Therapeutic Adjustments in Stage D Heart Failure: Challenges and Strategies

Consensus document on palliative care in cardiorenal patients

There is an unmet need to create consensus documents on the management of cardiorenal patients since, due to the aging of the population and the rise of both pathologies, these patients are becoming more prevalent in daily clinical practice. Chronic kidney disease coexists in up to 40%-50% of patients with chronic heart failure cases. There have yet to be consensus documents on how to approach palliative care in cardiorenal patients. There are guidelines for patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease separately, but they do not specifically address patients with concomitant heart failure and kidney disease. For this reason, our document includes experts from different specialties, who will not only address the justification of palliative care in cardiorenal patients but also how to identify this patient profile, the shared planning of their care, as well as knowledge of their trajectory and the palliative patient management both in the drugs that will help us control symptoms and in advanced measures. Dialysis and its different types will also be addressed, as palliative measures and when the decision to continue or not perform them could be considered. Finally, the psychosocial approach and adapted pharmacotherapy will be discussed.

Multicomponent Compression Bandaging Combined with Diuretic Therapy of Anasarca Secondary to Palliative Chemotherapy: A Case Report

Background: Although decongestive physiotherapy combined with diuretics may be efficient in limb edemas, no such therapy has been described in the context of anasarca. Case Description: A bedbound 62-year-old man with stage IV pancreatic cancer, presenting with progressing severe dyspnea at rest and anasarca, was admitted to the free-standing hospice 3 weeks after receiving nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine. Two weeks before admission, oral loop and potassium-sparing diuretics were started for bilateral lower limb edema, which progressed to anasarca even though the drug dose was increased. Hypotension hindered further dose escalation of diuretics. Supportive multicomponent bandage compression on both legs with concurrent intravenous furosemide in hypersaline infusion was implemented with good clinical toleration. Afterward, the loop diuretic dose was increased, and supplemented with dexamethasone. A spectacular edema decrease and marked dyspnea improvement with 19 kg body weight reduction were observed within 7 days. Furosemide was switched to oral route and the patient was discharged needing only occasional assistance in daily living. Conclusion: Compression bandaging with diuretic therapy may be considered even in advanced generalized edemas; however, further studies are needed to determine the adequate therapeutic regime.

Palliative care for people living with heart failure: European Association for Palliative Care Task Force expert position statement

Contrary to common perception, modern palliative care (PC) is applicable to all people with an incurable disease, not only cancer. PC is appropriate at every stage of disease progression, when PC needs emerge. These needs can be of physical, emotional, social, or spiritual nature. This document encourages the use of validated assessment tools to recognize such needs and ascertain efficacy of management. PC interventions should be provided alongside cardiologic management. Treating breathlessness is more effective, when cardiologic management is supported by PC interventions. Treating other symptoms like pain or depression requires predominantly PC interventions. Advance Care Planning aims to ensure that the future treatment and care the person receives is concordant with their personal values and goals, even after losing decision-making capacity. It should include also disease specific aspects, such as modification of implantable device activity at the end of life. The Whole Person Care concept describes the inseparability of the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the human being. Addressing psychological and spiritual needs, together with medical treatment, maintains personal integrity and promotes emotional healing. Most PC concerns can be addressed by the usual care team, supported by a PC specialist if needed. During dying, the persons’ needs may change dynamically and intensive PC is often required. Following the death of a person, bereavement services benefit loved ones. The authors conclude that the inclusion of PC within the regular clinical framework for people with heart failure results in a substantial improvement in quality of life as well as comfort and dignity whilst dying.