Ethics Vignette XV: Ethical Issues in Managing Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-Ethical Issues in Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy

Ethical Issues in Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy

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The vignette discusses a 28-year-old man with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, whose mother cared for him but he requested withdrawal of life support due to his declining health. Despite his mother's objections, the ICU team ultimately respected his autonomy and withdrew life support using a protocol. The patient passed away peacefully. The text also delves into ethical questions surrounding patient autonomy, competence in decision-making, beneficence, maleficence, advance care planning, communication in neuromuscular disorders, and withdrawal of care versus euthanasia. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, respecting patient autonomy, and understanding the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence in end-of-life care decision-making. The content also addresses the distinctions between withdrawal of care and euthanasia, highlighting the need for physicians to uphold ethical principles when patients choose to refuse life-sustaining treatment. The narrative encourages discussions on ethical dilemmas in healthcare and encourages readers to submit topics for further exploration in future vignettes.

Keywords

muscular dystrophy

patient autonomy

life support

end-of-life care

ethical dilemmas

decision-making

beneficence

maleficence

advance care planning

communication