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Published on: April 7, 2023
Communicating with parents of children with trisomy 13 or 18 who seek cardiac interventions
Meaghann S Weaver1, John Lantos2, Kelly Hauschild3
1Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Omaha, NE, USA.
Insights
Children with trisomy 18 were denied life-saving cardiac surgery. This case report advocates for individualized care, considering goals and comorbidities, for children with trisomy 13 or 18 undergoing cardiac interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Clinical Genetics
- Bioethics
Background:
- Trisomy 13 and 18 are severe genetic disorders often associated with complex congenital heart defects.
- Decisions regarding cardiac surgery for these children can be challenging and ethically complex.
- Previous care experiences highlight disparities in access to surgical interventions.
Abstract:
This case report shares the story of a family who sought care elsewhere after their daughter was denied cardiac surgery in their home state because she had trisomy 18. This case report recommends case-by-case assessment of cardiac surgical interventions for children with trisomy 13 or 18 as informed by review of goals, assessment of comorbidities, and literature-informed practice. Coordinated care planning and interdisciplinary communication are relevant in cardiac surgical considerations for children with these underlying genetic conditions.
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