Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Sanford Leikin

Publications and source records attributed to Sanford Leikin.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

First, do no harm.

Case vignette: sharing unanticipated genetic information. The Questor family has experienced an unusual number of malignancies in the past two generations and has been advised by an oncologist that the p53 oncogene known as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome may be present in the family genome. The option of predictive genetic testing has been raised and several branches of the family have chosen to undergo screening to determine whether they are at risk for cancer because of the gene. Roger and Liz Questor have arranged for screening of themselves and their three children, ages 12, 10, and 7. The couple has, by all appearances, been happily married for 14 years. None of the family members are found to carry the oncogene; however, the geneticist conducting the analyses has made an interesting incidental discovery. The 10-year-old child is not the biological progeny of Roger Questor. Although the 12-and 7-year-olds are clearly the biological children of the couple, it is evident that the 10-year-old born to Liz Questor was fathered by a person other than Roger. What are the ethical obligations of the geneticist with respect to any sharing or disclosure of the information that has been discovered incidentally? What course of action, if any, do you recommend?

Altruism↗
PubMed1991

Terminal illness and suicide.

Case vignette: Henry, age 19, has been under medical care struggling for 5 months with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that has been resistant to treatment. Proven chemotherapy protocols have failed to sustain a remission, and it is evident that his condition is terminal, although not immediately so. When not in temporary remissions he is in extreme pain. The quantity of analgesic medication needed to control the pain also leaves him feeling, in his own words, "too snowed out to do anything." During his last hospital admission, a week ago, he had talked obliquely about ending his life when signs of another painful relapse become evident. Today he appeared in the outpatient clinic, although he had no appointment scheduled. He sought out several of the people who had cared for him over the past few months to thank them and to "say good-bye." He gave some prized personal possessions to one or two of the staff with whom he felt especially close. As this was happening, some of the staff members realized that Henry had a sufficient stock of narcotics at home to end his life. Our commentators are Sanford Leikin, MD, and Richard A. McCormick, SJ.

Analgesia↗