Naomi T. Laventhal, MD, MA, John D.E. Barks, MD, and Scott Y.H. Kim, MD, PhD
When considering off-label therapies in neonatal and pediatric patients, review available information about potential risks and benefits, carefully balance parental autonomy and the child's best interest, seek informed consent, and consider whether there is an opportunity to systematically evaluate the therapy.
To prevent patients from avoiding care when they cannot afford it, providers should collaborate with them to eliminate unnecessary testing, reduce the frequency of follow-up visits where possible, and make manageable payment plans.
The guidelines for patients’ eligibility for bariatric surgery have not changed since 1991, although recent data suggest there may be indications for broadening application of the surgery.
A discussion of the ethical issues raised by a patient’s request for off-label, prophylactic bariatric surgery to prevent diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM type 2).