How Much Is Too Much? Ethical Considerations and Decision-Making in Pediatric Critical Care Neurology

Ethical issues in the critical care unit frequently arise in children with neurological conditions with common questions including how aggressively to treat medical problems in the severely compromised patient who is in either a permanent vegetative or minimally conscious state —whether to treat a pneumonia, or replace an intracranial shunt, start dialysis, mechanical ventilation, or tube feedings. While these interventions can often prolong life, they are potentially burdensome. This session will review key ethical issues that may arise including informed consent, futility, and justice/rationing.