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Review
. 2023:191:185-199.
doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-824535-4.00008-2.

Neonatal neuropalliative care

Sharla Rent  1 , Margarita Bidegain  1 , Monica E Lemmon  2
Affiliations
Review

Neonatal neuropalliative care

Sharla Rent et al. Handb Clin Neurol. 2023.

Abstract

Neonatal neuropalliative care is directed toward patients and families impacted by serious, life limiting, or debilitating neurologic illness in the antenatal and newborn period. This chapter will outline key considerations for clinicians hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We focus on three core domains: (1) family-centered communication and care, (2) prognostication and decision-making, and (3) pain and symptom management. In each domain, we outline key considerations in the antenatal period, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We also address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts. We conclude with suggestions for future research and key considerations for neonatal clinicians who wish to incorporate a neuropalliative approach to care into their practice.

Keywords: Communication; End of life; Neonatal; Neurology; Palliative care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures Dr. Lemmon receives salary support from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Lemmon has received compensation for medicolegal work. Other authors report no conflict of interest.

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