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Garcia Romo E, Pfang B, Valle Borrego B, Lobo Antuña M, Noguera Tejedor A, Rubio Gomez S, Galindo Vazquez V, Prieto Rios B. Successful Use of Propofol After Failed Palliative Sedation in Patients With Refractory Symptoms. J Palliat Med 2024. [PMID: 38973718 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context: Propofol is a general anesthetic used in multiple clinical scenarios. Despite growing evidence supporting its use in palliative care, propofol is rarely used in palliative sedation. Reluctance toward the adoption of propofol as a sedative agent is often associated with fear of adverse events such as respiratory arrest. Objectives: We aimed to describe efficacy and safety of palliative sedation in refractory sedation with propofol using a protocol based on low, incremental dosing. Methods: A retrospective observational study featuring inpatients receiving sedative treatment with propofol in our palliative care unit in Madrid (Spain) between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2023, following a newly developed protocol. Results: During the study period, 22 patients underwent sedation with propofol. Propofol was used successfully to control different refractory symptoms, mainly psychoexistential suffering and delirium. All patients had undergone previous failed attempts at sedation with other medications (midazolam or lemovepromazine) and presented risk factors for complicated sedation. All patients achieved satisfactory (profound) levels of sedation measured with the Ramsay Sedation Scale, but total doses varied greatly between patients. Most patients (17, 77%) received combined therapy with propofol and other sedative medications to harness synergies. The median time between start of sedation with propofol and death was 26.0 hours. No cases of apnea or death during induction were recorded. Conclusion: A protocol for palliative sedation with propofol based on low, incremental dosing, with the option of administering an initial induction bolus, shows excellent results regarding adequate levels of sedation, without observing apnea or respiratory depression. Our results promote the use of propofol to achieve palliative sedation in patients with refractory symptoms and risk factors for complicated sedation at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Garcia Romo
- Palliative Care Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernadette Pfang
- Health Research Institute of the Jimenez Diaz Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Rubio Gomez
- Palliative Care Unit, Beata María Ana de Hermanas Hospitalarias Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Prieto Rios
- Palliative Care Unit, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Yang Y, Lang Z, Wang X, Yang P, Meng N, Xing Y, Liu Y. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ciprofol and propofol in sedating patients in the operating room and outside the operating room: a meta-analysis and systematic review. BMC Anesthesiol 2024; 24:218. [PMID: 38956515 PMCID: PMC11218179 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a new type of intravenous anesthetic, ciprofol has the advantages of fast onset of action, fast recovery and high clearance rate. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol versus traditional propofol for anesthesia and sedation in and out of the operating room. METHODS We searched the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from January 2021 to December 2023. All clinical studies comparing the sedative effects of propofol and ciprofol, both inside and outside the operating room, were included in our trial. The main outcome measures were induction time and incidence of injection-site pain. Data are merged using risk ratio and standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were performed. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023447747). RESULTS A total of 15 randomized, controlled trials involving 2002 patients were included in this study. Compared with propofol, ciprofol has a longer induction time in the operating room but a shorter induction time in non-operating room settings. Ciprofol can effectively reduce the risk of injection-site pain and respiratory depression both inside and outside the operating room. In addition, the risk of drug-related hypotension induced with ciprofol in the operating room is lower, but the awakening time is also longer. Meta-regression analysis showed that neither age nor BMI were potential sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, egger and begg tests showed no significant publication bias. Sensitivity analyzes indicate that our results are robust and reliable. CONCLUSION Ciprofol has absolute advantages in reducing the risk of injection-site pain and respiratory depression, both in and outside operating room. Intraoperative use of ciprofol reduces the risk of drug-related hypotension and may also reduce the risk of intraoperative physical movements. However, ciprofol may have longer induction and awakening time than propofol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang west Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Zekun Lang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang west Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Peining Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang west Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Ning Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang west Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Yang Xing
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Yatao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operating Theater, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, No.1 Donggang west Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
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Beauverd M, Mazzoli M, Pralong J, Tomczyk M, Eychmüller S, Gaertner J. Palliative sedation - revised recommendations. Swiss Med Wkly 2024; 154:3590. [PMID: 38579308 DOI: 10.57187/s.3590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Palliative sedation is defined as the monitored use of medications intended to induce a state of decreased or absent awareness (unconsciousness) to relieve the burden of otherwise intractable suffering in a manner ethically acceptable to the patient, their family, and healthcare providers. In Switzerland, the prevalence of continuous deep sedation until death increased from 4.7% in 2001 to 17.5% of all deceased in 2013, depending on the research method used and on regional variations. Yet, these numbers may be overestimated due to a lack of understanding of the term "continuous deep sedation" by for example respondents of the questionnaire-based study. Inadequately trained and inexperienced healthcare professionals may incorrectly or inappropriately perform palliative sedation due to uncertainties regarding its definitions and practice. Therefore, the expert members of the Bigorio group and the authors of this manuscript believe that national recommendations should be published and made available to healthcare professionals to provide practical, terminological, and ethical guidance. The Bigorio group is the working group of the Swiss Palliative Care Society whose task is to publish clinical recommendations at a national level in Switzerland. These recommendations aim to provide guidance on the most critical questions and issues related to palliative sedation. The Swiss Society of Palliative Care (palliative.ch) mandated a writing board comprising four clinical experts (three physicians and one ethicist) and two national academic experts to revise the 2005 Bigorio guidelines. A first draft was created based on a narrative literature review, which was internally reviewed by five academic institutions (Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Zürich, and Basel) and the heads of all working groups of the Swiss Society of Palliative Care before finalising the guidelines. The following themes are discussed regarding palliative sedation: (a) definitions and clinical aspects, (b) the decision-making process, (c) communication with patients and families, (d) patient monitoring, (e) pharmacological approaches, and (f) ethical and controversial issues. Palliative sedation must be practised with clinical and ethical accuracy and competence to avoid harm and ethically questionable use. Specialist palliative care teams should be consulted before initiating palliative sedation to avoid overlooking other potential treatment options for the patient's symptoms and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Beauverd
- Service de soins palliatifs et de support, Département de médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martyna Tomczyk
- Institute of Humanities in Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Eychmüller
- Universitäres Zentrum für Palliative Care (UZP), Inselspital, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Gaertner
- Palliative Care Center Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Switzerland
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Serra S, Spampinato MD, Riccardi A, Guarino M, Fabbri A, Orsi L, De Iaco F. Pain Management at the End of Life in the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review of the Literature and a Practical Clinical Approach. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4357. [PMID: 37445392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to pain management is a fundamental human right for all people, including those who are at the end of life (EOL). In end-stage patients, severe and uncontrolled pain is a common cause of admission to the emergency department (ED), and its treatment is challenging due to its complex, often multifactorial genesis. The aim of this narrative review was to identify the available literature on the management of severe EOL pain in the ED. The MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to 1 April 2023 including randomised controlled trials, observational studies, systemic or narrative reviews, case reports, and guidelines on the management of EOL pain in the ED. A total of 532 articles were identified, and 9 articles were included (5 narrative reviews, 2 retrospective studies, and 2 prospective studies). Included studies were heterogeneous on the scales used and recommended for pain assessment and the recommended treatments. No study provided evidence for a better approach for EOL patients with pain in the ED. We provide a narrative summary of the findings and a review of the management of EOL pain in clinical practice, including (i) the identification of the EOL patients and unmet palliative care needs, (ii) a multidimensional, patient-centred assessment of the type and severity of pain, (iii) a multidisciplinary approach to the management of end-of-life pain, including an overview of non-pharmacological and pharmacological techniques; and (iv) the management of special situations, including rapid acute deterioration of chronic pain, breakthrough pain, and sedative palliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sossio Serra
- Emergency Department, Maurizio Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Guarino
- UOC MEU Ospedale CTO-AORN dei Colli Napoli, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbri
- Emergency Department, AUSL Romagna, Presidio Ospedaliero Morgagni-Pierantoni, 47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Luciano Orsi
- Palliative Care Physician and Scientific Director of "Rivista Italiane di Cure Palliative", 26013 Crema, Italy
| | - Fabio De Iaco
- Struttura Complessa di Medicina di Emergenza Urgenza Ospedale Maria Vittoria, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Torino, Italy
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Cuviello A, Pasli M, Bhatia S, Johnson LM, Anghelescu DL, Baker JN. Dexmedetomidine and Propofol at End of Life in Pediatric Oncology: Trends in Palliative Sedation Therapy. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:79-86. [PMID: 35944277 PMCID: PMC9810498 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Palliative sedation therapy (PST) can address suffering at the end of life (EOL) in children with cancer; yet, little is known about PST in this population. Objectives: We sought to describe the characteristics of pediatric oncology patients requiring PST at the EOL. Methods: A retrospective review was completed for pediatric oncology patients who required PST at a United States academic institution over 10 years, including demographics, disease characteristics, EOL characteristics, and medications for PST and symptom management. Results: PST was utilized in 3% of patients at the EOL. Of 24 study participants receiving PST, 83% (n = 20), 12.5% (n = 3), and 4.2% (n = 1) received dexmedetomidine, propofol, or both, respectively. The most frequent diagnosis for patients receiving PST was acute myelogenous leukemia (20.8%, n = 5). All patients were followed up by the palliative care team, and two-thirds (66.6%, n = 16) were also followed up by the pain management service; 79% (n = 19) were enrolled in hospice, and 98.5% (n = 23) had a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment in place. Pain was the most common refractory symptom leading to PST initiation (33.3%, n = 8), followed by neuroagitation and dyspnea. PST was initiated a median of 2.5 days before death. A third of deaths occurred in the intensive care unit (33.3%, n = 8). Conclusions: PST was rare in this study; dexmedetomidine was used as first-line treatment for PST in patients at the EOL with refractory symptoms. Its place in PST protocols in pediatric oncology should be validated with prospective studies. Our study suggests the potential value of collaboration between palliative care and pain specialists in the context of PST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuviello
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melisa Pasli
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shalini Bhatia
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Doralina L. Anghelescu
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Chen BZ, Yin XY, Jiang LH, Liu JH, Shi YY, Yuan BY. The efficacy and safety of ciprofol use for the induction of general anesthesia in patients undergoing gynecological surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study. BMC Anesthesiol 2022; 22:245. [PMID: 35922771 PMCID: PMC9347095 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-022-01782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ciprofol is a recently developed, short-acting γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist sedative that is more potent than propofol, but there have been few clinical studies of this agent to date. Here, we sought to examine the safety and efficacy of ciprofol use for the induction of general anesthesia in individuals undergoing gynecological surgery. Methods Women between the ages of 18 and 60 years (ASA physical status 1 or 2) who were scheduled to undergo elective gynecological surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to two equally sized groups in which anesthesia induction was performed using either ciprofol or propofol. General anesthesia induction success rates were the primary outcome for this study, while secondary outcomes included changes in BIS during the 10 min following the first administration of the study drug, the duration of successful induction, and adverse event incidence. Results A total of 120 women were included in the study. A 100% rate of successful induction was achieved in both the ciprofol and propofol groups, with no significant differences between these groups with respect to the duration of successful induction (34.8 ± 15.5 s vs 35.4 ± 9.5 s, P = 0.832), the time to the disappearance of the eyelash reflex (33.7 ± 10.6 s vs 34.0 ± 6.5 s, P = 0.860), or tracheal intubation (58.2 ± 31.1 s vs 53.9 ± 25.4 s, P = 0.448). Adverse event rates, including intubation responses, were significantly lower in the ciprofol group as compared to the propofol group(20% vs 48.33%, P = 0.0019). Ciprofol was associated with reduced injection pain relative to propofol (16.7% vs 58.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions Ciprofol exhibits comparable efficacy to that of propofol when used for the induction of general anesthesia in individuals undergoing gynecological surgery and is associated with fewer adverse events. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01782-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Zhen Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 290, Sha Yan Cun Xi Er Jie, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 290, Sha Yan Cun Xi Er Jie, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Li-Hua Jiang
- Department of Operating Room Nursing, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jin-Hui Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 290, Sha Yan Cun Xi Er Jie, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan-Yan Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Bi-Ying Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, the Affiliated Women's and Children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, No. 290, Sha Yan Cun Xi Er Jie, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China.
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Jacquin PH, Ciais JF, Marrec A, Hebert P. Propofol for painful procedures in palliative care. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021; 11:124-125. [PMID: 33514534 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Refractory pain during care procedures causes a real challenge for terminally ill patients. We are hereby publishing three cases of patients who received repeated procedural sedations using propofol during the painful care procedures. All patients experience pain relief with no side effects although care procedures initially were a traumatic experience to them despite the usual medication. This therapeutic solution, which would need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis by evaluating the benefit-risk balance, could become a suitable comfort treatment used by palliative care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Henri Jacquin
- Supportive and Palliative Care Departement, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Jean-François Ciais
- Supportive and Palliative Care Departement, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Amélie Marrec
- Supportive and Palliative Care Departement, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Pascal Hebert
- Supportive and Palliative Care Departement, Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, Monaco, Monaco
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8
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Fredheim OM, Skulberg IM, Magelssen M, Steine S. Clinical and ethical aspects of palliative sedation with propofol-A retrospective quantitative and qualitative study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2020; 64:1319-1326. [PMID: 32632937 DOI: 10.1111/aas.13665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anesthetic propofol is often mentioned as a drug that can be used in palliative sedation. The existing literature of how to use propofol in palliative sedation is scarce, with lack of information about how propofol could be initiated for palliative sedation, doses and treatment outcomes. AIM To describe the patient population, previous and concomitant medication, and clinical outcome when propofol was used for palliative sedation. METHODS A retrospective study with quantitative and qualitative data. All patients who during a 4.5-year period received propofol for palliative sedation at the Department of palliative medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Norway were included. RESULTS Fourteen patients were included. In six patients the main indication for palliative sedation was pain, in seven dyspnoea and in one delirium. In eight of these cases propofol was chosen because of the pharmacokinetic properties (rapid effect), and in the remaining cases propofol was chosen because midazolam in spite of dose titration failed to provide sufficient symptom relief. In all patients sedation and adequate symptom control was achieved during manual dose titration. During the maintenance phase three of 14 patients had spontaneous awakenings. At death, propofol doses ranged from 60 to 340 mg/hour. CONCLUSIONS Severe suffering at the end of life can be successfully treated with propofol for palliative sedation. This can be performed in palliative medicine wards, but skilled observation and dose titration throughout the period of palliative sedation is necessary. Successful initial sedation does not guarantee uninterrupted sedation until death. EDITORIAL COMMENT In palliative care, some patients at the end of life can reach a stage where there have been maximal analgesic and or anxiolytic treatments though without achieving comfort in the awake state. This report describes and discusses use of propofol in these infrequent cases to relieve suffering as part of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav M. Fredheim
- Department of Palliative Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging Faculty of Medicine Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim Norway
- National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders Department of Pain and Complex Disorders St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim Norway
| | | | - Morten Magelssen
- Centre for Medical Ethics Institute of Health and Society University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Siri Steine
- Department of Palliative Medicine Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog Norway
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Miele E, Mastronuzzi A, Cefalo MG, Del Bufalo F, De Pasquale MD, Serra A, Spinelli GP, De Sio L. Propofol-based palliative sedation in terminally ill children with solid tumors: A case series. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15615. [PMID: 31124940 PMCID: PMC6571440 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The palliative sedation therapy is defined as the intentional reduction of the alert state, using pharmacological tools. Propofol is a short-acting general anesthetic agent, widely used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia and rarely employed in palliative care. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES This case series describes 5 pediatric oncology inpatients affected by relapsed/refractory solid tumors received palliative sedation using propofol alone or in combination with opioids and benzodiazepines. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES Five terminally ill children affected by solid tumors received propofol-based palliative sedation. All patients were previously treated with opioids and some of them reduced the consumption of these drugs after propofol starting. In all cases the progressive increase of the level of sedation until the death has been the only effective measure of control of refractory symptoms related todisease progression and psychological suffering. LESSONS We evaluated the quality of propofol-based palliative sedation in a series of pediatric oncology patients with solid tumors at the end of their life. We concluded that propofol represents an effective and tolerable adjuvant drug for the management of intractable suffering and a practicable strategy for palliative sedation in pediatric oncology patients at the end of their life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Miele
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - M. Giuseppina Cefalo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - M. Debora De Pasquale
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - Annalisa Serra
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
| | - Gian Paolo Spinelli
- Unità Operativa Complessa Oncology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Latina District 1, Aprilia (LT), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi De Sio
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS)
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Abstract
'Palliation sedation' is a widely used term to describe the intentional administration of sedatives to reduce a dying person's consciousness to relieve intolerable suffering from refractory symptoms. Research studies generally focus on either 'continuous sedation until death' or 'continuous deep sedation'. It is not always clear whether instances of secondary sedation (i.e. caused by specific symptom management) have been excluded. Continuous deep sedation is controversial because it ends a person's 'biographical life' (the ability to interact meaningfully with other people) and shortens 'biological life'. Ethically, continuous deep sedation is an exceptional last resort measure. Studies suggest that continuous deep sedation has become 'normalized' in some countries and some palliative care services. Of concern is the dissonance between guidelines and practice. At the extreme, there are reports of continuous deep sedation which are best described as non-voluntary (unrequested) euthanasia. Other major concerns relate to its use for solely non-physical (existential) reasons, the under-diagnosis of delirium and its mistreatment, and not appreciating that unresponsiveness is not the same as unconsciousness (unawareness). Ideally, a multiprofessional palliative care team should be involved before proceeding to continuous deep sedation. Good palliative care greatly reduces the need for continuous deep sedation.
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11
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Coelho CBT, Yankaskas JR. New concepts in palliative care in the intensive care unit. Rev Bras Ter Intensiva 2018; 29:222-230. [PMID: 28977262 PMCID: PMC5496757 DOI: 10.5935/0103-507x.20170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients admitted to an intensive care unit may face a terminal illness
situation, which usually leads to death. Knowledge of palliative care is
strongly recommended for the health care providers who are taking care of these
patients. In many situations, the patients should be evaluated daily as the
introduction of further treatments may not be beneficial to them. The
discussions among health team members that are related to prognosis and the
goals of care should be carefully evaluated in collaboration with the patients
and their families. The adoption of protocols related to end-of-life patients in
the intensive care unit is fundamental. A multidisciplinary team is important
for determining whether the withdrawal or withholding of advanced care is
required. In addition, patients and families should be informed that palliative
care involves the best possible care for that specific situation, as well as
respect for their wishes and the consideration of social and spiritual
backgrounds. Thus, the aim of this review is to present palliative care as a
reasonable option to support the intensive care unit team in assisting
terminally ill patients. Updates regarding diet, mechanical ventilation, and
dialysis in these patients will be presented. Additionally, the hospice-model
philosophy as an alternative to the intensive care unit/hospital environment
will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James R Yankaskas
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - North Carolina, United States
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Covarrubias-Gómez A, López Collada-Estrada M. Propofol-Based Palliative Sedation to Treat Antipsychotic-Resistant Agitated Delirium. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2017; 31:190-194. [PMID: 28506099 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2017.1315476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Delirium is a common problem in terminally ill patients that is associated with significant distress and, hence, considered a palliative care emergency. The three subtypes of delirium are hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed, depending on the level of psychomotor activity and arousal disturbance. When agitated delirium becomes refractory in the setting of imminent dying, the agitation may be so severe that palliative sedation (PS) is required. Palliative sedation involves the administration of sedative medications with the purpose of reducing level of consciousness for patients with refractory suffering in the setting of a terminal illness. Propofol is a sedative that has a short duration of action and a very rapid onset. These characteristics make it relatively easy to titrate. Reported doses range from 50 to 70 mg per hour. The authors present a case of antipsychotic-resistant agitated delirium treated with a propofol intravenous infusion.
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Bispectral Index monitoring in cancer patients undergoing palliative sedation: a preliminary report. Support Care Cancer 2017; 25:3143-3149. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3722-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Bodnar J. A Review of Agents for Palliative Sedation/Continuous Deep Sedation: Pharmacology and Practical Applications. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2017; 31:16-37. [PMID: 28287357 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2017.1279502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Continuous deep sedation at the end of life is a specific form of palliative sedation requiring a care plan that essentially places and maintains the patient in an unresponsive state because their symptoms are refractory to any other interventions. Because this application is uncommon, many providers may lack practical experience in this specialized area and resources they can access are outdated, nonspecific, and/or not comprehensive. The purpose of this review is to provide an evidence- and experience-based reference that specifically addresses those medications and regimens and their practical applications for this very narrow, but vital, aspect of hospice care. Patient goals in a hospital and hospice environments are different, so the manner in which widely used sedatives are dosed and applied can differ greatly as well. Parameters applied in end-of-life care that are based on experience and a thorough understanding of the pharmacology of those medications will differ from those applied in an intensive care unit or other medical environments. By recognizing these different goals and applying well-founded regimens geared specifically for end-of-life sedation, we can address our patients' symptoms in a more timely and efficacious manner.
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Ferraz Gonçalves JA, Almeida A, Costa I, Silva P, Carneiro R. Comparison of Haloperidol Alone and in Combination with Midazolam for the Treatment of Acute Agitation in an Inpatient Palliative Care Service. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2016; 30:284-288. [PMID: 27749141 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2016.1231733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Agitation is a very distressing problem that must be controlled as quickly as possible, but using a safe method. The authors conducted a comparison of two protocols: a combination of haloperidol and midazolam and haloperidol alone. The combination drug protocol controlled 101 out of 121 (84%) episodes of agitation with only the first dose, whereas the haloperidol alone protocol controlled 47 out of 74 (64%) episodes. This difference is statistically significant (P =.002), with a post hoc analyzed power of 0.88. The median time from the first dose to the control of agitation was 15 minutes (range: 5-210) with the combination and 60 minutes (range: 10-430) with the other protocol, P <.001. There were no complications other than some transient somnolence, mainly with the combination protocol. The authors conclude that the combination of haloperidol and midazolam is effective and safe for the control of agitation in palliative care and it is more effective than haloperidol alone. Therefore, the combination should be adopted as the preferred protocol. It would be helpful if the usefulness of this protocol is confirmed by others.
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Ciais JF, Tremellat F, Castelli-Prieto M, Jestin C. Sedation by Propofol for Painful Care Procedures at the End of Life: A Pilot Study. PROPOPAL 1. J Palliat Med 2016; 20:282-284. [PMID: 27673357 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2016.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the end of life, patients may feel refractory pain during care procedures although they receive appropriate analgesia. They can benefit from a short-term sedation. Propofol is used for procedural sedation in emergency or reanimation departments. It may be adapted in a palliative care unit. OBJECTIVE The main objective was to verify whether propofol could allow us to administer care without causing major pain to patients with refractory pain at the end of life. DESIGN We conducted an open, prospective, and uncontrolled pilot study. SETTING/SUBJECTS The study was conducted in one palliative care center in France. The subjects were patients with an estimated prognosis less than three months who experienced pain during care procedures, although they receive appropriate analgesia. RESULTS Ten patients were included. Care was delivered with no major pain for 9 patients out of 10. The average duration of induction to reach deep sedation was 4 minutes (2-8) and of care procedures was 13 minutes (7-32). On average, the patient woke up 11.5 minutes after we stopped injecting propofol (7-18). Only one patient experienced a significant adverse effect caused by propofol, but it did not have any harmful consequence except the interruption of care procedures. CONCLUSION Transitory sedation using propofol for terminally ill patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit can offer optimal comfort during painful care procedures without significant complications. Patients woke up quickly. Further studies will have to be conducted to verify these initial results and make sure there are no major drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flora Tremellat
- Department of Palliative Care, Centre Hospitalier de Nice , Nice, France
| | | | - Caroline Jestin
- Department of Palliative Care, Centre Hospitalier de Nice , Nice, France
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Kettemann D, Funke A, Maier A, Rosseau S, Meyer R, Spittel S, Münch C, Meyer T. Clinical characteristics and course of dying in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis withdrawing from long-term ventilation. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 18:53-59. [PMID: 27534566 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1214734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or tracheotomy with invasive ventilation (TIV) are treatment options in ALS. However, a proportion of patients receiving long-term ventilation decide to have it withdrawn. The objective of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics and palliative approaches in ALS patients withdrawing from long-term ventilation (WLTV). In a cohort study, two different palliative concepts in WLTV were studied: (1) augmented symptom control (ASC; sedation not intended) in patients with ventilator-free tolerance; (2) continuous deep sedation (CDS; sedation intended) in patients without ventilator-free tolerance. Results showed that WLTV was realised in 49 ALS patients (NIV = 13; TIV = 36). Mean daily ventilation was 23.4 h. The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) was low (5.6 of 48). Forty-one per cent of patients (n = 20) presented with ophthalmoplegia. ASC was performed in 20 patients, CDS in 29 patients. The mean time to death following disconnection was 32 (0.3-164) h during ASC and 0.3 (0.2-0.6) h in CDS. In conclusion, a low ALSFRS-R, high incidence of ophthalmoplegia and extended ventilator dependency were found before WLTV. The presence or absence of ventilator-free tolerance determined the approach to the management of symptoms, the setting for immediate end-of-life care and the course of dying in WLTV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Kettemann
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - Andreas Funke
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - André Maier
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - Simone Rosseau
- b Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine , Berlin , Germany
| | - Robert Meyer
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - Susanne Spittel
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - Christoph Münch
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
| | - Thomas Meyer
- a Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Department of Neurology, Outpatient Clinic for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders , Berlin and
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Gonçalves F, Almeida A, Pereira S. A Protocol for the Control of Agitation in Palliative Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2016; 33:948-951. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909115598929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Agitation is a distressing and dangerous behavior for all involved. Objective: To study a protocol effectiveness and safety. Methods: The time when the protocol was initiated and when the agitation was controlled, the number of doses needed and the complications observed were recorded. Results: One hundred and thirty-five inpatients of a palliative care service were included. The most frequent diagnosis was head and neck cancer, 37 (27%). The protocol was used 584 times, from 1 to 31 times on each patient, median of 3 times. Five hundred and thirty-four (91%) agitation episodes were controlled with only the first dose of the protocol, without significant complications. Conclusion: From those results, it can be said that this protocol is effective and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Almeida
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Pereira
- Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto, Portugal
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maltoni
- Palliative Care Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Meldola, Italy
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Madden K, Wolfe J, Collura C. Pediatric Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2015; 27:341-54. [PMID: 26333755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The chronicity of illness that afflicts children in Pediatric Palliative Care and the medical technology that has improved their lifespan and quality of life make prognostication extremely difficult. The uncertainty of prognostication and the available medical technologies make both the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric intensive care unit locations where many children will receive Pediatric Palliative Care. Health care providers in the neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit should integrate fundamental Pediatric Palliative Care principles into their everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Madden
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1414, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Pediatric Palliative Care Service, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Children's Hospital Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, DA2-012, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher Collura
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
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Schildmann EK, Schildmann J, Kiesewetter I. Medication and monitoring in palliative sedation therapy: a systematic review and quality assessment of published guidelines. J Pain Symptom Manage 2015; 49:734-46. [PMID: 25242022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative sedation therapy (PST) is increasingly used in patients at the end of life. However, consensus about medications and monitoring is lacking. OBJECTIVES To assess published PST guidelines with regard to quality and recommendations on drugs and monitoring. METHODS We searched CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and references of included articles until July 2014. Search terms included "palliative sedation" or "sedation" and "guideline" or "policy" or "framework." Guideline selection was based on English or German publications that included a PST guideline. Two investigators independently assessed the quality of the guidelines according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument (AGREE II) and extracted information on drug selection and monitoring. RESULTS Nine guidelines were eligible. Eight guidelines received high quality scores for the domain "scope and purpose" (median 69%, range 28-83%), whereas in the other domains the guidelines' quality differed considerably. The majority of guidelines suggest midazolam as drug of first choice. Recommendations on dosage and alternatives vary. The guidelines' recommendations regarding monitoring of PST show wide variation in the number and details of outcome parameters and methods of assessment. CONCLUSION The published guidelines on PST vary considerably regarding their quality and content on drugs and monitoring. Given the need for clear guidance regarding PST in patients at the end of life, this comparative analysis may serve as a starting point for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Isabel Kiesewetter
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology, Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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22
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Beller EM, van Driel ML, McGregor L, Truong S, Mitchell G. Palliative pharmacological sedation for terminally ill adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 1:CD010206. [PMID: 25879099 PMCID: PMC6464857 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010206.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminally ill people experience a variety of symptoms in the last hours and days of life, including delirium, agitation, anxiety, terminal restlessness, dyspnoea, pain, vomiting, and psychological and physical distress. In the terminal phase of life, these symptoms may become refractory, and unable to be controlled by supportive and palliative therapies specifically targeted to these symptoms. Palliative sedation therapy is one potential solution to providing relief from these refractory symptoms. Sedation in terminally ill people is intended to provide relief from refractory symptoms that are not controlled by other methods. Sedative drugs such as benzodiazepines are titrated to achieve the desired level of sedation; the level of sedation can be easily maintained and the effect is reversible. OBJECTIVES To assess the evidence for the benefit of palliative pharmacological sedation on quality of life, survival, and specific refractory symptoms in terminally ill adults during their last few days of life. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1946 to November 2014), and EMBASE (1974 to December 2014), using search terms representing the sedative drug names and classes, disease stage, and study designs. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs, and observational studies (e.g. before-and-after, interrupted-time-series) with quantitative outcomes. We excluded studies with only qualitative outcomes or that had no comparison (i.e. no control group or no within-group comparison) (e.g. single arm case series). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of citations, and full text of potentially eligible studies. Two review authors independently carried out data extraction using standard data extraction forms. A third review author acted as arbiter for both stages. We carried out no meta-analyses due to insufficient data for pooling on any outcome; therefore, we reported outcomes narratively. MAIN RESULTS The searches resulted in 14 included studies, involving 4167 adults, of whom 1137 received palliative sedation. More than 95% of people had cancer. No studies were randomised or quasi-randomised. All were consecutive case series, with only three having prospective data collection. Risk of bias was high, due to lack of randomisation. No studies measured quality of life or participant well-being, which was the primary outcome of the review. Five studies measured symptom control, using four different methods, so pooling was not possible. The results demonstrated that despite sedation, delirium and dyspnoea were still troublesome symptoms in these people in the last few days of life. Control of other symptoms appeared to be similar in sedated and non-sedated people. Only one study measured unintended adverse effects of sedative drugs and found no major events; however, four of 70 participants appeared to have drug-induced delirium. The study noticed no respiratory suppression. Thirteen of the 14 studies measured survival time from admission or referral to death, and all demonstrated no statistically significant difference between sedated and non-sedated groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There was insufficient evidence about the efficacy of palliative sedation in terms of a person's quality of life or symptom control. There was evidence that palliative sedation did not hasten death, which has been a concern of physicians and families in prescribing this treatment. However, this evidence comes from low quality studies, so should be interpreted with caution. Further studies that specifically measure the efficacy and quality of life in sedated people, compared with non-sedated people, and quantify adverse effects are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Beller
- Faculty ofHealth Sciences andMedicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia.
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Lawlor PG, Bush SH. Delirium in patients with cancer: assessment, impact, mechanisms and management. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2014; 12:77-92. [DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2014.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Bush SH, Leonard MM, Agar M, Spiller JA, Hosie A, Wright DK, Meagher DJ, Currow DC, Bruera E, Lawlor PG. End-of-life delirium: issues regarding recognition, optimal management, and the role of sedation in the dying phase. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 48:215-30. [PMID: 24879997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In end-of-life care, delirium is often not recognized and poses unique management challenges, especially in the case of refractory delirium in the terminal phase. OBJECTIVES To review delirium in the terminal phase context, specifically in relation to recognition issues; the decision-making processes and management strategies regarding its reversibility; the potential refractoriness of delirium to symptomatic treatment; and the role of sedation in refractory delirium. METHODS We combined multidisciplinary input from delirium researchers and knowledge users at an international delirium study planning meeting and relevant electronic database literature searches (Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) to inform this narrative review. RESULTS The overall management strategy for delirium at the end of life is directed by the patient's prognosis in association with the patient's goals of care. As symptoms of delirium are often refractory in the terminal phase, especially in the case of agitated delirium, the judicious use of palliative sedation is frequently required. However, there remains a lack of high-level evidence for the management of delirium in the terminal phase, including the role of antipsychotics and optimal sedation strategies. For the family and health-care staff, clear communication, education, and emotional support are vital components to assist with decision making and direct the treatment care plan. CONCLUSION Further research on the effectiveness of delirium management strategies in the terminal phase for patients and their families is required. Further validation of assessment tools for diagnostic screening and severity measurement is needed in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley H Bush
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Maeve M Leonard
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Meera Agar
- Discipline, Palliative & Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; South West Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Palliative Care, Braeside Hospital, HammondCare, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Juliet A Spiller
- Palliative Medicine, Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Annmarie Hosie
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David J Meagher
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David C Currow
- Discipline, Palliative & Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter G Lawlor
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Reid TT, Demme RA, Quill TE. When there are no good choices: illuminating the borderland between proportionate palliative sedation and palliative sedation to unconsciousness. Pain Manag 2014; 1:31-40. [PMID: 24654583 DOI: 10.2217/pmt.10.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite state-of-the-art palliative care, some patients will require proportionate palliative sedation as a last-resort option to relieve intolerable suffering at the end of life. In this practice, progressively increasing amounts of sedation are provided until the target suffering is sufficiently relieved. Uncertainty and debate arise when this practice approaches palliative sedation to unconsciousness (PSU), especially when unconsciousness is specifically intended or when the target symptoms are more existential than physical. METHODS We constructed a case series designed to highlight some of the common approaches and challenges associated with PSU and the more aggressive end of the spectrum of proportionate palliative sedation as retrospectively identified by palliative care consultants over the past 5 years from a busy inpatient palliative care service at a tertiary medical center in Rochester (NY, USA). RESULTS Ten cases were identified as challenging by the palliative care attendings, of which four were selected for presentation for illustrative purposes because they touched on central issues including loss of capacity, the role of existential suffering, the complexity of clinical intention, the role of an institutional policy and use of anesthetics as sedative agents. Two other cases were selected focusing on responses to two special situations: a request for PSU that was rejected; and anticipatory planning for total sedation in the future. CONCLUSION Although relatively rare, PSU and more aggressive end-of-the-spectrum proportionate palliative sedation represent responses to some of the most challenging cases faced by palliative care clinicians. These complex cases clearly require open communication and collaboration among caregivers, patients and family. Knowing how to identify these circumstances, and how to approach these interventions of last resort are critical skills for practitioners who take care of patients at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas T Reid
- University of California, 533 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0903, Suite U154, San Francisco, CA 94143-0903, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to present and comment on recent data published on palliative sedation in palliative and end-of-life care. Palliative sedation is a medical procedure used to deal with the refractory symptoms occurring in the advanced stages of cancer. It has clinical, nursing, relational and ethical implications, making it a highly sensitive issue. RECENT FINDINGS Over the last 12 months, a number of authors have published interesting new findings on different areas of palliative sedation, that is prevalence, indications, monitoring, duration and choice of drugs. In particular, a clear definition of palliative sedation and of its more pronounced form, deep continuous sedation (DCS), has emerged. It has been confirmed that, when performed in the correct way and with the right aims, palliative sedation does not have a detrimental impact on survival. SUMMARY Recent findings confirm that palliative sedation is an integral part of a medical palliative care approach and is needed in certain clinical situations. It is a legitimate clinical practice from any ethical point of view. While oncologists should have a basic knowledge of the procedure, its in depth study is a core competency for palliative care physicians.
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Dean MM, Cellarius V, Henry B, Oneschuk D, Librach (Canadian Society of Pallia SL. Framework for Continuous Palliative Sedation Therapy in Canada. J Palliat Med 2012; 15:870-9. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2011.0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mervyn M. Dean
- Palliative Care, Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Victor Cellarius
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Blair Henry
- Ethics Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doreen Oneschuk
- Edmonton Regional Palliative Care Program, Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Hahn MP. Review of palliative sedation and its distinction from euthanasia and lethal injection. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2012; 26:30-9. [PMID: 22448939 DOI: 10.3109/15360288.2011.650353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Palliative sedation evolved from within the practice of palliative medicine and has become adopted by other areas of medicine, such as within intensive care practice. Clinician's usually come across this practice for dying patients who are foregoing or having life support terminated. A number of intolerable and intractable symptom burdens can occur during the end of life period that may require the use of palliative sedation. Furthermore, when patients receive palliative sedation, the continued use of hydration and nutrition becomes an issue of consideration and there are contentious bioethical issues involved in using or withholding these life-sustaining provisions. A general understanding of biomedical ethics helps prevent abuse in the practice of palliative sedation. Various sedative drugs can be employed in the provision of palliative sedation that can produce any desired effect, from light sedation to complete unconsciousness. Although there are some similarities in the pharmacotherapy of palliative sedation, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and lethal injection, there is a difference in how the drugs are administered with each practice. There are some published guidelines about how palliative sedation should be practiced, but currently there is not any universally accepted standard of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Hahn
- Respiratory Care, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, California 92354, USA.
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29
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Nogueira FL, Sakata RK. Palliative Sedation of Terminally ill Patients. Braz J Anesthesiol 2012; 62:580-92. [DOI: 10.1016/s0034-7094(12)70157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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30
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Anghelescu DL, Hamilton H, Faughnan LG, Johnson LM, Baker JN. Pediatric palliative sedation therapy with propofol: recommendations based on experience in children with terminal cancer. J Palliat Med 2012; 15:1082-90. [PMID: 22731512 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2011.0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of propofol for palliative sedation of children is not well documented. OBJECTIVE Here we describe our experience with the use of propofol palliative sedation therapy (PST) to alleviate intractable end-of-life suffering in three pediatric oncology patients, and propose an algorithm for the selection of such candidates for PST. PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified inpatients who had received propofol PST within 20 days of death at our institution between 2003 and 2010. Their medical records were reviewed for indicators of pain, suffering, and sedation from 48 hours before PST to the time of death. We also tabulated consumption of opioids and other symptom management medications, pain scores, and adverse events of propofol, and reviewed clinical notes for descriptors of suffering and/or palliation. RESULTS Three of 192 (1.6%) inpatients (aged 6-15 years) received propofol PST at the end of life. Consumption of opioids and other supportive medications decreased during PST in two cases. In the third case, pain scores remained high and sedation was the only effective comfort measure. Clinical notes suggested improved comfort and rest in all patients. Propofol infusions were continued until the time of death. CONCLUSIONS Our experience demonstrates that propofol PST is a useful palliative option for pediatric patients experiencing intractable suffering at the end of life. We describe an algorithm that can be used to identify such children who are candidates for PST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doralina L Anghelescu
- Division of Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
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Abstract
Therapeutic Reviews aim to provide essential independent information for health professionals about drugs used in palliative and hospice care. The content is also available on www.palliativedrugs.com and will feature in future editions of the Hospice and Palliative Care Formulary USA and its British and Canadian counterparts. The series editors welcome feedback on the articles (hq@palliativedrugs.com).
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Affiliation(s)
- Staffan Lundström
- Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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von Gunten CF. Editor's Perspective. J Palliat Med 2010; 13:5-6. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2010.9899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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