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Peer-reviewed article

The Mathematics of Morality for Neonatal Resuscitation

This article discusses the ethical issues surrounding the resuscitation of infants who are at great risk to die or survive with significant morbidity. Data are introduced regarding money, outcomes, and prediction. Gestational age…

By John D. LantosJanuary 1, 20121 min readin Clinics in Perinatology

This article discusses the ethical issues surrounding the resuscitation of infants who are at great risk to die or survive with significant morbidity. Data are introduced regarding money, outcomes, and prediction. Gestational age influences some of the outcomes after birth more than others do. Prediction is possible at four stages of the resuscitation process. Data suggest that antenatal and delivery room predictions are inadequate, and prediction at the time of discharge is too late. The predictive value (>95%) for the outcome of death or survival with neurodevelopmental impairment is discussed.

Originally published at Clinics in Perinatology · January 1, 2012.

About the author

John D. Lantos is a pediatrician and bioethicist writing on AI in medicine, neonatal intensive care, and end-of-life decisions. His essays appear in JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, the Hastings Center Report, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Aeon. Read more about John.

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