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Špoljar D, Radonić R, Poljaković Z, Nesek V, Vučić M, Peršec J, Kereš T, Karanović N, Čaljkušić K, Župan Ž, Grubješić I, Golubić M, Jozepović A, Nevajdić B, Borovečki A, Tonković D. Limitations of life-sustaining treatments in intensive care units in Croatia: a multicenter retrospective study. Croat Med J 2024; 65:373-382. [PMID: 39219200 PMCID: PMC11399720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM In order to gain insight into the current prevailing practices regarding the limitation of life-sustaining treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) in Croatia, we assessed the frequency of limitation and provision of certain treatment modalities, as well as the associated patient and ICU-related factors. METHODS A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 ICUs in Croatia. We reviewed the medical records of patients deceased in 2017 and extracted data on demographic, clinical, and health care variables. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between these variables and treatment modalities. RESULTS The study enrolled 1095 patients (55% male; mean age 69.9±13.7). Analgesia and sedation were discontinued before the patient's death in 23% and 34% of the cases, respectively. Patients older than 71 years were less often mechanically ventilated (P<0.001), and less frequently received inotropes and vasoactive therapy (P=0.002) than younger patients. Patients hospitalized in the ICU for less than 7 days less frequently had discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and inotropes and vasoactive therapy than patients hospitalized for 8 days and longer (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that ICU type was a crucial determinant, with multidisciplinary and surgical ICUs being associated with higher odds of intubation, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive and inotropic therapy, analgesia, and sedation. CONCLUSION Older patients and those diagnosed with stroke and intracranial hemorrhage received fewer therapeutic modalities. All the observed treatment modalities were more frequently discontinued in patients who were hospitalized in the ICU for a prolonged time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Špoljar
- Diana Špoljar, Runjaninova 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia,
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Shakil H, Malhotra AK, Jaffe RH, Smith CW, Harrington EM, Wang AP, Yuan EY, He Y, Ladha K, Wijeysundera DN, Nathens AB, Wilson JR, Witiw CD. Factors influencing withdrawal of life-supporting treatment in cervical spinal cord injury: a large multicenter observational cohort study. Crit Care 2023; 27:448. [PMID: 37980485 PMCID: PMC10656773 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04725-x] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to profound neurologic sequelae, and the provision of life-supporting treatment serves great importance among this patient population. The decision for withdrawal of life-supporting treatment (WLST) in complete traumatic SCI is complex with the lack of guidelines and limited understanding of practice patterns. We aimed to evaluate the individual and contextual factors associated with the decision for WLST and assess between-center differences in practice patterns across North American trauma centers for patients with complete cervical SCI. METHODS This retrospective multicenter observational cohort study utilized data derived from the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database between 2017 and 2020. The study included adult patients (> 16 years) with complete cervical SCI. We constructed a multilevel mixed effect logistic regression model to adjust for patient, injury and hospital factors influencing WLST. Factors associated with WLST were estimated through odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Hospital variability was characterized using the median odds ratio. Unexplained residual variability was assessed through the proportional change in variation between models. RESULTS We identified 5070 patients with complete cervical SCI treated across 477 hospitals, of which 960 (18.9%) had WLST. Patient-level factors associated with significantly increased likelihood of WLST were advanced age, male sex, white race, prior dementia, low presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score, having a pre-hospital cardiac arrest, SCI level of C3 or above, and concurrent severe injury to the head or thorax. Patient-level factors associated with significantly decreased likelihood of WLST included being racially Black or Asian. There was significant variability across hospitals in the likelihood for WLST while accounting for case-mix, hospital size, and teaching status (MOR 1.51 95% CI 1.22-1.75). CONCLUSIONS A notable proportion of patients with complete cervical SCI undergo WLST during their in-hospital admission. We have highlighted several factors associated with this decision and identified considerable variability between hospitals. Further work to standardize WLST guidelines may improve equity of care provided to this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husain Shakil
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armaan K Malhotra
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachael H Jaffe
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher W Smith
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin M Harrington
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alick P Wang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eva Y Yuan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yingshi He
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Ladha
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Duminda N Wijeysundera
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Avery B Nathens
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Trauma Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jefferson R Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher D Witiw
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8, Canada.
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Occurrence and timing of withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in traumatic brain injury patients: a CENTER-TBI study. Intensive Care Med 2021; 47:1115-1129. [PMID: 34351445 PMCID: PMC8486724 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-021-06484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background In patients with severe brain injury, withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) is common in intensive care units (ICU). WLSM constitutes a dilemma: instituting WLSM too early could result in death despite the possibility of an acceptable functional outcome, whereas delaying WLSM could unnecessarily burden patients, families, clinicians, and hospital resources. We aimed to describe the occurrence and timing of WLSM, and factors associated with timing of WLSM in European ICUs in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The CENTER-TBI Study is a prospective multi-center cohort study. For the current study, patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to the ICU and aged 16 or older were included. Occurrence and timing of WLSM were documented. For the analyses, we dichotomized timing of WLSM in early (< 72 h after injury) versus later (≥ 72 h after injury) based on recent guideline recommendations. We assessed factors associated with initiating WLSM early versus later, including geographic region, center, patient, injury, and treatment characteristics with univariable and multivariable (mixed effects) logistic regression. Results A total of 2022 patients aged 16 or older were admitted to the ICU. ICU mortality was 13% (n = 267). Of these, 229 (86%) patients died after WLSM, and were included in the analyses. The occurrence of WLSM varied between regions ranging from 0% in Eastern Europe to 96% in Northern Europe. In 51% of the patients, WLSM was early. Patients in the early WLSM group had a lower maximum therapy intensity level (TIL) score than patients in the later WLSM group (median of 5 versus 10) The strongest independent variables associated with early WLSM were one unreactive pupil (odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–12.4) or two unreactive pupils (OR 5.8, CI 2.6–13.1) compared to two reactive pupils, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) if over 41 (OR per point above 41 = 1.1, CI 1.0–1.1). Timing of WLSM was not significantly associated with region or center. Conclusion WLSM occurs early in half of the patients, mostly in patients with severe TBI affecting brainstem reflexes who were severely injured. We found no regional or center influences in timing of WLSM. Whether WLSM is always appropriate or may contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy requires further research and argues for reluctance to institute WLSM early in case of any doubt on prognosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-021-06484-1.
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Hill LA, Waller CJ, Borgert AJ, Kallies KJ, Cogbill TH. Impact of Advance Directives on Outcomes and Charges in Elderly Trauma Patients. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:944-949. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Hill
- General Surgery Residency, Department of Medical Education, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christine J. Waller
- Department of General Surgery, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrew J. Borgert
- Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kara J. Kallies
- Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas H. Cogbill
- Department of General Surgery, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Gambhir S, Grigorian A, Ramakrishnan D, Kuza CM, Sheehan B, Maithel S, Nahmias J. Risk Factors for Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Am Surg 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/000313482008600106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies demonstrate a significant variation in decision-making regarding withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) practices for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated risk factors associated with WLST in severe TBI. We hypothesized age ≥65 years would be an independent risk factor. In addition, we compared survivors with patients who died in hospital after WLST to identify potential factors associated with in-hospital mortality. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010–2016) was queried for patients with severe TBI of the head. Patients were compared by age (age < 65 and age ≥ 65 years) and survival after WLST (survivors versus non-survivors) at hospitalization discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used for analysis. From 1,403,466 trauma admissions, 328,588 (23.4%) patients had severe TBI. Age ≥ 65 years was associated with increased WLST (odds ratio: 1.76, confidence interval: 1.59–1.94, P < 0.001), whereas nonwhite race was associated with decreased WLST (odds ratio: 0.60, confidence interval: 0.55–0.65, P < 0.001). Compared with non-survivors of WLST, survivors were older (74 vs 61 years, P < 0.001) and more likely to have comorbidities such as hypertension (57% vs 38.5%, P < 0.001). Age ≥ 65 years was an independent risk factor for WLST, and nonwhite race was associated with decreased WLST. Patients surviving until discharge after WLST decision were older (≥74 years) and had multiple comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Gambhir
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California and
| | | | | | | | - Brian Sheehan
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California and
| | | | - Jeff Nahmias
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, California and
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van Veen E, van der Jagt M, Citerio G, Stocchetti N, Epker JL, Gommers D, Burdorf L, Menon DK, Maas AIR, Lingsma HF, Kompanje EJO. End-of-life practices in traumatic brain injury patients: Report of a questionnaire from the CENTER-TBI study. J Crit Care 2020; 58:78-88. [PMID: 32387842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to study variation regarding specific end-of-life (EoL) practices in the intensive care unit (ICU) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Respondents from 67 hospitals participating in The Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) study completed several questionnaires on management of TBI patients. RESULTS In 60% of the centers, ≤50% of all patients with severe neurological damage dying in the ICU, die after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (LSM). The decision to withhold/withdraw LSM was made following multidisciplinary consensus in every center. Legal representatives/relatives played a role in the decision-making process in 81% of the centers. In 82% of the centers, age played a role in the decision to withhold/withdraw LSM. Furthermore, palliative therapy was initiated in 79% of the centers after the decision to withdraw LSM was made. Last, withholding/withdrawing LSM was, generally, more often considered after more time had passed, in a patient with TBI, who remained in a very poor prognostic condition. CONCLUSION We found variation regarding EoL practices in TBI patients. These results provide insight into variability regarding important issues pertaining to EoL practices in TBI, which can be useful to stimulate discussions on EoL practices, comparative effectiveness research, and, ultimately, development of recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest van Veen
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mathieu van der Jagt
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Giuseppe Citerio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; San Gerardo Hospital, ASST-Monza, Italy.
| | - Nino Stocchetti
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, Milan University, Milan, Italy; Neuro ICU Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Jelle L Epker
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Diederik Gommers
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Lex Burdorf
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - David K Menon
- Department of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew I R Maas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Erwin J O Kompanje
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Kim J, Engelberg RA, Downey L, Lee RY, Powelson E, Sibley J, Lober WB, Curtis JR, Khandelwal N. Predictors of Advance Care Planning Documentation in Patients With Underlying Chronic Illness Who Died of Traumatic Injury. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 58:857-863.e1. [PMID: 31349036 PMCID: PMC6823122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Advance care planning (ACP) is difficult in the setting of a life-threatening trauma but may be equally important in this context, especially with increasing numbers of trauma victims being elderly or having multimorbidity. OBJECTIVES Identify predictors of absent ACP documentation in the electronic health records of patients with underlying chronic illness who died of traumatic injury. METHODS We used death records and electronic health records to identify decedents with chronic life-limiting illness who died of traumatic injury between 2010 and 2015 and to evaluate factors associated with documentation of living wills, durable powers of attorney, or physician orders for life-sustaining treatment. RESULTS Only 22% of decedents had ACP documentation at time of injury. Among those without preinjury ACP documentation, 4% completed ACP documentation after injury. In multipredictor analyses, patients were less likely to have ACP documentation at the time of injury if they were younger (P < 0.001), had fewer chronic illnesses (P = 0.002), and had fewer nonsurgical hospitalizations (P = 0.042) in the year before injury. Among patients without ACP documentation before injury, those with fewer postinjury nonsurgical hospitalizations were less likely to complete ACP documentation after injury (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that patient characteristics play an important role in the completion of ACP among patients with chronic life-limiting illness and who died from sudden severe injury. Interventions to improve ACP completion by patients with serious chronic conditions have the potential for increasing goal-concordant care in the event of traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruth A Engelberg
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lois Downey
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert Y Lee
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elisabeth Powelson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James Sibley
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - William B Lober
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - J Randall Curtis
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nita Khandelwal
- Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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Hanna K, Palmer J, Castanon L, Zeeshan M, Hamidi M, Kulvatunyou N, Gries L, Joseph B. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Limiting Life-Sustaining Treatment in Trauma Patients. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:974-979. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119847970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Differences in health care between racial and ethnic groups exist. The literature suggests that African Americans and Hispanics prefer more aggressive treatment at the end of life. The aim of this study is to assess racial and ethnic differences in limiting life-sustaining treatment (LLST) after trauma. Study Design: We performed a 2-year (2013-2014) retrospective analysis of Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with age ≥16 and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 were included. Outcome measures were the incidence and the predictors of LLST. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for confounding variables. Results: A total of 97 024 patients were identified. Mean age was 49 (21) years, 68% were male, 68% were white, and 14% were Hispanic. The overall incidence of LLST was 7.2%. Based on race, LLST was selected as consistent with goals of care more often in white when compared to African American individuals who experience serious traumatic injury (8.0% vs 4.5%; P < .001). Based on ethnicity, LLST was more often selected in non-Hispanics (7.5% vs 5.2%, P < .001) when compared to Hispanics. On regression analysis, the independent predictors of LLST were white race (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7 [1.6–4.4], P = .02), non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 1.9 [1.4-4.6]; P = .03), severe head injury (OR: 1.7 [1.1-3.2]; P = .04), and ISS (OR: 3.1 [2.4-5.1]; P < .01). Conclusions: Differences exist in selecting LLST between different racial and ethnic groups in severe trauma. African Americans and Hispanics are less likely to select LLST when compared to whites and non-Hispanics. Further studies are required to analyze the factors associated with selecting LLST in African Americans and Hispanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Hanna
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - James Palmer
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lourdes Castanon
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Muhammad Zeeshan
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mohammad Hamidi
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Narong Kulvatunyou
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Lynn Gries
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Bellal Joseph
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Emergency Surgery, and Burns, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Comfort care in trauma patients without severe head injury: In-hospital complications as a trigger for goals of care discussions. Injury 2019; 50:1064-1067. [PMID: 30745124 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many injured patients or their families make the difficult decision to withdraw life-sustaining therapies (WLST) following severe injury. While this population has been studied in the setting of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), little is known about patients who undergo WLST without TBI. We sought to describe patients who may benefit from early involvement of end-of-life resources. METHODS Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2013-2014) patients who underwent WLST were identified. WLST patients were compared to those who died with full supportive care (FSC). Patients were excluded for death within 24 h of admission, or head AIS > 3. Intergroup comparisons were by student's t tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests; significance for p < 0.05. RESULTS We identified 3471 total injured patients without major TBI who died > 24 h after admission. Of these death after WLST occurred in 2301 (66% of total). This group had a mean age of 66.8 years; 35.7% were women, and 95.4% sustained blunt injury. WLST patients had a higher ISS (21.6 vs. 12.5, p = 0.001), more in-hospital complications (71.4% vs. 41.6%, p = < 0.0001), and a longer ICU length of stay (8.9 days vs. 7.5 days, p = <0.0001) compared to patients who died with FSC. CONCLUSION WLST occurs in two-thirds of injured patients without severe TBI who die in the hospital. In-hospital complications are more frequent in this patient group than those who die with FSC. Early palliative care consultation may improve patient and family satisfaction after acute injury when the timeframe to leverage such services is significantly condensed.
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Evidence-based review of trauma center care and routine palliative care processes for geriatric trauma patients; A collaboration from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Patient Assessment Committee, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Geriatric Trauma Committee, and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Guidelines Committee. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019; 86:737-743. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000002155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Published data and practice recommendations on end-of-life (EOL) generally reflect Western practice frameworks. Understanding worldwide practices is important because improving economic conditions are promoting rapid expansion of intensive care services in many previously disadvantaged regions, and increasing migration has promoted a new cultural diversity previously predominantly unicultural societies. This review explores current knowledge of similarities and differences in EOL practice between regions and possible causes and implications of these differences. RECENT FINDINGS Recent observational and survey data shows a marked variability in the practice of withholding and withdrawing life sustaining therapy worldwide. Some evidence supports the view that culture, religion, and socioeconomic factors influence EOL practice, and individually or together account for differences observed. There are also likely to be commonly desired values and expectations for EOL practice, and recent attempts at establishing where worldwide consensus may lie have improved our understanding of shared values and practices. SUMMARY Awareness of differences, understanding their likely complex causes, and using this knowledge to inform individualized care at EOL is likely to improve the quality of care for patients. Further research should clarify the causes of EOL practice variability, monitor trends, and objectively evaluate the quality of EOL practice worldwide.
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A position paper: The convergence of aging and injury and the need for a Geriatric Trauma Coalition (GeriTraC). J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2018; 82:419-422. [PMID: 27893640 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Leblanc G, Boutin A, Shemilt M, Lauzier F, Moore L, Potvin V, Zarychanski R, Archambault P, Lamontagne F, Léger C, Turgeon AF. Incidence and impact of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in clinical trials of severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review. Clin Trials 2018; 15:398-412. [PMID: 29865897 DOI: 10.1177/1740774518771233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Most deaths following severe traumatic brain injury follow decisions to withdraw life-sustaining therapies. However, the incidence of the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies and its potential impact on research data interpretation have been poorly characterized. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the reporting and the impact of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in randomized clinical trials of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, BIOSIS, and CINAHL databases and references of included trials. All randomized controlled trials published between January 2002 and August 2015 in the six highest impact journals in general medicine, critical care medicine, and neurocritical care (total of 18 journals) were considered for eligibility. Randomized controlled trials were included if they enrolled adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8) and reported data on mortality. Our primary objective was to assess the proportion of trials reporting the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in a publication. Our secondary objectives were to describe the overall mortality rate, the proportion of deaths following the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, and to assess the impact of the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies on trial results. Results From 5987 citations retrieved, we included 41 randomized trials (n = 16,364, ranging from 11 to 10,008 patients). Overall mortality was 23% (range = 3%-57%). Withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies was reported in 20% of trials (8/41, 932 patients in trials) and the crude number of deaths due to the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies was reported in 17% of trials (7/41, 884 patients in trials). In these trials, 63% of deaths were associated with the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (105/168). An analysis carried out by imputing a 4% differential rate in instances of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies between study groups yielded different results and conclusions in one third of the trials. Conclusion Data on the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies are incompletely reported in randomized controlled trials of patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Given the high proportion of deaths due to the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in severe traumatic brain injury patients, and the potential of this medical decision to influence the results of clinical trials, instances of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies should be systematically reported in clinical trials in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Leblanc
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,2 Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Amélie Boutin
- 3 Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Shemilt
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François Lauzier
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,2 Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,4 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lynne Moore
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,3 Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Potvin
- 2 Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ryan Zarychanski
- 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Sections of Critical Care Medicine, Haematology and Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Patrick Archambault
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,2 Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,6 Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François Lamontagne
- 7 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,8 Centre de recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Léger
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexis F Turgeon
- 1 Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,2 Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Examining racial disparities in the time to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2018; 84:590-597. [DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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15
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Pompermaier L, Steinvall I, Elmasry M, Thorfinn J, Sjöberg F. Burned patients who die from causes other than the burn affect the model used to predict mortality: a national exploratory study. Burns 2018; 44:280-287. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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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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Osterthun R, van Asbeck FWA, Nijendijk JHB, Post MWM. In-hospital end-of-life decisions after new traumatic spinal cord injury in the Netherlands. Spinal Cord 2016; 54:1025-1030. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2016.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Matsushima K, Schaefer EW, Won EJ, Armen SB. The outcome of trauma patients with do-not-resuscitate orders. J Surg Res 2015; 200:631-6. [PMID: 26505661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Institutional variation in outcome of patients with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders has not been well described in the setting of trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of trauma center designation on outcome of patients with DNR orders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A statewide trauma database (Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study) was used for the analysis. Characteristics of patients with DNR orders were compared between state-designated level 1 and 2 trauma centers. Inhospital mortality and major complication rates were compared using hierarchical logistic regression models that included a random effect for trauma centers. We adjusted for a number of potential confounders and allowed for nonlinearity in injury severity score and age in these models. RESULTS A total of 106,291 patients (14 level 1 and 11 level 2 trauma centers) were identified in the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database between 2007 and 2011. We included 5953 patients with DNR orders (5.6%). Although more severely injured patients with comorbid disease were made DNR in level 1 trauma centers, trauma center designation level was not a significant factor for inhospital mortality of patients with DNR orders (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-2.18; P = 0.26). Level 1 trauma centers were significantly associated with a higher rate of major complications (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.75; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Inhospital mortality of patients with DNR orders was not significantly associated with trauma designation level after adjusting for case mix. More aggressive treatment or other unknown factors may have resulted in a significantly higher complication rate at level 1 trauma centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Matsushima
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Eric W Schaefer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugene J Won
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott B Armen
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Shaw KM, Gallek MJ, Sheppard KG, Ritter L, Vento MA, Asai SM, Nakagawa K. Ethnic Differences in Withdrawal of Life Support After Intracerebral Hemorrhage. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH : A JOURNAL OF ASIA PACIFIC MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 74:203-9. [PMID: 26114075 PMCID: PMC4477434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Minorities are less likely to decide on withdrawal of life support (WOLS) after acute severe illness. However, the decision-making process for WOLS after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) has not been described. To address this gap in the literature, a retrospective study was conducted on consecutive spontaneous ICH patients admitted to a tertiary center in Honolulu between 2006 and 2010. The occurrence of WOLS and time-to-WOLS were the outcome measures. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine associations between NHOPI ethnicity and WOLS. This study assessed 396 patients (18% NHOPI, 63% Asians, 15% non-Hispanic whites [NHW], 4% others) with ICH. NHOPI was associated with lower rate of WOLS than NHW in the univariate analysis (OR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.80). However, NHOPI ethnicity was no longer significant when adjusted for age (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.25, 1.43) and in the fully adjusted model (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.20, 2.39). Although NHOPI with ICH were initially perceived to have less WOLS compared to NHW, this observed difference was largely driven by the younger age of NHOPI rather than from underlying cultural differences that are inherent to their ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Shaw
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Matthew J Gallek
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Kate G Sheppard
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Leslie Ritter
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Megan A Vento
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Susan M Asai
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
| | - Kazuma Nakagawa
- Neuroscience Institute, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI (KMS, MAV, SMA, KN)
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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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Quadrimodal distribution of death after trauma suggests that critical injury is a potentially terminal disease. J Crit Care 2015; 30:656.e1-7. [PMID: 25620612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns of death after trauma are changing due to advances in critical care. We examined mortality in critically injured patients who survived index hospitalization. METHODS Retrospective analysis of adults admitted to a Level-1 trauma center (1/1/2000-12/31/2010) with critical injury was conducted comparing patient characteristics, injury, and resource utilization between those who died during follow-up and survivors. RESULTS Of 1,695 critically injured patients, 1,135 (67.0%) were discharged alive. As of 5/1/2012, 977/1,135 (86.0%) remained alive; 75/158 (47.5%) patients who died during follow-up, died in the first year. Patients who died had longer hospital stays (24 vs. 17 days) and ICU LOS (17 vs. 8 days), were more likely to undergo tracheostomies (36% vs. 16%) and gastrostomies (39% vs. 16%) and to be discharged to rehabilitation (76% vs. 63%) or skilled nursing (13% vs. 5.8%) facilities than survivors. In multivariable models, male sex, older age, and longer ICU LOS predicted mortality. Patients with ICU LOS >16 days had 1.66 odds of 1-year mortality vs. those with shorter ICU stays. CONCLUSIONS ICU LOS during index hospitalization is associated with post-discharge mortality. Patients with prolonged ICU stays after surviving critical injury may benefit from detailed discussions about goals of care after discharge.
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Holloway RG, Arnold RM, Creutzfeldt CJ, Lewis EF, Lutz BJ, McCann RM, Rabinstein AA, Saposnik G, Sheth KN, Zahuranec DB, Zipfel GJ, Zorowitz RD. Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Stroke. Stroke 2014; 45:1887-916. [DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Do-not-resuscitate orders in trauma patients may bias mortality-based effect estimates: an evaluation using the PROMMTT study. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013; 75:S89-96. [PMID: 23778517 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e31828fa422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders has not been systematically evaluated in acute trauma research. We determined the frequency, timing, and impact on mortality-based effect estimates for patients with DNR orders in the Prospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma Transfusion (PROMMTT) study. METHODS Trauma patients surviving at least 30 minutes and transfused one or greater unit of red blood cell within 6 hours of admission (n = 1,245) from 10 Level 1 centers were enrolled. We report descriptive statistics and results from survival analysis to compare the association of blood product transfusion ratios with outcome defined as mortality and as a composite, DNR, and death. RESULTS DNRs were reported for 95 patients (7.6%), with 94 in-hospital deaths. There were 172 deaths without DNRs. Of 90 known DNR order times, the median was 53 hours (interquartile range, 9-186 hours) after admission; the median DNR-to-death time was 10 hours (2-32 hours). DNRs were for comfort measures only (43%), no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (40%), and no intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (16%). Compared with the 116 non-DNR deaths that occurred after the earliest DNR order (2 hours), the DNR decedents were significantly older with a less severe base deficit, fewer red blood cell and plasma transfusions, and a later median time of death (98 [21-230] hours vs. 17 [4-91] hours). In multivariable Cox models that accounted for time-varying blood product ratios, the associations were consistent, regardless of whether outcome was defined as mortality or the composite. CONCLUSION DNR orders were instituted after the 24-hour period of highest mortality risk and more often in older patients not in severe shock. Findings from the primary PROMMTT analyses of the impact of blood product ratios on survival did not materially change when the original mortality outcome was redefined as a composite of DNR or death. DNR orders are potentially an important mediating variable that should be systematically evaluated in trauma research.
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Factors associated with the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a multicenter cohort study. Neurocrit Care 2013; 18:154-60. [PMID: 23099846 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-012-9787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify factors associated with decisions to withdraw life-sustaining therapies in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a 2-year multicenter retrospective cohort study (2005-2006) in mechanically ventilated patients aged 16 years and older admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of six Canadian level I trauma centers following severe TBI. One hundred and twenty charts were randomly selected at each center (n = 720). Data on ICU management strategies, patients' clinical condition, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, and decision to withdraw life-sustaining therapies were collected. The association of factors pertaining to the injury, interventions, and management strategies with decisions to withdraw life-sustaining therapies was evaluated among non-survivors. RESULTS Among the 228 non-survivors, 160 died following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. Patients were predominantly male (69.7 %) with a mean age of 50.7 (±21.7) years old. Brain herniation was more often reported in patients who died following decisions to withdraw life-sustaining therapies (odds ratio [OR] 2.91, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.16-7.30, p = 0.02) compared to those who died due to other causes (e.g., cardiac arrest, shock, etc.). Epidural hematomas (OR 0.18, 95 % CI 0.06-0.56, p < 0.01), craniotomies (OR 0.12, 95 % CI 0.02-0.68, p = 0.02), and other non-neurosurgical procedures (OR 0.08, 95 % CI 0.02-0.43, p < 0.01) were less often associated with death following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies than death from other causes. CONCLUSIONS Death following decisions to withdraw life-sustaining therapies is associated with specific patient and clinical factors, and the intensity of care.
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Kramer AH, Zygun DA. Declining mortality in neurocritical care patients: a cohort study in Southern Alberta over eleven years. Can J Anaesth 2013; 60:966-75. [PMID: 23877315 DOI: 10.1007/s12630-013-0001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Few interventions have been proven to improve outcomes in neurocritical care patients. It is unknown whether outcomes in Canada have changed over time. We performed a cohort study in Southern Alberta to determine whether survival and discharge disposition have improved. METHODS Using prospectively collected data, we identified patients admitted to regional intensive care units (ICUs) over a more than 11-year period with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage, anoxic encephalopathy, central nervous system infection, or status epilepticus. Four sequential time periods of 2.8 years were compared, as were periods before and after various practice modifications were introduced. Logistic regression was used to adjust for patient age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and case mix. RESULTS A total of 4,097 patients were assessed. The odds of death were lowest in the most recent time quartile (odds ratio [OR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56 to 0.88, P < 0.01). The odds of being discharged home without the need for support services increased over time (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.85, P = 0.003). Improvements were not the same for all diagnostic subgroups. They were statistically significant for patients with TBI and SAH. Neurocritical care consultative services, evidence-based protocols, and clustering of patients within a multidisciplinary ICU were associated with improved outcomes. Length of stay in an ICU increased among hospital survivors (4.6 vs 3.8 days, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mortality and discharge disposition of neurocritical care patients in Southern Alberta have improved over time. Practice modifications in the region were associated with positive outcome trends. Longer ICU length of stay may imply that intensivists are increasingly delaying decisions about withdrawing life-sustaining interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Kramer
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Foothills Medical Centre, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3134 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada,
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal or limitation of care (WLC) in trauma patients has not been well studied. We reviewed 10 years of deaths at our adult Level I trauma center to identify the patients undergoing WLC and to describe the process of trauma surgeon-managed WLC. METHODS This is a retrospective review of WLC. Each patient was assigned to one of three modes of WLC: care withdrawn, limited or no resuscitation, or organ harvest. Frequency, timing, and circumstances of WLC, including family involvement, ethics committee consultation, palliative care, and hospice, were reviewed. RESULTS From 2000 through 2009, 375 patients died with WLC (54% of all deaths; 93% at ≥ 24 hours). For age ≥ 65 years, 80% were WLC. Overall, 15% had advance directive documents. Traumatic brain or high cervical spine injury was the cause of death in 63%. Factors associated with WLC included age, comorbidities, injury mechanism and severity, and nontrauma activation status. At time of death, 316 (84%) WLC were under trauma surgeon management. In this group, mode of WLC was care withdrawn in 74%, organ harvest in 20%, and limited or no resuscitation in 6%. Rationale for WLC in non-organ harvest patients was poor neurologic prognosis in 86% and futility in 76%. When family was identified, end-of-life discussions with physicians occurred in 100%. Conflicts over WLC occurred in 6.6% and were not associated with any demographic group. Ethics committee was involved in 2.8%. For care-withdrawn patients, median time to death from first WLC order was 6.6 hours. Palliative care and hospice consults (6% and 9%) increased yearly. CONCLUSIONS WLC occurred in over 50% of all trauma deaths and exceeded 90% at ≥ 24 hours. Hospice and palliative care were increasingly important adjuncts to WLC. Guidelines for WLC should be developed to ensure quality end-of-life care for trauma patients in whom further care is futile. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, therapeutic study.
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Kelly KB, Koeppel ML, Como JJ, Carter JW, McCoy AM, Claridge JA. Continued rationale of why hospital mortality is not an appropriate measure of trauma outcomes. Am J Surg 2012; 203:366-9; discussion 369. [PMID: 22221994 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We hypothesized that standardized withdrawal of care (WOC) practices and an aggressive long-term acute care facility (LTAC) discharge protocol could change hospital mortality and national ranking among trauma centers. STUDY DESIGN Patients who died while admitted to the trauma service at a level 1 trauma center were classified as either an "LTAC candidate" or "not a LTAC candidate" at 4 time points before death. RESULTS A total of 216 patients died, and 48% had WOC. Hospital mortality was 3.3%. More than 26% of these qualified as LTAC candidates. The aggressive LTAC discharge protocol reduced hospital mortality by .9%. This was sufficient to move a trauma center into a lower quartile on the National Trauma DataBank benchmark report for 2009. CONCLUSIONS [corrected] It is possible to reduce hospital mortality and improve quality ranking with standardized WOC and LTAC discharge protocols. This highlights the importance of measuring outcomes beyond discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B Kelly
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Thomasson J, Petros T, Lorenzo-Rivero S, Moore RA, Stanley JD. Quality of Documented Consent for the De-escalation of Care on a General and Trauma Surgery Service. Am Surg 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481107700724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative and posttrauma mortality in the acute care setting often occurs after a decision for de-escalation of care. It is important that the quality of consent for de-escalation of care is maintained to ensure patient autonomy. This retrospective review aims to determine the quality of the consent process for care de-escalation in patients on a trauma and general surgery service who sustained in-hospital mortality. One hundred thirty-three patients (99 trauma) were identified who died in 1 year. Of these patient deaths, 80 (60%) involved de-escalation of care. In three (3%) cases, there were no documented discussions for de-escalation consent. Of the remaining cases, documentation was considered optimal 21 per cent of the time. Only nine (11%) patients were able to participate in a discussion of their end-of-life care. The other 23 patients who were initially competent lost their ability to participate in discussions after a debilitating event. In this study, the majority of patients who died on a surgical service underwent a de-escalation of care. The documentation quality was suboptimal in most cases. Earlier and more thorough discussion of the patient's end-of-life wishes may improve the de-escalation of care consent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Thomasson
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - Tommy Petros
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - Richard A. Moore
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - J. Daniel Stanley
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
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Abstract
Background: Each year, traumatic injury accounts for large number of patient admissions and deaths in the US. Injuries have tremendous public health implications, and controlling and treating traumatised patients is an essential part of any health delivery system. Nonetheless, traumatised patients whose terminal hospitalisation ends in the intensive care unit (ICU) are a particular demographic group that has not been well studied. Methods: Here, we review demographic trends, critical care unit utilisation and outcomes for trauma patients. Based on the available data, we discuss issues related to specific patient groups (such as the elderly), management of end-of-life patients in the ICU, views of medical professionals relative to end-of-life care and costs associated and with care of terminally ill patients. In this context, we also review and discuss recent data on withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies for trauma patients. Conclusions: We conclude that it is difficult for physicians, patients and their families to recognise when care should focus on comfort rather than aggressive interventions that prolong dying. This is particularly difficult in situations of trauma, where unexpected injury causes profound disability. Nonetheless, the challenges pertain to trauma patients as they do to all critically ill patients, where providing an ethical and dignified death can be as heroic as aggressive measures to save life. More studies are needed to determine how we can best meet the needs of terminally ill trauma patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Weiser
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zara Cooper
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,
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Patient and healthcare professional factors influencing end-of-life decision-making during critical illness: A systematic review*. Crit Care Med 2011; 39:1174-89. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e31820eacf2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Decisions to withdraw or withhold potentially life-sustaining treatment are common in intensive care and precede the majority of deaths. When families resist or oppose doctors' suggestions that it is time to stop treatment, it is often unclear what should be done. This review will summarize recent literature around futility judgements in intensive care emphasising ethical and practical questions. RECENT FINDINGS There has been a shift in the language of futility. Patients' families often do not believe medical assessments that further treatment would be unsuccessful. Attempts to determine through data collection which patients have a low or zero chance of survival have been largely unsuccessful, and are hampered by varying definitions of futility. A due-process model for adjudicating futility disputes has been developed, and may provide a better solution to futility disputes than previous futility statutes. SUMMARY Specific criteria for unilateral withdrawal of treatment have proved hard to define or defend. However, it is ethical for doctors to decline to provide treatment that is medically inappropriate or futile. Understanding the justification for a futility judgement may be relevant to deciding the most appropriate way to resolve futility disputes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J C Wilkinson
- Institute for Science and Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Fumis RRL, Deheinzelin D. Respiratory support withdrawal in intensive care units: families, physicians and nurses views on two hypothetical clinical scenarios. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2010; 14:R235. [PMID: 21190560 PMCID: PMC3220008 DOI: 10.1186/cc9390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2010] [Revised: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Evidence suggests that dying patients' physical and emotional suffering is inadequately treated in intensive care units. Although there are recommendations regarding decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapy, deciding on withdrawal of life support is difficult, and it is also difficult to decide who should participate in this decision. Methods We distributed a self-administered questionnaire in 13 adult intensive care units (ICUs) assessing the attitudes of physicians and nurses regarding end-of-life decisions. Family members from a medical-surgical ICU in a tertiary cancer hospital were also invited to participate. Questions were related to two hypothetical clinical scenarios, one with a competent patient and the other with an incompetent patient, asking whether the ventilator treatment should be withdrawn and about who should make this decision. Results Physicians (155) and nurses (204) of 12 ICUs agreed to take part in this study, along with 300 family members. The vast majority of families (78.6%), physicians (74.8%) and nurses (75%) want to discuss end-of-life decisions with competent patients. Most of the physicians and nurses desire family involvement in end-of-life decisions. Physicians are more likely to propose withdrawal of the ventilator with competent patients than with incompetent patients (74.8% × 60.7%, P = 0.028). When the patient was incompetent, physicians (34.8%) were significantly less prone than nurses (23.0%) and families (14.7%) to propose decisions regarding withdrawal of the ventilator support (P < 0.001). Conclusions Physicians, nurses and families recommended limiting life-support therapy with terminally ill patients and favored family participation. In decisions concerning an incompetent patient, physicians were more likely to maintain the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata R L Fumis
- Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Centro de Tratamento e Pesquisa Hospital AC Camargo, Rua Prof, Antônio Prudente, 211 - São Paulo, SP, Brazil CEP 01509-900.
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2010; 4:207-27. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e32833e8160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Alted López E. Pro Centros de Trauma. Med Intensiva 2010; 34:188-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/18/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Physician communication with families in the ICU: evidence-based strategies for improvement. Curr Opin Crit Care 2010; 15:569-77. [PMID: 19855271 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0b013e328332f524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Skilled physician-family communication in the ICU has been shown to improve patient outcomes, but until now little attention has been given to the effect of communication on family satisfaction and bereavement outcomes. The aim of this review is to outline the recent evidence that effective physician communication with families, and proactive palliative care interventions, can improve outcomes for both patients and family members in the ICU. RECENT FINDINGS New data from the ICU correlates physician ability to identify and respond to emotion and to effectively share prognostic information with improved outcomes. Furthermore, proactive palliative care interventions that promote family meetings, use of empathic communication skills, and targeted palliative care consultations can improve family satisfaction, reduce length of stay in the ICU and reduce adverse family bereavement outcomes. SUMMARY Empathic communication, skilful discussion of prognosis, and effective shared decision-making are core elements of quality care in the ICU, represent basic competencies for the ICU physician, and should be emphasized in future educational and clinical interventions.
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