RESUMEN
El objetivo del trabajo es analizar dos conductas médicas opuestas en la vida prenatal de los niños con trisomía 18: el aborto y los cuidados paliativos perinatales. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed a partir de los términos "trisomy 18", "abortion" y "palliative care". Actualmente, están cambiando las conductas médicas dirigidas a los niños nacidos con trisomía 18, debido a que ya no se la considera una enfermedad incompatible con la vida. Este cambio de paradigma en la conducta médica posnatal debería reflejarse en la conducta prenatal, para ofrecer a los padres alternativas distintas al aborto. Los cuidados paliativos fetales y perinatales constituyen una respuesta ética válida para el tratamiento de niños con trisomía 18.
This article intends to analyze two opposing medical behaviors in the prenatal life of children with trisomy 18: abortion and perinatal palliative care. A literature search was carried out in PubMed using the terms "trisomy 18," "abortion," and "palliative care." Medical behaviors toward children born with trisomy 18 are changing because it is no longer considered a disease incompatible with life. This paradigm shift in postnatal medical conduct should be reflected in prenatal behavior to offer parents alternatives to abortion. Fetal and perinatal palliative care is a valid ethical response for treating children with trisomy 18.
O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar duas condutas médicas opostas na vida pré-natal das crianças com trissomia 18: o aborto e os cuidados paliativos perinatais. Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica no PubMed a partir dos termos "trisomy 18", "abortion" e "palliative care". Atualmente, as condutas médicas para com as crianças nascidas com trissomia 18 estão mudando devido a não ser considerada mais como uma doença incompatível com a vida. Essa mudança de paradigma na conduta médica pós-natal deveria ser refletida na conduta pré-natal, para oferecer aos pais alternativas diferentes do aborto. Os cuidados paliativos fetais e perinatais constituem uma resposta ética válida para tratar crianças com trissomia 18.
RESUMEN
Until recently, trisomy 18 was considered a disease incompatible with life, with a high percentage of electively terminated pregnancies. The usual behavior was denial of treatment. But some medical interventions have changed the survival of children. A search for articles published in the PubMed database on the latest medical decisions in newborns with trisomy 18 was done. Two main subjects were examined: (1) the chances of survival and (2) the perception of quality of life. Trisomy 18 is no longer considered a disease incompatible with life, and the discussion has shifted towards the type of treatment that is appropriate to initiate at birth. There are two medical attitudes towards these children: either palliative care or life-prolonging interventions. With medical intervention, the survival is as high as 23% at 5 years of age. Regarding the quality of life, all decision-makers emphasize the possibility of taking the child home. The physicians' perception is more pessimistic than that of the parents. Only a few children benefit from medical interventions.Conclusion: There is a rethinking of treatment behavior in children with trisomy 18. The possible quality of life achieved should be further investigated. It seems inappropriate to simply dismiss medical interventions.What is Known⢠Until recently, trisomy 18 was considered a disease incompatible with life. The most common behavior was abortion and denial of treatment.What is New⢠It is no longer considered a lethal disease. The type of medical intervention that is appropriate to perform is now being discussed. Selected children benefit from an interventionist approach.
