Evidence map›Paper›PMID 31391703›Full record

ArticleMedical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)2019

Ethical and Legal Dilemmas Around Termination of Pregnancy for Severe Fetal Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida Aperta and Meningomyelocoella.

Anis Cerovac, Adnan Serak, Haris Zukic, Enida Nevacinovic, Dzenita Ljuca, Alma Brigic, Dubravko Habek

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Anis CerovacGeneral Hospital Tešanj, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Adnan SerakUniversity Clinical Center, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Haris ZukicUniversity Clinical Center, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Enida NevacinovicUniversity Clinical Center, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dzenita LjucaUniversity Clinical Center, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Alma BrigicUniversity Clinical Center, Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Tuzla, Medical Faculty, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dubravko HabekDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb and Croatian Catholic University Zagreb, Croatia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThere are many ethical and moral dilemmas regarding the termination of pregnancy(TOP) with severe fetal anomalies.

aimOur aim is to present a case of severe fetal hydrocephalus (HCP), spina bifida aperta and, meningomyelocoella (MMC). CASE REPORT: A gynecologist examined a 23-year-old patient with vital pregnancy of 24/25 week of gestation (WG) with the anomaly of the fetus. At the Perinatological Medical Advisory Board, a decision was made that the pregnancy should be continued and monitored bearing in mind that pregnancy exceeded the legal framework for TOP. Medical Advisory Board's ultrasound examination showed the following: severe hydrocephalus (HCP), spina bifida aperta, hyperehogen intestine, pes equinovarus. Via multidisciplinary consultation it was decided to make a delivery with the elective caesarian section (CS) causing as little trauma to the fetus as possible, with 37 WG completed due to the pelvic presentation and fetal anomalies. The patient gave birth via CS to a live female newborn-birth weight 3920 grams, birth length 56 cm, head circumference 48 cm, and Apgar score 8/8. The head was hydrocephalic with spaced suture. There was thoracolumbar defect of spina bifida aperta and meningomyelocele (MMC) 10x12 cm in size. An urgent surgical procedure - the external ventricular derivation of the liquor, and then the successful resection and plastic meningomyelocele was performed by a team of neuro and plastic surgeons. During the fourth postoperative day due to a suspicion of abscess collection and febrility of the mother a relaparotomy is performed and the abscess collection of Retzius space was found. Due to the fall in blood count, blood transfusion in a total dose of 580 ml was given. The patient was discharged on a home treatment as she had a regular general and local status. After the surgery, the condition of the newborn resulted in deterioration, the progression of HCP and dehiscence of head wounds and the thoracolumbar region, in spite of all the measures taken. At that time a decision was made to provide palliative care and this decision was conveyed to the mother. The child had a prolonged apnoeic episode and was not resuscitated. The child died in hospital after surviving for two months postpartum.

conclusionIndication of TOP based on fetal anomalies could be a medical decision but also a personal moral choice of the mother related to legal rules, socio-cultural values and religious beliefs.

Indexed as

Abnormalities, MultipleAbortion, EugenicFetal DiseasesHydrocephalusMeningomyeloceleSpina Bifida CysticaBosnia and HerzegovinaCesarean SectionFemaleGestational AgeHumansInfant, NewbornPalliative CarePregnancyPregnancy Trimester, SecondUltrasonography, PrenatalDeliveryEthicsFetal anomaliesFetus as a patientTermination of pregnancy

Identifiers

PMID31391703
PMCPMC6643355

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