Management of Children with the Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 Syndromes: Is there a Shift in the Paradigm of Care?

Abstract

Objective The conventional view toward the management of infants with the trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes has been to recommend pure comfort care and the avoidance of technological interventions. This commentary aims to address the recently raised question about whether there has been a shift in the paradigm of the management of infants with the two conditions.

Study Design The study design includes narrative review of the literature.

Results A body of opinion pieces and evidence has emerged indicating that there has been a recent increase in the administration of interventions, including ventilatory support and surgery, in the management of children with these syndromes.

Conclusion Based on the evidence in the literature, the author concludes that there has been a type of paradigm shift described by philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn, in the treatment of infants with trisomy 18 and 13. More parents are being offered and choosing technological interventions, including cardiac surgery. Future investigation of the question whether intervention improves outcome, including the quality of life, is crucial in addressing the unanswered questions in this dialogue.

Key Points

• The conventional approach to the treatment of trisomy 18 and 13 has been to avoid interventions.

• There is a growing body of evidence that this traditional view of management is changing.

• Future investigation of whether intervention improves outcome is crucial in addressing the unanswered questions.

Keywords

trisomy 18 - trisomy 13 - pediatric palliative care - cardiac surgery - paradigm shift

Publication History

Received: 17 February 2021

Accepted: 28 June 2021

Article published online:
26 July 2021

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