Fetal outcomes and continuity in perinatal palliative care patients at a quaternary care pediatric hospital.

Objective: Perinatal palliative care (PPC) is the coordinated application of palliative care principles to the care of families, fetuses and newborns with suspected life-limiting conditions. This approach relies on continuity of care that spans pregnancy, birth and beyond. The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate outcomes and PPC continuity in infants born to families who received PPC at a quaternary care pediatric hospital, and to identify targets to improve care continuity.

Neonatal Thyroid Function and Disorders.

Thyroid hormone is essential for normal fetal brain development in utero and for the first 2 years of life. The developing fetus is initially reliant upon maternal thyroid hormones that cross the placenta, until the fetal thyroid begins to supply thyroid hormone for the fetus. Maternal thyroid status affects fetal thyroid function and maternal thyroid dysfunction can have a significant impact on the fetus and neonate.