title: The ethics of withholding and withdrawing dialysis therapy in infants.
abstract: Pediatric nephrologists may encounter infants with renal failure who have either unexpectedly survived lung hypoplasia at birth or whose renal failure could be treated but comorbid conditions exist. As a member of the health care team, the pediatric nephrologist may be asked to guide therapeutic intervention with parents, family members, and other care-givers. We present a case study that illustrates some of the difficulties that may arise when conflicting social and economic pressures, as well as public opinion and legal authority, enter the decision-making process. Clinical, theoretical, legal, and economic considerations involved in the ethical decision process are presented. Some tentative guidelines for approaching such dilemmas are offered bearing in mind a goal of consensual decision making.
authors.affiliation: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Gwent Community Health Trust, St. Cadoc's Hospital, Caerleon, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shooter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy