RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ectopia cordis: a novel palliative care technique
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 102
OP 104
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000946
VO 7
IS 1
A1 Berry, Mary Judith
A1 Saito-Benz, Maria
A1 Klein, Tisha
A1 Bowkett, Brendon
A1 Richardson, Vaughan F
YR 2017
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/7/1/102.abstract
AB Complete ectopia cordis in the newborn represents a significant management challenge. There are minimal data available to inform optimal clinical care for those infants with coexisting complex congenital heart disease who are therefore not candidates for surgical intervention. The exteriorisation of the heart and absence of the pericardial sac requires meticulous wound care to prevent desiccation of the myocardium and to minimise infection risk. Additionally, the technique selected must address the risk of occlusion of the cardiac vascular pedicle and abrasion between the mobile myocardium and dressing surface. We report a novel approach to wound management and integrated palliative care that enabled community-based care. Our patient, a full-term male infant with complete ectopia cordis was born in good condition by assisted vaginal delivery. He was discharged from hospital on day 8 and was cared for in the community until his demise from cardiac failure on day 15.