Integrating neurocritical care approaches into neonatology: should all infants be treated equitably?

Journal Article (Journal Article)

To improve the neurologic outcomes for infants with brain injury, neonatal providers are increasingly implementing neurocritical care approaches into clinical practice. Term infants with brain injury have been principal beneficiaries of neurologically-integrated care models to date, as evidenced by the widespread adoption of therapeutic hypothermia protocols for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Innovative therapeutic and diagnostic support for very low birth weight infants with brain injury has lagged behind. Given that concern for significant future neurodevelopmental impairment can lead to decisions to withdraw life supportive care at any gestational age, providing families with accurate prognostic information is essential for all infants. Current variable application of multidisciplinary neurocritical care approaches to infants at different gestational ages may be ethically problematic and reflect distinct perceptions of brain injury for infants born extremely premature.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Mann, PC; Gospe, SM; Steinman, KJ; Wilfond, BS

Published Date

  • December 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 35 / 12

Start / End Page

  • 977 - 981

PubMed ID

  • 26248128

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1476-5543

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/jp.2015.95

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States