Lethal Congenital Malformations: Palliative Therapy From An Islamic Point of View

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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To prove that palliative therapy can be practised for congenital lethal malformations within the Islamic Code of Ethics. After defining lethal malformation no respiratory support is offered and newborns are provided with compassionate care.

Detailed Description
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This is a prospective observational study where all abnormal antenatal ultrasounds are discussed in a weekly prenatal meeting and plans are drawn for management of these abnormal fetal findings. Lethal malformations are defined as conditions which will end in death regardless of supportive care. Cases are discussed extensively and parents are involved in management decisions. When a decision of non- intervention is reached for a lethal malformation consent of the family is obtained and a plan of non monitoring for the mother is documented together with no resuscitation for the newborn. Families who do not consent to such plan are offered full support for the pregnant mother and her newborn. A record of all cases is kept available together with the management plan so that the appropriate action is taken when the the pregnant lady presents for admission. All babies with lethal malformations are recorded whether stillborn or live born and their diagnosis is confirmed. Survival time is recorded for each case.

Official Title
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Palliative Therapy For Lethal Congenital Malformations: An Islamic Perspective

Conditions
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Congenital Malformations

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Palliative management


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria:All babies with abnormal fetal ultrasounds - Exclusion Criteria: Normal babies who die in the neonatal period because of other causes not associated with lethal malformations -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 1 Hour
Maximum Age: 1 Hour

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Abnormal Fetal Ultrasounds<br>Abnormal fetal ultrasounds: Those consistent with lethal malformations are provided with palliative management without providing respiratory support. Are given feeding and oxygen Those compatible with life are managed by full investigation and given standard care for each case | Other: Palliative management<br>* Diagnostic studies for abnormal fetal ultrasounds<br>|
| Normal Fetal Ultrasounds<br>Given normal care | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effective Palliative therapy in lethal malformations | Provide palliative care only to those babies born with lethal congenital malformations in the form of oxygen and feeding | Time of death in days for a baby with lethal malformation | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Survival of babies with lethal malformations | Record of the time of survival for each group of lethal malformations | Time of survival in hours or days | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Congenital Lethal Malformations