Neonatology: First Exposure to Antibiotics from the Ethical Perspective of Parents, Physicians, and Regulators.

Abstract

Premature infants are an especially vulnerable group that often needs extended intensive care. Prematurity naturally hampers the development of the immune system, significantly increasing the risk of infections. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), antibiotic treatment is often a crucial, life-saving measure. For parents, the birth of a very preterm infant (before 32 weeks of gestation) turns what should be a happy event into a period filled with deep uncertainty and distress. Maintaining hope amid these difficulties relies heavily on maintaining regular communication with and trusting the medical team. Clinical realities in the NICU include a high risk of infection that requires multiple medications, including antibiotics. There is an inverse relationship between gestational age and pharmaceutical exposure. Parents worry about the amount of medication their child receives and the potential long-term effects on development. Over the past thirty years, initiatives such as antimicrobial stewardship programs have worked to reduce antibiotic use and treatment duration in the NICU, emphasizing proper care for premature infants worldwide. This article examines the ethical landscape from the perspectives of three primary stakeholders: parents, healthcare providers, and regulatory bodies. The key ethical question is whether these groups achieve meaningful cooperation or if institutional and professional priorities overshadow clinical practice. In the NICU, decision-making responsibility mainly lies with the medical team, as parents often have limited influence over treatment decisions, and regulatory oversight usually occurs indirectly. This concentration of authority underscores the complex and critical nature of neonatal intensive care.