Medical Ethics - Lecture 8 PDF

medical ethics - lecture 8 Created @December 8, 2024 11:05 PM Class past present & future Introduction to Medical Ethics The lecture focused on understanding medical ethics through an engaging, fi...

medical ethics - lecture 8 Created @December 8, 2024 11:05 PM Class past present & future Introduction to Medical Ethics The lecture focused on understanding medical ethics through an engaging, fictional disaster scenario. Objective: Encourage students to think critically about ethical dilemmas in medical sciences. Scenario set in the year 2044 involving "Krypton" in water supplies, leading to health issues. The Fictional Scenario: Krypton in Water Supply In 2006, the British government added "Krypton" to the water supply, likened to fluoride for strengthening teeth. Initial small-scale tests appeared successful; however, over time, adverse effects emerged. "Krypton-Associated Pancreatic Disease" (KAPD): Severe damage to pancreatic cells, leading to malnutrition, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Affected individuals (1 in 100) were primarily 16-17 years old. The government later removed Krypton from the water supply after recognizing its harmful effects. Early Research on the Disease Scientists used frozen pig pancreatic cell lines ("Pork One") to study the disease. medical ethics - lecture 8 1  Identified a chemical called "Shrapnel" that stopped the disease's progression in lab settings. Raised ethical questions about using animal cells for research: Is it ethical to use cells frozen for 50 years? Should alternative models (e.g., human cells or clinical trials) be prioritized? Ethical Questions and Student Polls 1. Was it ethical to use pig cells for research? Majority agreed it was acceptable. 2. Alternative approaches considered: Human pancreas cells, live pigs, or condemned prisoners (fictional). Discussed challenges, e.g., human pancreas rapidly self-digests after removal. Emergence of Human Fatalities By 2024, human deaths linked to KAPD were reported. Samples from deceased patients showed genetic mutations in the MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) gene. Increased MHC expression led to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic cells and brain damage. Genetic Screening and Ethical Implications Screening program initiated for 12-year-olds to identify defective MHC genes. Treatment administered to prevent disease progression. Poll question: Is genetic screening acceptable? Majority agreed with parental consent. Ethical debate on who should access genetic information (e.g., parents, doctors, NHS, government). medical ethics - lecture 8 2  Brain-Related Effects of the Disease "Locked-in Syndrome" observed in patients due to damage in the brain's reticular formation. Patients were aware but unable to move, with no recovery cases reported. Discussion: Should life support be continued indefinitely for such patients? Majority supported a 5-year limit, with some advocating indefinite care. Potential Treatments and Ethical Dilemmas 1. Drug Therapy: Challenges include crossing the blood-brain barrier. 2. Gene Therapy: Difficult to target and modify DNA in all affected cells. 3. Stem Cell Therapy: Promising for tissue regeneration, e.g., pancreatic beta cells. 4. Other Ideas: Brain transplants (theoretical), freezing patients, or bio-neural implants. Key Takeaways Ethical dilemmas are inherent in medical sciences. Students encouraged to: Ask questions and engage with staff. Consider the broader implications of their future work in medical sciences. Reminder: This fictional scenario will not be included in the exam. medical ethics - lecture 8 3