ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) occurs commonly in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs; <30 weeks' GA). Early, concurrent neonatal use of indomethacin (Neo_IN) and hydrocortisone (Neo_HC) is a known risk for SIP. Mothers in premature labor often receive indomethacin (Mat_IN) for tocolysis and steroids (Mat_S) for fetal maturation. Coincidentally, ELGANs may receive Neo_IN or Neo_HC within the first week of life. There are limited data on the effect of combined exposures to maternal and neonatal medications. We hypothesized that proximity exposure to these medications may increase the risk of SIP. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the medical records of ELGANs from June 2014 to December 2019 at a single level III neonatal intensive care unit. We compared antenatal and postnatal indomethacin and steroid use between neonates with and without SIP. For analysis, chi-square, Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. RESULTS: Among 417 ELGANs, SIP was diagnosed in 23, predominantly in neonates < 26 weeks' GA (n = 21/126, 16.7%). Risk factors analysis focused on this GA cohort in which SIP was most prevalent. Mat_IN administration within 2 days of delivery increased SIP risk (odds ratio: 3; 95% confidence interval: 1.25-7.94; p = 0.036). Neo_HC was not independently associated with SIP (p = 0.38). A higher proportion of SIP group had close temporal exposure of Mat_IN and Neo_HC compared with the non-SIP group, though not statistically significant (14 vs. 7%, p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: Peripartum Mat_IN was associated with increased risk for SIP in this small study sample. Larger studies are needed to further delineate SIP risk from the interaction of peripartum maternal medication with early postnatal therapies and disease pathophysiology. KEY POINTS: · Perinatal indomethacin is associated with SIP in preterm infants born at less than 26 weeks.. · Temporal proximity of prenatal/postnatal medication exposure matters.. · Indomethacin and Hydrocortisone the risks, benefits, and timing related to SIP..
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Benevolent injustice occurs when well-intentioned treatment efforts produce an outcome that limits the potential of a patient. The unintended harm can result in significant moral distress for the family and the healthcare team. CLINICAL FINDINGS: We discussed an ethical dilemma regarding a neonate who had suspected seizure and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after home birth delivery. The healthcare team experienced moral distress about the mother's desire to not use anti-seizure medications and instead trial other interventions such as cuddling. Subsequently, clinical analysis ruled out a seizure disorder. Genetic studies on this neonate confirmed hereditary hyperekplexia, which presented as exaggerated Moro reflex and apnea that mimicked seizure. INTERVENTION: We discussed how applying any one of the 4 basic ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, or justice could counteract benevolent injustice and moral distress. OUTCOMES: Discussions with the patient's mother and nurse allowed the team to overcome their reluctance to try the mother's treatment recommendations. This resulted in adopting the seemingly counterintuitive intervention of cuddling that turned out to be effective for this neonate with hereditary hyperekplexia. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: The moral distress associated with benevolent injustice should be identified early to minimize long-term consequences to the patient, family, and healthcare team. Healthcare teams should learn to apply ethical principles when discussing patient care concerns in an unbiased manner. Guided ethical discussions allow us to be more efficient in providing family-centered care that aligns with the patient's best interest.
