Ethics Roundtable: How Much is Too Much?

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2023 Jan;40(1):106-110. doi: 10.1177/10499091221088829. Epub 2022 Apr 24.

Abstract

How should the medical team approach care for a very preterm infant with a significant painful and life-limiting condition when the parents wish to pursue all life-sustaining therapies? Here, we discuss a case of an infant born at 28 weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of Carmi syndrome (junctional epidermolysis bullosa and pyloric atresia). While the medical team felt that a do-not-resuscitate order and redirection to comfort care were appropriate, the family held on to hope for recovery and wished to continue with full intensive care measures.

Keywords: Carmi syndrome; end-of-life; epidermolysis bullosa; ethics; life-limiting condition; palliative care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ectodermal Dysplasia*
  • Gastric Outlet Obstruction*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Pylorus / abnormalities