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[Medical, juridical and ethical problems in permanent vegetative state]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|July 9, 1996
Summary
Epidemiological data on permanent vegetative state (PVS) are lacking in Europe. Applying UK data to Switzerland suggests an annual incidence of 70 PVS cases and a prevalence of 200-350, prompting ethical discussions on life-sustaining measures.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Medical Ethics
Context:
- Limited epidemiological data on permanent vegetative state (PVS) in Europe over the past 12 years, excluding the UK.
- Need for European data to inform clinical and ethical decision-making.
Purpose:
- To estimate the incidence and prevalence of PVS in Switzerland based on existing UK and Japanese data.
- To summarize the medical, legal, and ethical arguments for ending life-sustaining measures in established PVS cases.
Summary:
- Projected annual incidence of approximately 70 PVS cases in Switzerland (population 7 million).
- Estimated PVS prevalence in Switzerland ranges from 200 to 350 cases.
- Discussion of ethical postulates from Anglo-American societies regarding the cessation of life-sustaining treatment for PVS.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for PVS epidemiological studies in Europe.
- Provides a basis for ethical and legal discussions on patient care and end-of-life decisions in PVS.
- Informs healthcare policy and resource allocation for neurological conditions.