Early palliative care to decrease suffering in neonatal intensive care unit: narrative review

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this review are to ascertain the diseases that result in palliative care in neonates in NICU and whether such care can ease the suffering of the child or the family. Methods: This is a narrative and descriptive literature review carried out in MEDLINE, PUBMED, VHL, and LILACS BVS databases during November 2020 to May 2021. Descriptors used are “Intensive Care Units,” “Ethics,” “Palliative Care,” and “Newborn,” which are related to Boolean descriptor “AND.” Articles published in English and within the last five years were included in this article. Results: The respiratory diseases and distress, prematurity, congenital abnormalities, and patients at risk of neurological injury represents some of the reasons to refer the patient to the ICU. Beyond that, the three most life-timing complex chronic conditions are neurological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases. The research emphasizes that the relief in the neonatal ICU is an important factor, in this way, palliative care should be focused mostly on the patient. Conclusion: To date, palliative care is appropriate from the moment when a serious diagnosis is made, otherwise it requires the creation of a protocol that guides patients to healthcare professionals. Regardless, to improve the life quality of the neonates during development, their care must be maintained at all moments of the therapeutic intervention.