Affiliations: Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Bridget A. Hempel, MD, St. Mary's Medical
Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 901 45th St., West Palm Beach, FL 33407,
USA. Tel.: +1 561 882 2980; Fax: +1 561 840 6285; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Our goal was to determine if differences exist in the
decisions made regarding dying infants based on method of conception. No
studies have examined end-of-life decisions for infants regarding method of
conception. Study design: We reviewed the charts of infants who were born and
died in our institution between January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2005.
Method of conception, maternal age, marital status, level of education,
religion, insurance, gestational age, cause of death and withdrawal of
life-sustaining care were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using
Pearson Chi-squared tests of independence. Results: Fifty-six mother/infant pairs were available for
information. Artificial reproduction techniques (ART) were more likely to be
utilized by women who were over 35 years old and married (p< 0.05).
Withdrawal of care was not statistically significant regarding method of
conception or gestational age (p> 0.05). Although not statistically
significant, in this study it appears that single mothers may be less likely to
withdraw support. Conclusions: Neither method of conception nor gestation age is a
determinant factor in withdrawal of life-sustaining care. Marital status may be
an important factor and further investigation is necessary to determine the
reason.
Keywords: Withdrawal of support, neonate, assisted reproduction, prematurity
