> premature infant that weighed a little over 600 grams at birth [...] and is thriving today
I'm very glad this turned out so well.
Survival rates for infants that premature/small are ~60% (up from basically zero 50 years ago), and many of those who survive have serious long-term issues. Still, since the standard of care started improving in the 1990's, some are now healthy adults.
But many premature babies get weeks or months of distressing care, only to die or become permanent wards. It's extremely difficult for the family, the caregivers, and the child.
It seems a bit off if the health economists only value the lives saved, and do not discount for the pain and suffering of others.
ECMO is the main driver of this. The main issue with prematurity is the underdevelopment of the lungs, and ECMO can give them time to develop minimally.
The law and physician/family relations are the other driver. The presumption to continue best available medical care is extremely strong medically and emotionally, and it's hard to overcome even with sober and clear-eyed participants.
ECMO the machine provides choices that are really, really hard to handle, and it makes working in the NICU a life-altering choice.
I'm very glad this turned out so well.
Survival rates for infants that premature/small are ~60% (up from basically zero 50 years ago), and many of those who survive have serious long-term issues. Still, since the standard of care started improving in the 1990's, some are now healthy adults.
But many premature babies get weeks or months of distressing care, only to die or become permanent wards. It's extremely difficult for the family, the caregivers, and the child.
It seems a bit off if the health economists only value the lives saved, and do not discount for the pain and suffering of others.
ECMO is the main driver of this. The main issue with prematurity is the underdevelopment of the lungs, and ECMO can give them time to develop minimally.
The law and physician/family relations are the other driver. The presumption to continue best available medical care is extremely strong medically and emotionally, and it's hard to overcome even with sober and clear-eyed participants.
ECMO the machine provides choices that are really, really hard to handle, and it makes working in the NICU a life-altering choice.