Implementation of Polish guidelines on futile therapy protocols in pediatric intensive care units: a multicenter retrospective review.

Summary

A multicentre retrospective review of futile therapy protocols (FTPs) implemented in six Polish PICUs between 2021 and 2025, covering 202 children. It describes patient characteristics, with most FTPs initiated in infants with severe chronic neurological or oncological disease, and reports outcomes including in-hospital death, continuation of mechanical ventilation and discharge alive to hospice or home ventilation programmes. The authors argue that structured national guidance provides a framework for withdrawing or withholding futile treatment and highlight the role of organised palliative pathways. Useful background for PICU teams on end-of-life decision-making processes, though it is an observational review rather than a guideline.

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