a Technology Is Not the Same as Withholding It. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2022; 22:69-72. [PMID: 36332051 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2123976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana Gal
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
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State of the science and future research directions in palliative and end-of-life care in paediatric cardiology: a report from the Harvard Radcliffe Accelerator Workshop. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:431-436. [PMID: 34162454 PMCID: PMC8702572 DOI: 10.1017/s104795112100233x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Workshop proceedings, priorities, and recommendations from the "State of the Science and Future Directions in Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Pediatric Cardiology," a Harvard Radcliffe Accelerator Workshop, are detailed. Eight priorities for research were identified, including patient and family decision making, communication, patient and family experience, patient symptom measurement and management, training and curriculum development, teamwork, family hardships and bereavement, and ethical considerations. Barriers to research in this area were also identified: lack of outcome/measurement tools, lack of research funding, small population sizes, lack of effort/protected time for research, undervalued research topic by field and colleagues, and heterogeneous research participant diversity. Priorities and barriers were mostly consistent with those reported by the field of paediatric palliative care at large. These collective, consensus-based findings from diverse, multidisciplinary leaders in the field, as well as parent representatives, provide a catalyst for scientific advancement specific to paediatric and end-of-life care in paediatric cardiology.
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8
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Char DS, Hollander SA, Feudtner C. Compassionate Deactivation of Ventricular Assist Devices in Children with Heart Failure. ASAIO J 2021; 67:1187-1188. [PMID: 34352820 DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000001545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Danton S Char
- Division of Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Seth A Hollander
- Pediatric Heart Failure & Transplantation Section, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Chris Feudtner
- The Department of Medical Ethics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Healthcare Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania
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Hollander SA, Kaufman BD, Bui C, Gregori B, Murray JM, Sacks L, Ryan KR, Ma M, Rosenthal DN, Char D. Compassionate Deactivation of Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices: A Review of 14 Cases. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:523-528. [PMID: 33910026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Compassionate deactivation (CD) of ventricular assist device (VAD) support is a recognized option for children when the burden of therapy outweighs the benefits. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence, indications, and outcomes of CD of children supported by VADs at the end of life. METHODS Review of cases of CD at our institution between 2011 and 2020. To distinguish CD from other situations where VAD support is discontinued, patients were excluded from the study if they died during resuscitation (including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), experienced brain or circulatory death prior to deactivation, or experienced a non-survivable brain injury likely to result in imminent death regardless of VAD status. RESULTS Of 24 deaths on VAD, 14 (58%) were CD. Median age was 5.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.6, 11.6) years; 6 (43%) had congenital heart disease; 4 (29%) were on a device that can be used outside of the hospital. CD occurred after 40 (IQR: 26, 75) days of support; none while active transplant candidates. CD discussions were initiated by the caregiver in 6 (43%) cases, with the remainder initiated by a medical provider. Reasons for CD were multifactorial, including end-organ injury, infection, and stroke. CD occurred with endotracheal extubation and/or discontinuation of inotropes in 12 (86%) cases, and death occurred within 10 (IQR: 4, 23) minutes of CD. CONCLUSION CD is the mode of death in more than half of our VAD non-survivors and is pursued for reasons primarily related to noncardiac events. Caregivers and providers both initiate CD discussions. Ventilatory and inotropic support is often withdrawn at time of CD with ensuing death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - Beth D Kaufman
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Christine Bui
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bianca Gregori
- Department of Social Work, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (B.G.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Jenna M Murray
- Solid Organ Transplant Services, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (J.M.M), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Loren Sacks
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kathleen R Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michael Ma
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine (M.M.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David N Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University School of Medicine (S.A.H., B.D.K., C.B., L.S., K.R.R., D.N.R.), Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Danton Char
- Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine (D.C.), Palo Alto, California, USA
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Pediatric Palliative Care in the Heart Failure, Ventricular Assist Device and Transplant Populations: Supporting Patients, Families and Their Clinical Teams. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060468. [PMID: 34199474 PMCID: PMC8228348 DOI: 10.3390/children8060468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is a life-changing diagnosis for a child and their family. Pediatric patients with heart failure experience significant morbidity and frequent hospitalizations, and many require advanced therapies such as mechanical circulatory support and/or heart transplantation. Pediatric palliative care is an integral resource for the care of patients with heart failure along its continuum. This includes support during the grief of a new diagnosis in a child critically ill with decompensated heart failure, discussion of goals of care and the complexities of mechanical circulatory support, the pensive wait for heart transplantation, and symptom management and psychosocial support throughout the journey. In this article, we discuss the scope of pediatric palliative care in the realm of pediatric heart failure, ventricular assist device (VAD) support, and heart transplantation. We review the limited, albeit growing, literature in this field, with an added focus on difficult conversation and decision support surrounding re-transplantation, HF in young adults with congenital heart disease, the possibility of destination therapy VAD, and the grimmest decision of VAD de-activation.
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Lorts A, Conway J, Schweiger M, Adachi I, Amdani S, Auerbach SR, Barr C, Bleiweis MS, Blume ED, Burstein DS, Cedars A, Chen S, Cousino-Hood MK, Daly KP, Danziger-Isakov LA, Dubyk N, Eastaugh L, Friedland-Little J, Gajarski R, Hasan A, Hawkins B, Jeewa A, Kindel SJ, Kogaki S, Lantz J, Law SP, Maeda K, Mathew J, May LJ, Miera O, Murray J, Niebler RA, O'Connor MJ, Özbaran M, Peng DM, Philip J, Reardon LC, Rosenthal DN, Rossano J, Salazar L, Schumacher KR, Simpson KE, Stiller B, Sutcliffe DL, Tunuguntla H, VanderPluym C, Villa C, Wearden PD, Zafar F, Zimpfer D, Zinn MD, Morales IRD, Cowger J, Buchholz H, Amodeo A. ISHLT consensus statement for the selection and management of pediatric and congenital heart disease patients on ventricular assist devices Endorsed by the American Heart Association. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021; 40:709-732. [PMID: 34193359 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lorts
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | | | - Martin Schweiger
- Universitäts-Kinderspitals Zürich - Herzchirurgie, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Iki Adachi
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Scott R Auerbach
- Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital of Colorado, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Charlotte Barr
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark S Bleiweis
- Shands Children's Hospital, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | | | - Ari Cedars
- Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sharon Chen
- Stanford Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | | | - Kevin P Daly
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lara A Danziger-Isakov
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nicole Dubyk
- Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lucas Eastaugh
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Asif Hasan
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Beth Hawkins
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aamir Jeewa
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven J Kindel
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Herma Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Winscoin
| | | | - Jodie Lantz
- Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sabrina P Law
- Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Katsuhide Maeda
- Stanford Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jacob Mathew
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Jenna Murray
- Stanford Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Robert A Niebler
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin and Herma Heart Institute, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Winscoin
| | | | | | - David M Peng
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Joseph Philip
- Shands Children's Hospital, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - David N Rosenthal
- Stanford Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Joseph Rossano
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Kurt R Schumacher
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - David L Sutcliffe
- Children's Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | - Chet Villa
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Farhan Zafar
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Matthew D Zinn
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Joong A, Gossett JG, Blume ED, Thrush P, Pahl E, Mongé MC, Backer CL, Patel A. Variability in clinical decision-making for ventricular assist device implantation in pediatrics. Pediatr Transplant 2020; 24:e13840. [PMID: 33070459 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal data exist on clinical decision-making in VAD implantation in pediatrics. This study aims to identify areas of consensus/variability among pediatric VAD physicians in determining eligibility and factors that guide decision-making. METHODS An 88-item survey with clinical vignettes was sent to 132 pediatric HT cardiologists and surgeons at 37 centers. Summary statistics are presented for the variables assessed. RESULTS Total respondents were 65 (72% cardiologists, 28% surgeons) whose centers implanted 1-5 (34%), 6-10 (40%), or >10 (26%) VADs in the past year. Consensus varied by patients' age, diagnosis, and Pedimacs profile. Highest agreement to offer VAD (97%) was a mechanically ventilated teenager with dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients stable on inotropes were less likely offered VAD (11%-25%). SV infant with Pedimacs profile 2 had the most varied responses: 37% offered VAD; estimated survival ranged from 15% to 90%. Variables considered for VAD eligibility included mild developmental delays (100% offered VAD), moderate-severe behavioral concerns (46%), cancer in remission >2 years (100%), active malignancy with good prognosis (68%) or uncertain prognosis (36%), and BMI >35 (74%) or <15 (69%). Most respondents (91%) would consider destination therapy VADs in pediatrics, though not currently feasible at 1/3 of centers. Factors with greatest influence on decision-making included HT candidacy, families' goals of care, and risks of complications. CONCLUSIONS Significant variation exists among pediatric VAD physicians when determining VAD eligibility and estimating survival, which can lead to differences in access to emerging technologies across institutions. Further work is needed to understand and mitigate these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Joong
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Gossett
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Benioff Children's Hospital, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip Thrush
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elfriede Pahl
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael C Mongé
- Division of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carl L Backer
- Section of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, UK Healthcare Kentucky Children's Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Angira Patel
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Knoll C, Kaufman B, Chen S, Murray J, Cohen H, Sourkes BM, Rosenthal DN, Hollander SA. Palliative Care Engagement for Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Patients: A Single-Center Experience. ASAIO J 2020; 66:929-932. [PMID: 32740354 DOI: 10.1097/mat.0000000000001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Outcomes in pediatric patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) for advanced heart failure (HF) are improving, but the risk of associated morbidity and mortality remains substantial. Few data exist on the involvement of pediatric palliative care (PPC) in this high-risk patient population. We aimed to characterize the extent of palliative care involvement in the care of patients requiring VAD placement at our institution. Single-center retrospective chart review analyzing all VAD patients at a large pediatric center over a 4 year period. Timing and extent of palliative care subspecialty involvement were analyzed. Between January 2014 and December 2017, 55 HF patients underwent VAD implantation at our institution. Pediatric palliative care utilization steadily increased over consecutive years (2014: <10% of patients, 2015: 20% of patients, 2016: 50% of patients, and 2017: 65% of patients) and occurred in 42% (n = 23) of all patients. Of these, 57% (n = 13) occurred before VAD placement while 43% (n = 10) occurred after implantation. Patients who died during their VAD implant hospitalization (24%, n = 13) were nearly twice as likely to have PPC involvement (62%) as those who reached transplant (38%). Of those who died, patients who had PPC involved in their care were more likely to limit resuscitation efforts before their death. Four patients had advanced directives in place before VAD implant, of which three had PPC consultation before device placement. Three families (5%) refused PPC involvement when offered. Pediatric palliative care utilization is increasing in VAD patients at our institution. Early PPC involvement occurred in the majority of patients and appears to lead to more frequent discussion of goals-of-care and advanced directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Knoll
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Beth Kaufman
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Sharon Chen
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jenna Murray
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Harvey Cohen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Barbara M Sourkes
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - David N Rosenthal
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Seth A Hollander
- From the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
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14
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Joong A, Derrington SF, Patel A, Thrush PT, Allen KY, Marino BS. Providing Compassionate End of Life Care in the Setting of Mechanical Circulatory Support. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-019-00206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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