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Neonatal Viability in the 1990s: Held Hostage by Technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 1999

JONATHAN MURASKAS
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
PATRICIA A. MARSHALL
Affiliation:
Medical Humanities Program, Department of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
PAUL TOMICH
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
THOMAS F. MYERS
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
JOHN G. GIANOPOULOS
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois
DAVID C. THOMASMA
Affiliation:
Medical Humanities Program at Loyola University Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, and Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics

Abstract

The emergence of new obstetrical and neonatal technologies, as well as more aggressive clinical management, has significantly improved the survival of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This development has heightened concerns about the limits of viability. ELBW infants, weighing less than 1,000 grams and no larger than the palm of one's hand, are often described as “miracles” of late twentieth century technology. Improved survivability of ELBW infants has provided opportunities for long-term follow-up. Information on their physical and emotional development contributes to developing standards of practice regarding their care.

Type
SPECIAL SECTION: WHEN OTHERS DECIDE
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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