title: The mathematics of morality for neonatal resuscitation.
abstract: This article discusses the ethical issues surrounding the resuscitation of infants who are at great risk to die or survive with significant morbidity. Data are introduced regarding money, outcomes, and prediction. Gestational age influences some of the outcomes after birth more than others do. Prediction is possible at four stages of the resuscitation process. Data suggest that antenatal and delivery room predictions are inadequate, and prediction at the time of discharge is too late. The predictive value (>95%) for the outcome of death or survival with neurodevelopmental impairment is discussed.
authors.affiliation: The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. wlm1@uchicago.edu
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meadow
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lagatta
authors.forename: Bree
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lantos
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000191:economics*; D019545:Intuition; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000191:economics*; D016019:Survival Analysis