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Rodrigues-Ribeiro JL, Castro L, Pinto-Ribeiro F, Nunes R. Impact of palliative care at end-of-life Covid-19 patients - a small-scale pioneering experience. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:37. [PMID: 38336652 PMCID: PMC10858566 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, the outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was declared a pandemic, resulting in numerous fatalities worldwide. To effectively combat the virus, it would be beneficial to involve professionals who specialize in symptom control for advanced illnesses, working closely with other specialties throughout the illness process. This approach can help manage a range of symptoms, from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. No studies have been conducted in Portugal to analyse the intervention of Palliative Medicine at the end of life of Covid-19 patients and how it differs from other specialties. This knowledge could help determine the importance of including it in the care of people with advanced Covid-19. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to examine potential differences in the care provided to patients with Covid-19 during their Last Hours and Days of Life (LHDOL) between those who received care from Palliative Medicine doctors and those who did not. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study spanning three months (Dec 2020 to Feb 2021), the duration of the Support Unit especially created to deal with Covid-19 patients. The database included clinical files from 181 patients admitted to the Support Unit, 27 of which died from Covid-19. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were identified in the care provided. Specifically, fewer drugs were administered at the time of death, including drugs for dyspnoea, pain and agitation, suspension of futile devices and use of palliative sedation to control refractory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS End-of-life care and symptomatic control differ when there's regular follow-up by Palliative Medicine, which may translate less symptomatic suffering and promote a dignified and humane end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Luís Rodrigues-Ribeiro
- Palliative Care Unit, WeCare Saúde, Rua Corregedor Gaspar Cardoso, 480, Póvoa de Varzim, Porto, 4490-492, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal.
- Intra-Hospital Team for Palliative Care Support, Hospital de Braga, ULS Braga, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Castro
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, 4806-909, Portugal
| | - Rui Nunes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal
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Chiang JK, Kao HH, Kao YH. Factors Associated with Hospitalized Community-Acquired Pneumonia among Elderly Patients Receiving Home-Based Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:443. [PMID: 38391817 PMCID: PMC10887704 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Pneumonia stands as a prevalent infectious disease globally, contributing significantly to mortality and morbidity rates. In Taiwan, pneumonia ranks as the third leading cause of death, particularly affecting the elderly population (92%). This study aims to investigate factors associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among elderly individuals receiving home-based care. (2) Methods: Conducted between January 2018 and December 2019, this retrospective study involved a medical chart review of elderly patients under home-based care. A multiple logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with CAP in this demographic. (3) Results: Analysis encompassed 220 elderly patients with an average age of 82.0 ± 1.1 years. Eighty-five patients (38.6%) were hospitalized for CAP. Predominant diagnoses included cancer (32.3%), stroke (24.5%), and dementia (23.6%). Significant predictors of CAP for elderly patients under home-based care included male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-8.60, p < 0.001), presence of a nasogastric (NG) tube (OR = 8.85, 95% CI: 3.64-21.56, p < 0.001), and a borderline negative association with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.13-1.02, p = 0.0546). End-of-life care indicators for these patients with CAP included an increased number of hospital admission days in the last month of life (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08-1.18, p < 0.001) and a higher likelihood of hospital death (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.51-8.55, p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: In the current study, significant predictors of CAP among elderly patients receiving home-based care included the presence of an NG tube and male gender, while the use of PPIs was borderline inversely associated with the risk of CAP. Notably, more admission days in the last month of life and death in the hospital were found to be associated with end-of-life care for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Kun Chiang
- Department of Family Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No. 2, Minsheng Road, Dalin, Chiayi 622, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Hsin Kao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Hsin Kao
- Department of Family Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (Managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), 670 Chung-Te Road, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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Cho H. ARTIFICIAL NUTRITION AND HYDRATION IN PALLIATIVE CARE. Gastroenterol Nurs 2023; 46:501-503. [PMID: 37540798 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Cho
- Hannah Cho, MSN, RN, ACHPN-BC, is PhD student, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Martinovic D, Tokic D, Puizina Mladinic E, Usljebrka M, Kadic S, Lesin A, Vilovic M, Lupi-Ferandin S, Ercegovic S, Kumric M, Bukic J, Bozic J. Nutritional Management of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer-A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081864. [PMID: 37111081 PMCID: PMC10144914 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While surgical therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is showing improvement with the advancement of reconstruction techniques, the focus in these patients should also be shifting to supportive pre and aftercare. Due to the highly sensitive and anatomically complex region, these patients tend to exhibit malnutrition, which has a substantial impact on their recovery and quality of life. The complications and symptoms of both the disease and the therapy usually make these patients unable to orally intake food, hence, a strategy should be prepared for their nutritional management. Even though there are several possible nutritional modalities that can be administrated, these patients commonly have a functional gastrointestinal tract, and enteral nutrition is indicated over the parenteral option. However, after extensive research of the available literature, it seems that there is a limited number of studies that focus on this important issue. Furthermore, there are no recommendations or guidelines regarding the nutritional management of HNC patients, pre- or post-operatively. Henceforth, this narrative review summarizes the nutritional challenges and management modalities in this particular group of patients. Nonetheless, this issue should be addressed in future studies and an algorithm should be established for better nutritional care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Daria Tokic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ema Puizina Mladinic
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Mislav Usljebrka
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sanja Kadic
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Antonella Lesin
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marino Vilovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Slaven Lupi-Ferandin
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Sasa Ercegovic
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Josipa Bukic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Du G, Liu F, Ma X, Chen S, Dai M, Wei L, Liu Z. Comparison Between Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy and Nasogastric Feeding in 160 Patients with Swallowing Disturbances: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study. Clin Interv Aging 2022; 17:1803-1810. [PMID: 36506851 PMCID: PMC9733445 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s389891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We retrospectively compared the complications, blood biochemical indexes and outcomes in patients with swallowing disturbances receiving nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding and percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy (PEG). Methods Among 160 patients, 72 cases received PEG and 88 cases received NGT. All patients were followed up for two years. We collected their clinical data from the medical records. Indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), complications, including recurrent aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, reflux esophagitis, and outcomes (survival or death) were compared between the two groups semi-annually. Results SAt both six months and one year after receiving treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in indicators, complications and outcomes, with all P >0.05. It can be seen that, when the patients were followed up for one and a half years18 months, ALB was lower in the NGT group (33.81±0.46) compared with the PEG group (36.14±0.50) (P <0.05). After two years of follow-up, differences between the NGT and PEG group could be seen in a variety of indicators, including BMI (20.08±0.27 vs 21.03±0.25), WBC (9.12±0.56 vs 7.08±0.29), ALB (33.11±0.43 vs 35.75±0.49), creatinine (55.07±1.83 vs 63.21±2.94), and the complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, reflux esophagitis, and electrolyte disorder, in the PEG group were significantly reduced compared to the NGT groupthan that in its counterpart, P <0.05. In the two-year follow-up period, there were 13 and 22 patients died in the PEG group and NGT group, respectively. Conclusion Both techniques are safe and effective in the short term. However, on a longer-term basis, PEG is shown to be superior to NGT feeding in improving nutrition and preventing common complications for patients with swallowing disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Li Wei; Zishuang Liu, Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100144, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax + 86-010-56981582, Email ;
| | - Zishuang Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Center for Elderly, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Nutrition in palliative care: guidelines from the Working Group on Bioethics, Spanish Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (SENPE). NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:936-944. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.04268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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