Practices and Attitudes of Canadian Cardiologists Caring for Patients with Trisomy 18 (85 characters, max 97)

Publication date: Available online 17 November 2016 Source:Canadian Journal of Cardiology Author(s): Aisling A. Young, Christy Simpson, Andrew E. Warren Trisomy 18 (T18) is a genetic disorder with cardiac lesions in up to 90% of patients. Cardiac surgery is not frequently offered because of the overall poor prognosis, though this has recently been challenged. Our study aimed to explore the practices and attitudes of Canadian Pediatric Cardiologists managing T18 patients. We administered a survey to Pediatric Cardiologists attending the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, Canadian Pediatric Cardiology Association Business Meeting. There were thirty respondents. The majority (67%) supported comfort care for affected patients with a heart lesion. None supported palliative surgery for those with complex heart lesions. 16/30 (53%) counsel families prenatally, and none would present the option of a single ventricle surgical track for complex heart disease. In a hypothetical situation where their own child was born with T18, 67% would choose comfort care with medical treatment of heart failure, and none would choose palliative surgery. Being a parent was associated with a higher likelihood of choosing termination (14/20 v 6/9, p=0.046) or comfort care (14/20 v 6/9, p=0.036). Qualitative data suggest support for comfort care, while recognizing the need for individualization and shared decision-making, within the context of institution-specific policies. Canadian Pediatric Cardiolo...
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research