Una mirada universitaria sobre la anencefalia

Abstract

Resumen: Un niño con anencefalia, debido a su innegable condición humana, merece ser tratado con respeto y dignidad, como cualquier otro hombre. Por su severa patología y su corta expectativa de vida, es una criatura frágil e indefensa a la que hay que cuidar, y no por ello aplicar tratamiento, hasta que devenga su inevitable muerte. La futilidad de cualquier medida agresiva sustenta la necesidad de proporcionarle calor y cuidados básicos, sin incurrir en tratamientos desproporcionados. Al mismo tiempo, resulta fundamental informar, acompañar y brindar apoyo médico y psicológico a toda la familia, en especial a la madre, para poder superar la muerte del niño. Por último, es preciso establecer que el pronóstico ominoso de una criatura anencefálica jamás justifica el aborto. A partir del estudio de la bibliografía argentina sobre el tema, y desde la perspectiva de un estudiante de medicina, se analizan los textos publicados, añadiendo algunos comentarios éticos actuales sobre los problemas de la anencefalia.

Abstract: Due to his undeniable human condition, an anencephalic child deserves respect and dignity as any other human being. His severe disease and short life expectancy makes him a fragile and defenseless creature who should receive proper care (although no medical treatment should be provided), until his inevitable death. Since any kind of aggressive therapy is futile the emphasis must be put on providing him with warmth and basic health care avoiding unnecessary and disproportionate treatments. At the same time, it is essential for the family to receive accurate information, sympathy and medical as well as psychological support, specially the mother who has to overcome the death of her child. Lastly, it is important to point out that the ominous prognosis of an anencephalic child never justifies abortion. Based on the study of the Argentine bibliography on this issue and from a medicine student´s point of view, the analysis of published papers and some current ethical comments about anencephaly are included.