Neuropalliative Care for Neonates

Neuropalliative Care for Neonates

Rent SM; Bidegain M; Bost MH; Hornik C; Lemmon ME

Journal of Child Neurology

2021

infant; neonate; neuropalliative care; pediatric; preterm; quality of life

Many childhood neurologic conditions are first diagnosed in the perinatal period and shorten or seriously alter the lives of affected infants. Neonatal neuropalliative care incorporates core practices and teachings of both neurology and palliative care and is directed toward patients and families affected by serious neurologic conditions in the antenatal and immediate newborn period. This review outlines key considerations for neurologists hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, in the neonatal intensive care unit, and around hospital discharge. We explore 4 core domains of neuropalliative care: (1) family-centered communication, (2) prognostication, (3) decision making, and (4) pain and symptom management. We address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts.

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December 2021 List