Abstract

REZZONICO, Carlos A.. Bioética y derechos de los niños. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2004, vol.102, n.3, pp.214-219. ISSN 0325-0075.

In Pediatric Bioethics, the criteria concerning adult patients also hold and prove useful as basic reference. However, the child's degree of cognitive and emotional development should also be considered when taking decisions involving him/her. In decision taking, parents play a central role. In addition, the pediatrician's role is relevant as well since his/her primary concern is the child's well-being. Modern life-sustaining medical treatment (LSMT) in critically ill patients has given rise to controversial arguments over moral issues and appropriate limits to its application. When dealing with very difficult cases, decisions may be taken applying the criteria of "proportionate" and "non proportionate" means. Palliative care is available to relieve pain and anxiety and to promote the physical and psycho-spiritual well-being of the child and his/her family. The molecular genetic testing through the use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) has expanded early screening options on the newborn; however, it has also raised a number of ethical, legal and social issues which demand prudence in its use.

Keywords : Pediatric Bioethics; Life-sustaining medical treatment; Palliative care; Genetic neonatal screening.

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