The ethics of infant dialysis.
The proper treatment of an infant with end-stage renal disease depends upon a number of factors including parental willingness to take on the task, experience of the health-care team, local and regional resources, and society's willingness to accept this support as a standard of care. Whereas the ability to keep infants alive on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is obtainable, it is not without physical, financial, as well as emotional cost. In order for a family to agree to take on such a task, an understanding of the risks and long-term prognosis should be offered. This "informed consent" is difficult to obtain in such a highly charged situation when emotions often dictate choice independently of logic. Long-term outcome of infants on PD has improved over time, yet is still fraught with complications. Options of treatment or nontreatment are explored.
Bunchman
T E
TE
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000151:congenital / Q000628:therapy*; D007872:Legal Guardians; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation; D014481:United States