Abstract

BERNADA, Mercedes et al. Niños egresados de maternidad pasibles de cuidados paliativos: Estudio epidemiológico. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2014, vol.85, n.2, pp.84-90. ISSN 1688-1249.

“Information relative to number, diagnosis, age range and location of children with life-limiting of life-threatening conditions is essential to the pediatric palliative care (PPC) organization”. In Uruguay, development of PPC is emerging, and the number of children in need of it is still unknown. Objective: to determine the incidence and main characteristics of children discharged from the main maternity of the country with health conditions liable of PPC. Methods: a descriptive, observational and retrospective study of children discharged from the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center maternity from 1/1 to 31/12/2011 was done. Children condition was considered as follows: 1. “Liable to PPC” (LPPC): neonates with health conditions included in the “ACT classification” 2. “Possibly liable to PPC” (PLPPC): preterm infants younger than 32 weeks of gestational age or severe neonatal depression without neurological sequelae. Results: a total of 235/7.723 children were included (3%), 44% (104/235) LPPC and 56% (131/235) PLCPP. Of the LPPC, most of the children belonged to groups II (40%) and IV (45%). Of the PLPPC, 78% were preterm and 22% had severe neonatal depression. Mortality: Children LPPC 27%, PLPCC 20%, no statistically significant difference. 86% was discharged to home; mean hospitalization length: 42 days (1-203), 85% required intensive care. 26% of the mothers were adolescents (13-18 years). Conclusions: knowledge of the incidence of children discharged from a maternity with life threatening conditions is an important input to plan the development of PPC to ensure that all children in need have the right to the best quality of life possible

Keywords : PALLIATIVE CARE.

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