New Challenges with Treatment Advances in Newborn Infants with Genetic Disorders and Severe Congenital Malformations

Abstract

Advances in the prognosis of relevant syndromes and severe congenital malformations in infants during the last few decades have enabled the treatment and survival of an ever-increasing number of infants, whose prospects were previously judged futile by professional health care teams. This required detailed counselling for families, which frequently started before birth when a diagnosis was made using genetic testing or ultrasound. Predictions of the estimated prognosis, and frequently the more-or-less broad range of prospects, needed to include the chances of survival and data on acute and long-term morbidities. However, in the interest of a having an informed basis for parental decision-making with a professional interdisciplinary team, this process needs to acknowledge the rights of the parents for a comprehensive presentation of the expected quality of life of their child, the potential consequences for family life, and the couple’s own relationship. Besides expert advice, professional psychological and familial support is needed as a basis for a well-founded decision regarding the best treatment options for the child. It needs to be acknowledged by the professional team that the parental estimate of a “good outcome” or quality of life does not necessarily reflect the attitudes and recommendations of the professional team. Building a mutually trusting relationship is essential to avoid decision conflicts.