[Ethical considerations in the management of premature newborns with severe intraventricular hemorrhage].

Abstract

Intracranial hemorrhage continues to be a prevalent pathology in preterm newborns, especially in those with lower gestational age and birth weight. It occurs more frequently in the first days of life, and the severity of bleeding is directly related to the degree of immaturity and other conditions of the patient. Intracranial hemorrhage is associated with a significant increased risk of mortality and, in those who survive, it is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and long-term disability. Establishing an accurate prognosis is essential but frequently it is difficult to assay, dealing with uncertainty that healthcare team and the family must consider when they have to decide about the goals of care to provide to the newborn, including withholding or withdrawing life support treatments. Reflections regarding the best interest of the newborn, the complexity of quality-of-life, end-of-life shared decision-making process, uncovered biases, parental values, emotions, preferences and hopes, should be included in these challenging bioethical considerations and communications with the family.