Faculty Collaboration Database

The ethics of withholding/withdrawing nutrition in the newborn. Semin Perinatol 2003 Dec;27(6):480-7

Date

01/27/2004

Pubmed ID

14740946

DOI

10.1053/j.semperi.2003.10.007

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0346394860 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   56 Citations

Abstract

The provision of nutrition and hydration to newborn infants is considered fundamental care. For premature and critically ill newborns, similar considerations generally hold true. Nutrition may be provided for these infants using assisted measures such as parenteral nutrition or tube feedings. However, for some newborn infants the provision of medically assisted nutrition may be a more complicated issue. In particular, the goals of nutrition need to be clearly elaborated for newborns with lethal conditions or for whom appropriately administered intensive care is unsuccessful in sustaining life. These infants may benefit from palliative measures of care and a limitation or withdrawal of burdensome or nonbeneficial interventions. This article explores issues pertinent to deciding and communicating the appropriate withdrawal of medically assisted nutrition and implementing palliative comfort measures.

Author List

Carter BS, Leuthner SR

Author

Steven R. Leuthner MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Emotions
Ethics, Medical
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Newborn, Diseases
Infant, Premature
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Nutritional Support
Pediatric Assistants