Naples - The news from the Monaldi Hospital is alarming. As the hospital announced in a medical bulletin, the little patient's clinical conditions have „continued to deteriorate progressively and rapidly“ over the last 12 hours. The child had received a heart transplant two months ago, which subsequently turned out to be damaged.
Renouncing therapeutic overzealousness
After an intensive exchange between the medical team, the family's medical officer, the boy's mother and her lawyer Luca Scognamiglio, a decision was made in line with the joint care plan. The aim is to focus on the child's dignity and reduce his suffering. The hospital announced that measures deemed to be therapeutic overzealousness would be discontinued.
In consultation with the family and the forensic pathologist appointed by them, the patient is only administered strictly life-saving therapies. This is a progressive de-escalation of medical interventions. The doctors made it clear that this is not euthanasia.
ECMO remains vital
Despite the reduction in therapeutic measures, the ECMO machine, which mechanically supports heart function and oxygenates the blood, is not switched off. According to hospital sources, disconnecting this device would mean immediate death. However, other therapies that are no longer considered necessary will be discontinued.
According to the doctors, another heart transplant is out of the question for Domenico, as his critical condition does not allow for another invasive procedure of this kind. The family, who had previously demanded clarification about the responsibilities regarding the damaged organ, are now concentrating on sparing the boy unnecessary pain as far as possible.
