2026 Volume 33 Article ID: 33_R2
There are few reports on end-of-life care for people with childhood-onset disabilities. Furthermore, there are no detailed reports on terminal extubation in Japan. In this report, we describe a case of a disabled patient who underwent terminal extubation in a pediatric intensive care unit in Japan. A man in his 20s with Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy experienced cardiopulmonary arrest resuscitation due to asphyxia and received critical care. However, his cerebral functions were irreversibly lost. After discussion with the family, conferences were held to discuss discontinuing life-sustaining treatment in accordance with a flowchart approved by the Ethics Committee. It was determined that terminal extubation was appropriate and terminal extubation was performed on the 25th day of illness. Terminal extubation may be an important consideration for patients when continued treatment is considered not to be in their best interest.
