Clinical-epidemiological profile of children in palliative care

Abstract

This study analyzes the clinical-epidemiological profile of children assisted by the palliative care services of a reference hospital in Ceará, Brazil. A retrospective, quantitative, case series cohort study was conducted with 56 patients aged up to 2 years, 11 months and 29 days. Nervous system and circulatory system diseases, congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal anomalies were the most common illnesses. Severe and non-progressive disabling conditions were the main criteria for inclusion in palliative care. As for family conference, the mother was present in 94.6% of the cases. Death (58.9%) was the main outcome, being associated with circulatory system and nervous system diseases, use of respiratory device and mechanical ventilation, requesting sector and palliative care. In conclusion, pediatric palliative care aimed at non-cancer patients has generated new hospital demands, requiring a trained team sensitive to this new reality.