Dying of a broken heart: ethics and law in a case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
The short life of Baby P is reviewed. Baby P was an infant girl who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and died at the age of 30 days. Effective, aggressive surgical treatment for this condition is rapidly developing in some countries, but is rarely available or successful in most. Baby P died without intervention. After presenting the history and background, the legal and ethical issues raised by this case regarding decision-making, futility, and best interests are reviewed.
Pager
C K
CK
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
D001315:Australia; D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018636:Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007258:Informed Consent; D018447:Medical Futility