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van Erp IA, van Essen T, Kompanje EJ, van der Jagt M, Moojen WA, Peul WC, van Dijck JT. Treatment-limiting decisions in patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the Netherlands. BRAIN & SPINE 2024; 4:102746. [PMID: 38510637 PMCID: PMC10951765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.102746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Treatment-limiting decisions (TLDs) can be inevitable severe traumatic brain injury (s-TBI) patients, but data on their use remain scarce. Research question To investigate the prevalence, timing and considerations of TLDs in s-TBI patients. Material and methods s-TBI patients between 2008 and 2017 were analysed retrospecively. Patient data, timing, location, involvement of proxies, and reasons for TLDs were collected. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared between s-TBI patients with and without TLDs. Results TLDs were reported in 117 of 270 s-TBI patients (43.3%) and 95.9% of deaths after s-TBI were preceded by a TLD. The majority of TLDs (68.4%) were categorized as withdrawal of therapy, of which withdrawal of organ-support in 64.1%. Neurosurgical intervention was withheld in 29.9%. The median time from admission to TLD was 2 days [IQR, 0-8] and 50.4% of TLDs were made within 3 days of admission. The main reason for a TLD was that the patients were perceived as unsalvageable (66.7%). Nearly all decisions were made multidisciplinary (99.1%) with proxies involvement (75.2%). The predicted mortality (CRASH-score) between patients with and without TLDs were 72.6 vs. 70.6%. The percentage of TLDs in s-TBI patients increased from 20.0% in 2008 to 42.9% in 2012 and 64.3% in 2017. Discussion and conclusion TLDs occurred in almost half of s-TBI patients and were instituted more frequently over time. Half of TLDs were made within 3 days of admission in spite of baseline prognosis between groups being similar. Future research should address whether prognostic nihilism contributes to self-fulfilling prophecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge A.M. van Erp
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Haaglanden Medical Center and HaGa Hospital, Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - T.A. van Essen
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Haaglanden Medical Center and HaGa Hospital, Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erwin J.O. Kompanje
- Department of Intensive Care Adults, Erasmus MC – University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Erasmus MC – University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathieu van der Jagt
- Department of Intensive Care Adults, Erasmus MC – University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter A. Moojen
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Haaglanden Medical Center and HaGa Hospital, Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Wilco C. Peul
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Haaglanden Medical Center and HaGa Hospital, Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen T.J.M. van Dijck
- University Neurosurgical Center Holland, Leiden University Medical Center, Haaglanden Medical Center and HaGa Hospital, Leiden and The Hague, the Netherlands
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Sullivan MD, Owattanapanich N, Schellenberg M, Matsushima K, Lewis MR, Lam L, Martin M, Inaba K. Examining the independent risk factors for withdrawal of life sustaining treatment in trauma patients. Injury 2023; 54:111088. [PMID: 37833232 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.111088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Withdrawal of life sustaining treatment (WLST) occurs when medical intervention no longer benefits a patient's acute goals for care. The incidence of WLST in the trauma patient population is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence and independent risk factors associated with WLST. METHODS The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2017-2018) was utilized. Patients arrived without signs of life or without mortality or WLST data were excluded. Demographics, injury data, and outcomes were analyzed. Categorical variables are presented as number (percentage) and continuous variables as median [interquartile range]. WLST and non-WLST patients were compared. Early (<24 h) WLST patients were compared to all other WLST patients. RESULTS Of 749,754 patients, 35,464 (4.7 %) died. Of these, 19,424 (2.6 %) died after WLST, constituting 54.8 % of all deaths. Median age was 67 [50-79], 67.6 % male, 17,557 (90.4 %) blunt injuries, 11,334 (58.4 %) GCS < 9. Median ISS 26 [17-30]. Median head AIS 4 (3-5). The WLST group had a much higher incidence of elderly (60+) patients (65.1% vs 41.0 %), blunt mechanism of injury (90.4% vs 76.9 %) and hypertension (43.5% vs 26.5 %). Black patients (8.2% vs 19.5 %) and Hispanic patients (7.9% vs 12.2 %) were less likely to undergo WLST. On multivariate analysis, patients 80+ years old (OR 12.939, p < 0.001), GCS < 9 (OR 15.621, p < 0.001), and head AIS = 5, head AIS = 6 (OR 3.886, p < 0.001 and OR 5.283, p < 0.001) were independently associated with WLST. GCS < 9 (OR 4.006, p < 0.001) and penetrating injury (OR 2.825, p < 0.001) were independently associated with early WLST within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS More than half who die from trauma undergo withdrawal of life sustaining treatment. Elderly patients and those with severe TBI and low GCS scores are at high risk of experiencing withdrawal of life sustaining treatment. Further prospective evaluation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Sullivan
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Natthida Owattanapanich
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Schellenberg
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kazuhide Matsushima
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meghan R Lewis
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lydia Lam
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Martin
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2051 Marengo St C5L100, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Alkhachroum A, Zhou L, Asdaghi N, Gardener H, Ying H, Gutierrez CM, Manolovitz BM, Samano D, Bass D, Foster D, Sur NB, Rose DZ, Jameson A, Massad N, Kottapally M, Merenda A, Starke RM, O'Phelan K, Romano JG, Claassen J, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Predictors and Temporal Trends of Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy After Acute Stroke in the Florida Stroke Registry. Crit Care Explor 2023; 5:e0934. [PMID: 37378082 PMCID: PMC10292735 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal trends and factors associated with the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) after acute stroke are not well determined. DESIGN Observational study (2008-2021). SETTING Florida Stroke Registry (152 hospitals). PATIENTS Acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Importance plots were performed to generate the most predictive factors of WLST. Area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating curve were generated for the performance of logistic regression (LR) and random forest (RF) models. Regression analysis was applied to evaluate temporal trends. Among 309,393 AIS patients, 47,485 ICH patients, and 16,694 SAH patients; 9%, 28%, and 19% subsequently had WLST. Patients who had WLST were older (77 vs 70 yr), more women (57% vs 49%), White (76% vs 67%), with greater stroke severity on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale greater than or equal to 5 (29% vs 19%), more likely hospitalized in comprehensive stroke centers (52% vs 44%), had Medicare insurance (53% vs 44%), and more likely to have impaired level of consciousness (38% vs 12%). Most predictors associated with the decision to WLST in AIS were age, stroke severity, region, insurance status, center type, race, and level of consciousness (RF AUC of 0.93 and LR AUC of 0.85). Predictors in ICH included age, impaired level of consciousness, region, race, insurance status, center type, and prestroke ambulation status (RF AUC of 0.76 and LR AUC of 0.71). Factors in SAH included age, impaired level of consciousness, region, insurance status, race, and stroke center type (RF AUC of 0.82 and LR AUC of 0.72). Despite a decrease in the rates of early WLST (< 2 d) and mortality, the overall rates of WLST remained stable. CONCLUSIONS In acute hospitalized stroke patients in Florida, factors other than brain injury alone contribute to the decision to WLST. Potential predictors not measured in this study include education, culture, faith and beliefs, and patient/family and physician preferences. The overall rates of WLST have not changed in the last 2 decades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lili Zhou
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Negar Asdaghi
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | - Hao Ying
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | | | - Daniel Samano
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Danielle Bass
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Dianne Foster
- Regional Director Quality Improvement, American Heart Association, Dallas, TX
| | - Nicole B Sur
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - David Z Rose
- Department of Neurology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Angus Jameson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services, Largo, FL
| | - Nina Massad
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | | | - Robert M Starke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | - Jose G Romano
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Jan Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Ralph L Sacco
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, FL
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Nagel H, Pinho J, Hasan D, Ridwan H, Habib P, Schulz JB, Wiesmann M, Reich A, Nikoubashman O. Causes of Death in Endovascularly Treated Patients with Acute Stroke. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:1299-1303. [PMID: 35953279 PMCID: PMC9451643 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Because stroke therapy has changed with the introduction of endovascular stroke treatment as a standard approach, studies on intrahospital causes of death from stroke are no longer up-to-date. The purpose of this observational study was to present the causes of death during hospitalization of patients with ischemic stroke who received endovascular stroke treatment, with the focus on a differentiation of curative and secondary palliative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied a total cohort of 1342 patients who received endovascular stroke treatment in a tertiary stroke center (Aachen, Germany) between 2010 and 2020 and analyzed the causes of death in all 326 consecutive deceased patients. We distinguished between curative treatment and a secondary palliative approach and analyzed causes of death and treatment numbers across the years. RESULTS In the entire cohort of 326 deceased patients, the most common cause of death was of a cerebrovascular nature (51.5%), followed by pneumonia and sepsis (25.8%) and cardiovascular causes (8.3%). Neurovascular causes constituted 75.8% of reasons for palliation. In the group with a secondary palliative approach, causes of death were neurovascular in 54.0% of patients and pneumonia and sepsis in 26.0% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Cerebrovascular causes in patients with stroke play a major role in the intrahospital causes of death and reasons for palliation. Considering the large proportion of secondarily palliative-treated patients, reasons for palliation should be considered instead of causes of death to avoid concealment by, for example, life-terminating measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Nagel
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (H.N., D.H., H.R., M.W., O.N.)
| | - J Pinho
- Neurology (J.P., P.H., J.B.S., A.R.), University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - D Hasan
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (H.N., D.H., H.R., M.W., O.N.)
| | - H Ridwan
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (H.N., D.H., H.R., M.W., O.N.)
| | - P Habib
- Neurology (J.P., P.H., J.B.S., A.R.), University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - J B Schulz
- Neurology (J.P., P.H., J.B.S., A.R.), University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - M Wiesmann
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (H.N., D.H., H.R., M.W., O.N.)
| | - A Reich
- Neurology (J.P., P.H., J.B.S., A.R.), University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - O Nikoubashman
- From the Departments of Neuroradiology (H.N., D.H., H.R., M.W., O.N.)
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Alkhachroum A, Bustillo AJ, Asdaghi N, Ying H, Marulanda-Londono E, Gutierrez CM, Samano D, Sobczak E, Foster D, Kottapally M, Merenda A, Koch S, Romano JG, O'Phelan K, Claassen J, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Association of Acute Alteration of Consciousness in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Outcomes and Early Withdrawal of Care. Neurology 2022; 98:e1470-e1478. [PMID: 35169010 PMCID: PMC8992606 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Early consciousness disorder (ECD) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is understudied. ECD may influence outcomes and the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. METHODS We studied patients with AIS from 2010 to 2019 across 122 hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry. We studied the effect of ECD on in-hospital mortality, withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST), ambulation status on discharge, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. RESULTS Of 238,989 patients with AIS, 32,861 (14%) had ECD at stroke presentation. Overall, average age was 72 years (Q1 61, Q3 82), 49% were women, 63% were White, 18% were Black, and 14% were Hispanic. Compared to patients without ECD, patients with ECD were older (77 vs 72 years), were more often female (54% vs 48%), had more comorbidities, had greater stroke severity as assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (score ≥5 49% vs 27%), had higher WLST rates (21% vs 6%), and had greater in-hospital mortality (9% vs 3%). Using adjusted models accounting for basic characteristics, patients with ECD had greater in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.23, 95% CI 1.98-2.51), had longer hospitalization (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.33-1.44), were less likely to be discharged home or to rehabilitation (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.52-0.57), and were less likely to ambulate independently (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.57-0.64). WLST significantly mediated the effect of ECD on mortality (mediation effect 265; 95% CI 217-314). In temporal trend analysis, we found a significant decrease in early WLST (<2 days) (R2 0.7, p = 0.002) and an increase in late WLST (≥2 days) (R2 0.7, p = 0.004). DISCUSSION In this large prospective multicenter stroke registry, patients with AIS presenting with ECD had greater mortality and worse discharge outcomes. Mortality was largely influenced by the WLST decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayham Alkhachroum
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Antonio J Bustillo
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Negar Asdaghi
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Hao Ying
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Erika Marulanda-Londono
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Carolina M Gutierrez
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Daniel Samano
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Evie Sobczak
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Dianne Foster
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mohan Kottapally
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amedeo Merenda
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Sebastian Koch
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jose G Romano
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Kristine O'Phelan
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jan Claassen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Ralph L Sacco
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Tatjana Rundek
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), University of Miami; Department of Neurology (A.A., A.J.B., N.A., H.Y., E.M.-L., C.M.G., D.S., E.S., M.K., A.M., S.K., J.G.R., K.O., R.L.S., T.R.), Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL; Regional Director Quality Improvement (D.F.), American Heart Association, Marietta, GA; and Department of Neurology (J.C.), Columbia University, New York, NY
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Ge C, Goss AL, Crawford S, Goostrey K, Buddadhumaruk P, Shields AM, Hough CL, Lo B, Carson SS, Steingrub J, White DB, Muehlschlegel S. Variability of Prognostic Communication in Critically Ill Neurologic Patients: A Pilot Multicenter Mixed-Methods Study. Crit Care Explor 2022; 4:e0640. [PMID: 35224505 PMCID: PMC8863127 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Withdrawal-of-life-sustaining treatments (WOLST) rates vary widely among critically ill neurologic patients (CINPs) and cannot be solely attributed to patient and family characteristics. Research in general critical care has shown that clinicians prognosticate to families with high variability. Little is known about how clinicians disclose prognosis to families of CINPs, and whether any associations exist with WOLST. OBJECTIVES Primary: to demonstrate feasibility of audio-recording clinician-family meetings for CINPs at multiple centers and characterize how clinicians communicate prognosis during these meetings. Secondary: to explore associations of 1) clinician, family, or patient characteristics with clinicians' prognostication approaches and 2) prognostication approach and WOLST. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Forty-three audio-recorded clinician-family meetings during which prognosis was discussed from seven U.S. centers for 39 CINPs with 88 family members and 27 clinicians. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Two investigators qualitatively coded transcripts using inductive methods (inter-rater reliability > 80%) to characterize how clinicians prognosticate. We then applied univariate and multivariable multinomial and binomial logistic regression. RESULTS Clinicians used four distinct prognostication approaches: Authoritative (21%; recommending treatments without discussing values and preferences); Informational (23%; disclosing just the prognosis without further discussions); advisory (42%; disclosing prognosis followed by discussion of values and preferences); and responsive (14%; eliciting values and preferences, then disclosing prognosis). Before adjustment, prognostication approach was associated with center (p < 0.001), clinician specialty (neurointensivists vs non-neurointensivists; p = 0.001), patient age (p = 0.08), diagnosis (p = 0.059), and meeting length (p = 0.03). After adjustment, only clinician specialty independently predicted prognostication approach (p = 0.027). WOLST decisions occurred in 41% of patients and were most common under the advisory approach (56%). WOLST was more likely in older patients (p = 0.059) and with more experienced clinicians (p = 0.07). Prognostication approach was not independently associated with WOLST (p = 0.198). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE It is feasible to audio-record sensitive clinician-family meetings about CINPs in multiple ICUs. We found that clinicians prognosticate with high variability. Our data suggest that larger studies are warranted in CINPs to examine the role of clinicians' variable prognostication in WOLST decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Ge
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Adeline L Goss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Neurology, Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA
| | - Sybil Crawford
- Department of Graduate School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, Worcester, MA
| | - Kelsey Goostrey
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | | | - Anne-Marie Shields
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Catherine L Hough
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR
| | - Bernard Lo
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Shannon S Carson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jay Steingrub
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Douglas B White
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Susanne Muehlschlegel
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
- Department of Anesthesia/Critical Care, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
- Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
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Alkhachroum A, Bustillo AJ, Asdaghi N, Marulanda-Londono E, Gutierrez CM, Samano D, Sobczak E, Foster D, Kottapally M, Merenda A, Koch S, Romano JG, O’Phelan K, Claassen J, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment Mediates Mortality in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Impaired Consciousness. Stroke 2021; 52:3891-3898. [PMID: 34583530 PMCID: PMC8608746 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.035233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Impaired level of consciousness (LOC) on presentation at hospital admission in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may affect outcomes and the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment (WOLST). METHODS Patients with ICH were included across 121 Florida hospitals participating in the Florida Stroke Registry from 2010 to 2019. We studied the effect of LOC on presentation on in-hospital mortality (primary outcome), WOLST, ambulation status on discharge, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. RESULTS Among 37 613 cases with ICH (mean age 71, 46% women, 61% White, 20% Black, 15% Hispanic), 12 272 (33%) had impaired LOC at onset. Compared with cases with preserved LOC, patients with impaired LOC were older (72 versus 70 years), more women (49% versus 45%), more likely to have aphasia (38% versus 16%), had greater ICH score (3 versus 1), greater risk of WOLST (41% versus 18%), and had an increased in-hospital mortality (32% versus 12%). In the multivariable-logistic regression with generalized estimating equations accounting for basic demographics, comorbidities, ICH severity, hospital size and teaching status, impaired LOC was associated with greater mortality (odds ratio, 3.7 [95% CI, 3.1-4.3], P<0.0001) and less likely discharged home or to rehab (odds ratio, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.3-0.4], P<0.0001). WOLST significantly mediated the effect of impaired LOC on mortality (mediation effect, 190 [95% CI, 152-229], P<0.0001). Early WOLST (<2 days) occurred among 51% of patients. A reduction in early WOLST was observed in patients with impaired LOC after the 2015 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association ICH guidelines recommending aggressive treatment and against early do-not-resuscitate. CONCLUSIONS In this large multicenter stroke registry, a third of ICH cases presented with impaired LOC. Impaired LOC was associated with greater in-hospital mortality and worse disposition at discharge, largely influenced by early decision to withhold or WOLST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayham Alkhachroum
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio J Bustillo
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Negar Asdaghi
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Erika Marulanda-Londono
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Carolina M Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Samano
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Evie Sobczak
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dianne Foster
- Regional Director Quality Improvement, American Heart Association, USA
| | - Mohan Kottapally
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Amedeo Merenda
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sebastian Koch
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jose G. Romano
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kristine O’Phelan
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jan Claassen
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph L. Sacco
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Tatjana Rundek
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Racial and ethnic disparities in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment after non-head injury trauma. Am J Surg 2021; 223:998-1003. [PMID: 34384589 PMCID: PMC8818056 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about potential disparities in end-of-life care in trauma. We examined racial/ethnic differences in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) in non-head injury trauma. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the National Trauma Databank (2017-2018), including patients ≥ 18 years without head injury. We performed a bivariate analysis by WLST status and used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds of WLST by racial/ethnic group. RESULTS Of 942,914 identified, 20,052 (2.1%) died. Of those who died, WLST occurred in 29.9%. The adjusted odds of WLST were lower in Blacks (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41-0.57) and Hispanics (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.89) than Whites. The predicted probability of WLST in Black patients remained lower than Whites at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS Among non-head injured dying patients, Blacks and Hispanics are less likely to utilize WLST than Whites. Further investigation into the socio-cultural norms and institutional distrust influencing these differences is imperative.
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9
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Kowalski RG, Hammond FM, Weintraub AH, Nakase-Richardson R, Zafonte RD, Whyte J, Giacino JT. Recovery of Consciousness and Functional Outcome in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:548-557. [PMID: 33646273 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to 2.9 million visits to US emergency departments annually and frequently involves a disorder of consciousness (DOC). Early treatment, including withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies and rehabilitation, is often predicated on the assumed worse outcome of disrupted consciousness. Objective To quantify the loss of consciousness, factors associated with recovery, and return to functional independence in a 31-year sample of patients with moderate or severe brain trauma. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed patients with TBI who were enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database, a prospective, multiyear, longitudinal database. Patients were survivors of moderate or severe TBI who were discharged from acute hospitalization and admitted to inpatient rehabilitation from January 4, 1989, to June 19, 2019, at 1 of 23 inpatient rehabilitation centers that participated in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems program. Follow-up for the study was through completion of inpatient rehabilitation. Exposures Traumatic brain injury. Main Outcomes and Measures Outcome measures were Glasgow Coma Scale in the emergency department, Disability Rating Scale, posttraumatic amnesia, and Functional Independence Measure. Patient-related data included demographic characteristics, injury cause, and brain computed tomography findings. Results The 17 470 patients with TBI analyzed in this study had a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at injury of 39 (25-56) years and included 12 854 male individuals (74%). Of these patients, 7547 (57%) experienced initial loss of consciousness, which persisted to rehabilitation in 2058 patients (12%). Those with persisting DOC were younger; had more high-velocity injuries; had intracranial mass effect, intraventricular hemorrhage, and subcortical contusion; and had longer acute care than patients without DOC. Eighty-two percent (n = 1674) of comatose patients recovered consciousness during inpatient rehabilitation. In a multivariable analysis, the factors associated with consciousness recovery were absence of intraventricular hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.678; 95% CI, 0.532-0.863; P = .002) and intracranial mass effect (adjusted OR, 0.759; 95% CI, 0.595-0.968; P = .03). Functional improvement (change in total functional independence score from admission to discharge) was +43 for patients with DOC and +37 for those without DOC (P = .002), and 803 of 2013 patients with DOC (40%) became partially or fully independent. Younger age, male sex, and absence of intraventricular hemorrhage, intracranial mass effect, and subcortical contusion were associated with better functional outcome. Findings were consistent across the 3 decades of the database. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that DOC occurred initially in most patients with TBI and persisted in some patients after rehabilitation, but most patients with persisting DOC recovered consciousness during rehabilitation. This recovery trajectory may inform acute and rehabilitation treatment decisions and suggests caution is warranted in consideration of withdrawing or withholding care in patients with TBI and DOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Kowalski
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora.,Research Department, Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Alan H Weintraub
- Research Department, Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado.,CNS Medical Group, Englewood, Colorado
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida.,Sleep Medicine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Ross D Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph T Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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10
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Stachulski F, Siegerink B, Bösel J. Dying in the Neurointensive Care Unit After Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy: Associations of Advance Directives and Health-Care Proxies With Timing and Treatment Intensity. J Intensive Care Med 2020; 36:451-458. [PMID: 32089041 DOI: 10.1177/0885066620906795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Critically ill patients require a careful approach for prognosis and decision-making. The German health legislation aims to strengthen the role of advance directives (ADs) and health-care proxies (HCPs). Their impact within a dedicated neurocritical care setting is unknown. This study aimed to assess the practice of withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining therapy (WOLST) in a German neurointensive care unit (NICU) focusing on whether AD or HCP is associated with timing and treatment intensity. METHODS Data on patients who died after WOLST at a dedicated NICU of a German university hospital, from 2010 to 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Of 400 deceased patients, 310 (77.5%) died after initiation of WOLST. Among them, 68 (21.9%) were identified to have AD or HCP or both (AD + HCP). WOLST patients with AD, HCP, or AD + HCP were older than those without (median age: 77 vs 72 years, P < .001) but did not show any other distinct baseline features. There was no difference in the specific neurocritical care measures between the groups. Poisson regression analysis showed no significant difference in the probability of time-dependent WOLST initiation between those with and without AD/HCP, after adjusting for age and sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.28; P = .244). CONCLUSIONS In this single-center study of mainly cerebrovascular NICU patients, AD or HCP was neither associated with an earlier WOLST nor associated with a difference in treatment intensity before WOLST. Further prospective studies should assess the emerging concept of advance care planning in neurocritical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Stachulski
- Department of Neurology, German Allied Forces Hospital Berlin, Germany
| | - Bob Siegerink
- Center for Stroke Research (CSB), 14903Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Bösel
- Department of Neurology, Kassel General Hospital, Kassel, Germany.,Department of Neurology, 9144University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatments in Perceived Devastating Brain Injury: The Key Role of Uncertainty. Neurocrit Care 2019; 30:33-41. [PMID: 30143963 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-018-0595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WOLST) is the leading proximate cause of death in patients with perceived devastating brain injury (PDBI). There are reasons to believe that a potentially significant proportion of WOLST decisions, in this setting, are premature and guided by a number of assumptions that falsely confer a sense of certainty. METHOD This manuscript proposes that these assumptions face serious challenges, and that we should replace unwarranted certainty with an appreciation for the great degree of multi-dimensional uncertainty involved. The article proceeds by offering a taxonomy of uncertainty in PDBI and explores the key role that uncertainty as a cognitive state, may play into how WOLST decisions are reached. CONCLUSION In order to properly share decision-making with families and surrogates of patients with PDBI, we will have to acknowledge, understand, and be able to communicate the great degree of uncertainty involved.
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12
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Outcome in Patients with Isolated Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Crit Care Res Pract 2018; 2018:3769418. [PMID: 30345113 PMCID: PMC6174733 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3769418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of death. Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) can be initiated if there is little anticipated chance of recovery to an acceptable quality of life. The aim of this study was firstly to investigate WLST rates in patients with moderate to severe isolated TBI and secondly to assess outcome data in the survivor group. Material and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with moderate or severe isolated TBI admitted to the ICU of a single academic hospital between 2011 and 2015 were included. Exclusion criteria were isolated spinal cord injury and referrals to and from other hospitals. Gathered data included demographics, mortality, cause of death, WLST, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score after three months. Good functional outcome was defined as GOS > 3. Results Of 367 patients, 179 patients were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. 55 died during admission (33%), of whom 45 (82%) after WLST. Patients undergoing WLST were older, had worse neurological performance at presentation, and had more radiological abnormalities than patients without WLST. The decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment was made on the day of admission in 40% of patients. In 33% of these patients, this decision was made while the patient was in the Emergency Department. 71% of survivors had a good functional outcome after three months. No patient left hospital with an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) or suffered from UWS after three months. One patient died within three months of discharge. Conclusion In-hospital mortality in isolated brain injured patients was 33%. The vast majority died after a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. None of the patients were discharged with an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome.
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Lesieur O, Genteuil L, Leloup M. A few realistic questions raised by organ retrieval in the intensive care unit. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:S44. [PMID: 29302600 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.05.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Organ transplantation saves the lives of many persons who would otherwise die from end-stage organ disease. The increasing demand for donated organs has led to a renewed interest in donation after circulatory determination of death (CDD). In many countries (including France), terminally ill patients who die of circulatory arrest after a planned withdrawal of life support may be considered as organ donors under certain conditions. While having equal responsibility towards the potential donor and the persons awaiting a transplant, caregivers may experience an ethical dilemma between the responsibility to deliver the best care to the dying, and the need to retrieve the organs. Once it has been established that the patient wishes to be a donor, we assume that end-of-life care and organ donation may have convergent goals when they contribute to transforming a comfortable death into a chance of life for others in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lesieur
- Intensive Care Unit, Saint Louis Hospital, La Rochelle, France
| | - Liliane Genteuil
- Organ Procurement Organization, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Maxime Leloup
- Intensive Care Unit, Saint Louis Hospital, La Rochelle, France
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14
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Ong CJ, Dhand A, Diringer MN. Early Withdrawal Decision-Making in Patients with Coma After Cardiac Arrest: A Qualitative Study of Intensive Care Clinicians. Neurocrit Care 2017; 25:258-65. [PMID: 27112149 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-016-0275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurologists are often asked to define prognosis in comatose patients. However, comatose patients following cardiac arrest are usually cared for by cardiologists or intensivists, and it is their approach that will influence decisions regarding withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions (WLSI). We observed that factors leading to these decisions vary across specialties and considered whether they could result in self-fulfilling prophecies and early WLSI. We conducted a hypothesis-generating qualitative study to identify factors used by non-neurologists to define prognosis in these patients and construct an explanatory model for how early WLSI might occur. METHODS This was a single-center qualitative study of intensivists caring for cardiac arrest patients with hypoxic-ischemic coma. Thirty attending physicians (n = 16) and fellows (n = 14) from cardiac (n = 8), medical (n = 6), surgical (n = 10), and neuro (n = 6) intensive care units underwent semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. RESULTS We found three components of early WLSI among non-neurointensivists: (1) development of fixed negative opinions; (2) early framing of poor clinical pictures to families; and (3) shortened windows for judging recovery potential. In contrast to neurointensivists, non-neurointensivists' negative opinions were frequently driven by patients' lack of consciousness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation circumstances. Both groups were influenced by age and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that factors influencing prognostication differ across specialties. Some differ from those recommended by published guidelines and may lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and early WLSI. Better understanding of this framework would facilitate educational interventions to mitigate this phenomenon and its implications on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene J Ong
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Amar Dhand
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Michael N Diringer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Sembill JA, Gerner ST, Volbers B, Bobinger T, Lücking H, Kloska SP, Schwab S, Huttner HB, Kuramatsu JB. Severity assessment in maximally treated ICH patients. Neurology 2017; 89:423-431. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:As common prognostication models in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are developed variably including patients with early (<24 hours) care limitations (ECL), we investigated its interaction with prognostication in maximally treated patients and sought to provide a new unbiased severity assessment tool.Methods:This observational cohort study analyzed consecutive ICH patients (n = 583) from a prospective registry over 5 years. We characterized the influence of ECL on overall outcome by propensity score matching and on conventional prognostication using receiver operating characteristic analyses. We established the max-ICH score based on independent predictors of 12-month functional outcome in maximally treated patients and compared it to existing models.Results:Prevalence of ECL was 19.2% (n = 112/583) and all of these patients died. Yet propensity score matching displayed that 50.7% (n = 35/69) theoretically could have survived, with 18.8% (n = 13/69) possibly reaching favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–3). Conventional prognostication seemed to be confounded by ECL, documented by a decreased predictive validity (area under the curve [AUC] 0.67, confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.73 vs AUC 0.80, CI 0.76–0.83; p < 0.01), overestimating poor outcome (mortality by 44.8%, unfavorable outcome by 10.1%) in maximally treated patients. In these patients, the novel max-ICH score (0–10) integrates strength-adjusted predictors, i.e., NIH Stroke Scale score, age, intraventricular hemorrhage, anticoagulation, and ICH volume (lobar and nonlobar), demonstrating improved predictive accuracy for functional outcome (12 months: AUC 0.81, CI 0.77–0.85; p < 0.01). The max-ICH score may more accurately delineate potentials of aggressive care, showing favorable outcome in 45.4% (n = 214/471) and a long-term mortality rate of only 30.1% (n = 142/471).Conclusions:Care limitations significantly influenced the validity of common prognostication models resulting in overestimation of poor outcome. The max-ICH score demonstrated increased predictive validity with minimized confounding by care limitations, making it a useful tool for severity assessment in ICH patients.
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16
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Robertsen A, Førde R, Skaga NO, Helseth E. Treatment-limiting decisions in patients with severe traumatic brain injury in a Norwegian regional trauma center. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2017; 25:44. [PMID: 28441973 PMCID: PMC5405474 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-017-0385-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment-limiting decisions (TLD) for severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) have been sparsely studied. This study determine prevalence, main reason for, categories and timing of TLDs in a Norwegian regional trauma setting. Methods A retrospective study of a 2-year cohort of 579 sTBI patients admitted to Oslo University Hospital (OUH). Prospectively collected data in the OUH Trauma Registry were combined with retrospective data from a chart review regarding TLDs. Results TLDs were documented for 101/579 sTBI patients (17%). The situation was evaluated as futile in 59 cases and as potentially inappropriate in 42 cases. The three most frequent types of TLDs were withholding of neurosurgery, do not resuscitate orders and withdrawing of organ support. In 70% of cases, the first TLD was made within 2 days after injury, while in 14%, the first TLD was made later than day 7. Twenty percent (20/101) of the first TLDs were later adjusted, revoked in 4 patients and broadening of TLDs in 16 patients. The median time from the decision to death was 2 days (range 1–652). TLDs were documented in 93% of in-hospital death cases (n = 79). In-hospital deaths occurred in 73% of TLD group cases and 1% of non-TLD group cases. Family interaction and multi-team discussions were documented in >88% of cases, but no advanced directives were found, and notifications of patients’ preferences were found in only 7% of cases. Discussion Clinicians should consider limiting treatment if continued treatment is not in the patients best interest. A range of different types of TLDs were applied for patients after sTBI in the trauma hospital setting. Conclusion TLDs were found in 17% of sTBI patients. Value considerations behind TLDs in this care context need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Robertsen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, P.O.Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Reidun Førde
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1130, Blindern, N-0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Oddvar Skaga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, P.O.Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital Trauma Registry, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Helseth
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, P.O.Box 4950, Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway
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Family discussions on life-sustaining interventions in neurocritical care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 140:397-408. [PMID: 28187812 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63600-3.00022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 20% of all deaths in the USA occur in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the majority of ICU deaths involves decision of de-escalation of life-sustaining interventions. Life-sustaining interventions may include intubation and mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, antibiotic treatment, brain surgery, or vasoactive support. Decision making about goals of care can be defined as an end-of-life communication and the decision-making process between a clinician and a patient (or a surrogate decision maker if the patient is incapable) in an institutional setting to establish a plan of care. This process includes deciding whether to use life-sustaining treatments. Therefore, family discussion is a critical element in the decision-making process throughout the patient's stay in the neurocritical care unit. A large part of care in the neurosciences intensive care unit is discussion of proportionality of care. This chapter provides a stepwise approach to hold these conferences and discusses ways to do it effectively.
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Creutzfeldt CJ, Wunsch H, Curtis JR, Hua M. Prevalence and Outcomes of Patients Meeting Palliative Care Consultation Triggers in Neurological Intensive Care Units. Neurocrit Care 2016; 23:14-21. [PMID: 25940997 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-015-0143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care needs among patients in the neurological intensive care unit (neuroICU) are poorly characterized. Our aim was to explore the prevalence and type of potential palliative care consultation triggers in neuroICUs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neuroICU admissions in Project IMPACT from 2001 to 2008. We assessed the prevalence of neuroICU admissions meeting one or more of five validated palliative care consultation triggers and compared the percentage of admissions meeting these triggers in other ICUs from the same hospitals. RESULTS Among 1268 admissions to 2 neuroICUs, 200 (15.8 %) met one or more triggers for palliative care consultation. Among 13,694 admissions to non-neuroICUs in the same hospitals, 1909 (13.9 %) met one or more palliative care triggers (p = 0.44). The most common trigger in the neuroICU was intracerebral hemorrhage with mechanical ventilation (n = 92; 7.3 %). The most common trigger in non-neuroICUs was ICU admission following ≥10-day hospital stay (n = 805; 5.9 %). Although ICU mortality was not significantly higher in neuroICU vs. non-neuroICU patients meeting triggers (23.4 vs 19.9 %, p = 0.46), neuroICU patients were significantly more likely to have withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (19.4 vs 8.0 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among neuroICU patients, 15.8 % met triggers for palliative care consultation. Although prevalence of admissions meeting any trigger was similar amongst all ICUs, neuroICU admissions met different types of triggers and were more likely to have withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. These data suggest that palliative care needs are common among neuroICU patients and discussions with patients and families regarding limitation of life-sustaining therapy may differ in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Creutzfeldt
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,
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Higginson IJ, Rumble C, Shipman C, Koffman J, Sleeman KE, Morgan M, Hopkins P, Noble J, Bernal W, Leonard S, Dampier O, Prentice W, Burman R, Costantini M. The value of uncertainty in critical illness? An ethnographic study of patterns and conflicts in care and decision-making trajectories. BMC Anesthesiol 2016; 16:11. [PMID: 26860461 PMCID: PMC4746769 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-016-0177-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasingly intensive treatments and population ageing, more people face complex treatment and care decisions. We explored patterns of the decision-making processes during critical care, and sources of conflict and resolution. METHODS Ethnographic study in two Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in an inner city hospital comprising: non-participant observation of general care and decisions, followed by case studies where treatment limitation decisions, comfort care and/or end of life discussions were occurring. These involved: semi-structured interviews with consenting families, where possible, patients; direct observations of care; and review of medical records. RESULTS Initial non-participant observation included daytime, evenings, nights and weekends. The cases were 16 patients with varied diagnoses, aged 19-87 years; 19 family members were interviewed, aged 30-73 years. Cases were observed for <1 to 156 days (median 22), depending on length of ICU admission. Decisions were made serially over the whole trajectory, usually several days or weeks. We identified four trajectories with distinct patterns: curative care from admission; oscillating curative and comfort care; shift to comfort care; comfort care from admission. Some families considered decision-making a negative concept and preferred uncertainty. Conflict occurred most commonly in the trajectories with oscillating curative and comfort care. Conflict also occurred inside clinical teams. Families were most often involved in decision-making regarding care outcomes and seemed to find it easier when patients switched definitively from curative to comfort care. We found eight categories of decision-making; three related to the care outcomes (aim, place, response to needs) and five to the care processes (resuscitation, decision support, medications/fluids, monitoring/interventions, other specialty involvement). CONCLUSIONS Decision-making in critical illness involves a web of discussions regarding the potential outcomes and processes of care, across the whole disease trajectory. When measures oscillate between curative and comfort there is greatest conflict. This suggests a need to support early communication, especially around values and preferred care outcomes, from which other decisions follow, including DNAR. Offering further support, possibly with expert palliative care, communication, and discussion of 'trial of treatment' may be beneficial at this time, rather than waiting until the 'end of life'.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Higginson
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK.
| | - C Rumble
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - C Shipman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - J Koffman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - K E Sleeman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - M Morgan
- King's College London, Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, Capital House, London Bridge, London, UK
| | - P Hopkins
- King's College Hospital, King's Critical Care, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - J Noble
- King's College Hospital, King's Critical Care, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - W Bernal
- King's College Hospital, King's Critical Care, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - S Leonard
- King's College Hospital, King's Critical Care, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - O Dampier
- King's College Hospital, King's Critical Care, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - W Prentice
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - R Burman
- King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK
| | - M Costantini
- Palliative Care Unit, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Carter EL, Hutchinson PJA, Kolias AG, Menon DK. Predicting the outcome for individual patients with traumatic brain injury: a case-based review. Br J Neurosurg 2016; 30:227-32. [PMID: 26853860 DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2016.1139048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injuries result in significant morbidity and mortality. Accurate prediction of prognosis is desirable to inform treatment decisions and counsel family members. Objective To review the currently available prognostic tools for use in traumatic brain injury (TBI), to analyse their value in individual patient management and to appraise ongoing research on prognostic modelling. METHODS AND RESULTS We present two patients who sustained a TBI in 2011-2012 and evaluate whether prognostic models could accurately predict their outcome. The methodology and validity of current prognostic models are analysed and current research that might contribute to improved individual patient prognostication is evaluated. CONCLUSION Predicting prognosis in the acute phase after TBI is complex and existing prognostic models are not suitable for use at the individual patient level. Data derived from these models should only be used as an adjunct to clinical judgement and should not be used to set limits for acute care interventions. Information from neuroimaging, physiological monitoring and analysis of biomarkers or genetic polymorphisms may be used in the future to improve accuracy of individual patient prognostication. Clinicians should consider offering full supportive treatment to patients in the early phase after injury whilst the outcome is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor L Carter
- a Division of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Medicine , Addenbrooke's Hospital & University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK ;,b Department of Anaesthesia , National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery , London , UK
| | - Peter J A Hutchinson
- c Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Addenbrooke's Hospital & University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Angelos G Kolias
- c Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences , Addenbrooke's Hospital & University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - David K Menon
- a Division of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Medicine , Addenbrooke's Hospital & University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
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21
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Epker JL, Bakker J, Lingsma HF, Kompanje EJO. An Observational Study on a Protocol for Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Measures on Two Non-Academic Intensive Care Units in The Netherlands: Few Signs of Distress, No Suffering? J Pain Symptom Manage 2015; 50:676-84. [PMID: 26335762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Because anticipation of death is common within the intensive care unit, attention must be paid to the prevention of distressing signs and symptoms, enabling the patient to die peacefully. In the relevant studies on this subject, there has been a lack of focus on measuring determinants of comfort in this population. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether dying without distressing signs after the withdrawal of life-sustaining measures is possible using a newly introduced protocol and to analyze the potential influence of opioids and sedatives on time till death. METHODS This was a prospective observational study, in two nonacademic Dutch intensive care units after the introduction of a national protocol for end-of-life care. The study lasted two years and included adult patients in whom mechanical ventilation and/or vasoactive medication was withdrawn. Exclusion criteria included all other causes of death. RESULTS During the study period, 450 patients died; of these, 305 patients were eligible, and 241 were included. Ninety percent of patients were well sedated before and after withdrawal. Severe terminal restlessness, death rattle, or stridor was seen in less than 6%. Dosages of opioids and sedatives increased significantly after withdrawal, but did not contribute to a shorter time till death according the regression analysis. CONCLUSION The end-of-life protocol seems effective in realizing adequate patient comfort. Most patients in whom life-sustaining measures are withdrawn are well sedated and show few signs of distress. Dosages of opioids and sedatives increase significantly during treatment withdrawal but do not contribute to time until death. Dying with a minimum of distressing signs is thus practically possible and ethically feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle L Epker
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Bakker
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J O Kompanje
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Creutzfeldt CJ, Holloway RG, Curtis JR. Palliative Care: A Core Competency for Stroke Neurologists. Stroke 2015; 46:2714-9. [PMID: 26243219 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.008224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Creutzfeldt
- From the Harborview Medical Center, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (C.J.C.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY (R.G.H.); and Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Harborview Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (J.R.C.).
| | - Robert G Holloway
- From the Harborview Medical Center, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (C.J.C.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY (R.G.H.); and Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Harborview Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (J.R.C.)
| | - J Randall Curtis
- From the Harborview Medical Center, Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (C.J.C.); Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY (R.G.H.); and Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, Harborview Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (J.R.C.)
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23
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Lesieur O, Leloup M, Gonzalez F, Mamzer MF. Withholding or withdrawal of treatment under French rules: a study performed in 43 intensive care units. Ann Intensive Care 2015; 5:56. [PMID: 26092498 PMCID: PMC4486647 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-015-0056-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In France, decisions to limit treatment fall under the Leonetti law adopted in 2005. Leading figures from the French world of politics, science, and justice recently claimed for amendments to the law, considering it incomplete. This study, conducted before any legislative change, aimed to investigate the procedural aspects of withholding/withdrawing treatment in French ICUs and their adequacy with the existing law. Methods The characteristics of patients qualified for a withholding/withdrawal procedure were prospectively collected in 43 French ICUs. The study period (60 or 90 days under normal operating conditions) took place in the first half of 2013. Results During the study period, 777 (14 %) of 5589 admitted patients and 584 (52 %) of 1132 patients dying in the ICU had their treatment withheld or withdrawn. Whereas 344 patients had treatment(s) withheld (i.e., not started or not increased if already engaged), 433 had one or more treatment(s) withdrawn. Withdrawal of treatment was applied in 156 of 223 (70 %) brain-injured patients, compared to 277 of 554 (50 %) patients with other reasons for admission (p < 0.01). At the time of the decision-making, the patient’s wishes were known in 181 (23 %) of the 777 cases in one or more different way(s): 73 (9.4 %) from the patient, 10 (1.3 %) by advance directives, 10 (1.3 %) through a designated trusted person, and 108 (13.9 %) reported by the family or close relatives. An external consultant was involved in less than half of all decisions (356 of 777, 46 %). Of the 777 patients qualified for a withholding/withdrawal procedure, 133 (17 %) were discharged alive from the hospital (126 after withholding, 7 after withdrawal). Conclusions More than half of deaths in the study population occurred after a decision to withhold or withdraw treatment. Among patients under withholding/withdrawal procedures, brain-injured subjects were more likely to undergo a withdrawal procedure. The prevalence of advance directives and designated trusted persons was low. Because patients’ preferences were unknown in more than three quarters of cases, decisions remained primarily based on medical judgment. Limitations, especially withholding of treatment, did not preclude survival and hospital discharge.
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Mark NM, Rayner SG, Lee NJ, Curtis JR. Global variability in withholding and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit: a systematic review. Intensive Care Med 2015; 41:1572-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00134-015-3810-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The care of critically ill brain-injured patients is complex and requires careful balancing of cerebral and systemic treatment priorities. A growing number of studies have reported improved outcomes when patients are admitted to dedicated neurocritical care units (NCCUs). The reasons for this observation have not been definitively clarified. RECENT FINDINGS When recently published articles are combined with older literature, there have been more than 40 000 patients assessed in observational studies that compare neurological and general ICUs. Although results are heterogeneous, admission to NCCUs is associated with lower mortality and a greater chance of favorable recovery. These findings are remarkable considering that there are few interventions in neurocritical care that have been demonstrated to be efficacious in randomized trials. Whether the relationship is causal is still being elucidated but potential explanations include higher patient volume and, in turn, greater clinician experience; more emphasis on and adherence to protocols to avoid secondary brain injury; practice differences related to prognostication and withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions; and differences in the use and interpretation of neuroimaging and neuromonitoring data. SUMMARY Neurocritical care is an evolving field that is associated with improvements in outcomes over the past decade. Further research is required to determine how monitoring and treatment protocols can be optimized.
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Qureshi AI, Adil MM, Suri MFK. Rate of use and determinants of withdrawal of care among patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the United States. World Neurosurg 2014; 82:e579-84. [PMID: 25009167 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of "withdrawal of care" and impact upon outcomes among patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is not well studied. OBJECTIVE To identify the rate and determinants of "withdrawal of care" among SAH patients. METHODS We determined the frequency of "withdrawal of care" and compared the demographic, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes among patients with SAH stratified by use of "withdrawal of care." RESULTS "Withdrawal of care" during hospitalization was instituted in 8912 (3.4%) of the 266,067 patients with SAH. In the stepwise logistic regression, age >65 (odds ratio [OR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.3-6.1), women (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.3), African American (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.8), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6), renal failure (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-1.9), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.4, All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups severity score of extreme loss of function (OR 40.1, 95% CI 6.0-270.7), All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups severity score of severe loss of function (OR 15.0, 95% CI 2.1-103.8), insurance status of private health maintenance organization (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9), and hospital region south United States (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.8), were significant predictors of "withdrawal of care" among patients with SAH. In-hospital mortality was significantly greater, but mean hospitalization charges and length of stay were significantly lower among those with "withdrawal of care." CONCLUSIONS Although "withdrawal of care" was effective in limiting hospital charges and resource use, caution is needed to avoid disproportionately high mortality. The prominent relationship between race/ethnicity, insurance status, and hospital location with "withdrawal of care" raises concerns that factors other than severity of disease influence decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malik M Adil
- Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA.
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Lonjaret L, Fourcade O, Roux FE, Beloucif S, Geeraerts T. Post-mortem cranioplasty: medical, ethical and religious considerations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 33:e99-e100. [PMID: 24836117 DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Lonjaret
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Équipe d'accueil "Modélisation de l'agression tissulaire et nociceptive", University Paul-Sabatier, hôpital Purpan, place du Dr-Baylac, 31000 Toulouse, France.
| | - O Fourcade
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Équipe d'accueil "Modélisation de l'agression tissulaire et nociceptive", University Paul-Sabatier, hôpital Purpan, place du Dr-Baylac, 31000 Toulouse, France.
| | - F-E Roux
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Toulouse, University Paul-Sabatier, 31000 Toulouse, France.
| | - S Beloucif
- EA 4569, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Avicenne University Hospital, 93000 Bobigny, France.
| | - T Geeraerts
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Équipe d'accueil "Modélisation de l'agression tissulaire et nociceptive", University Paul-Sabatier, hôpital Purpan, place du Dr-Baylac, 31000 Toulouse, France.
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Rubin MA, Dhar R, Diringer MN. Racial differences in withdrawal of mechanical ventilation do not alter mortality in neurologically injured patients. J Crit Care 2013; 29:49-53. [PMID: 24120091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2013.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Racial differences in withdrawal of mechanical ventilation (WMV) have been demonstrated among patients with severe neurologic injuries. We ascertained whether such differences might be accounted for by imbalances in socioeconomic status or disease severity, and whether such racial differences impact hospital mortality or result in greater discharge to long-term care facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated WMV among 1885 mechanically ventilated patients with severe neurologic injury (defined as Glasgow Coma Scale <9), excluding those progressing to brain death within the first 48 hours. RESULTS Withdrawal of mechanical ventilation was less likely in nonwhite patients (22% vs 31%, P < .001). Nonwhites were younger and were more likely to have Medicaid or no insurance, live in ZIP codes with low median household incomes, be unmarried, and have greater illness severity; but after adjustment for these variables, racial difference in WMV persisted (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.76). Nonwhite patients were more likely to die instead with full support or progress to brain death, resulting in equivalent overall hospital mortality (40% vs 42%, P = .44). Among survivors, nonwhites were more likely to be discharged to long-term care facilities (27% vs 17%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Surrogates of nonwhite neurologically injured patients chose WMV less often even after correcting for socioeconomic status and other confounders. This difference in end-of-life decision making does not appear to alter hospital mortality but may result in more survivors left in a disabled state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Rubin
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 660 South Euclid Ave Campus Box 8111, St Louis, MO 63110 United States.
| | - Rajat Dhar
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 660 South Euclid Ave Campus Box 8111, St Louis, MO 63110 United States
| | - Michael N Diringer
- Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, 660 South Euclid Ave Campus Box 8111, St Louis, MO 63110 United States
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Epker JL, De Groot YJ, Kompanje EJO. Obtaining Consent for Organ Donation from a Competent ICU Patient Who Does Not Want to Live Anymore and Who is Dependent on Life-Sustaining Treatment; Ethically Feasible? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1477750912474762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We anticipate a further decline of patients who eventually will become brain dead. The intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a last resort for patients with severe and multiple organ dysfunction. Patients with primary central nervous system failure constitute the largest group of patients in which life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn. Almost all these patients are unconscious at the moment physicians decide to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining measures. Sometimes, however competent ICU patients state that they do not want to live anymore because of the severity of their illness or the poor prognosis and ask for withdrawal of life-sustaining measures like mechanical ventilation. Do we consider the unconscious patient as potential organ donor before withdrawal of mechanical ventilation? This is paradoxically rare in the case of the conscious ICU patient. Is it practically possible and ethically feasible to obtain consent for organ donation from this group of patients?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle L Epker
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yorick J De Groot
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin J O Kompanje
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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