title: Persistent vegetative state: an ethical reappraisal.
abstract: New knowledge from scientific research on vegetative state (VS) and its consequences in clinical practice are reviewed. The ambiguity of the concept of consciousness and the difficult issue of its moral significance are then examined. The Authors stress the need for longitudinal prognostic studies, the promotion of an expert widespread use of standardized behavioural scales, and recommend that the ethical debate about VS rely upon the widest consensus of the scientific community.
authors: Neurologa, UOC Neurologia, PTP Nuovo Regina Margherita, Rome, Italy. dantarquini@gmail.com
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Tarquini
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Congedo
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Formaglio
authors: Maddalena
authors: M
authors: Gasparini
authors: Norina
authors: N
authors: Marcello
authors: Corinna
authors: C
authors: Porteri
authors: Eugenio
authors: E
authors: Pucci
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Zullo
authors: Carlo A
authors: CA
authors: Defanti
mesh_terms: D003243:Consciousness / Q000941:ethics* / Q000502:physiology; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009014:Morals; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology