title: Withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining treatment for newborn infants.
abstract: In the last two decades the survival of extreme preterm infants and sick newborn infants has improved significantly due to the advances in perinatal medicine. Despite this advance, for some babies, withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining treatment may be the best option in the interest of the baby. An overview of when to consider withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining treatment is described. The decision making process and factors influencing parents decision, how to resolve disagreement, what treatment can be withheld or withdrawn are explained. High quality palliative care must be provided after withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining treatment.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Unit, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Homerton Row, London, UK. Narendra.aladangady@homerton.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Narendra
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aladangady
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: de Rooy
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017008:Negotiating / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*