Outcomes in Continuing Pregnancies Diagnosed with a Severe Fetal Abnormality and Implication of Antenatal Neonatology Consultation: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a population choosing to continue their pregnancy despite a severe fetal abnormality and to evaluate the role of antenatal neonatology consultation in perinatal decision-making.


METHODS
A 10-year (2005-2015) retrospective descriptive study in a single Multidisciplinary Prenatal Diagnosis Center in South France. A series of pregnancies with severe fetal abnormalities were collected by a person outside the decision making process and/or the child's care.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine pregnancies were included, among which 12 couples chose the perinatal palliative care. In total, there were 25 live births (10 later died, with median of survival of 52.5 h [16-943.5]); only five infants received a palliative care plan at birth.


CONCLUSIONS
The choice to continue a pregnancy diagnosed with severe fetal pathology is on the rise in France. Treatment options point to standardize perinatal palliative care provided by trained perinatal professionals using standardized practices.
a Department of Neonatology , Hospital Nord, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University , Marseille , France.
Laura
L
Hostalery
a Department of Neonatology , Hospital Nord, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University , Marseille , France.|b UMR 7268 ADÉS, Aix-Marseille Université/EFS/CNRS, Espace Éthique Méditerranéen, Hôpital Adultes La Timone , Marseille , France.
Barthélémy
B
Tosello
D000328:Adult; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D003376:Counseling; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009359:Neonatology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Prenatal diagnosis; fetal abnormality; information; palliative care; termination of pregnancy