Document Detail


A Retrospective Analysis of Primary Diagnosis, Comorbidities, Anticholinergic Load, and Other Factors on Treatment for Noisy Respiratory Secretions at the End of Life.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21883008     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Abstract Background: Noisy respiratory secretions (NRS) at the end of life have been described in 23%-92% of deaths in palliative care units. Despite limited evidence to support the efficacy of the antisecretory medications, hyoscine hydrobromide and glycopyrrolate, administration of these medications remains standard palliation. Predicting those at risk of NRS could allow early and targeted intervention. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 199 deaths in a palliative care unit was undertaken to identify if any patient, disease, or treatment-related factors might be predictive or protective of the symptom. Results: In the last 72 hours of life, 60% received antisecretory medication (mean, 2; range, 0-16 doses). Significant unadjusted associations were found between administration of antisecretory medications and survival as well as the anticholinergic drug load from other medications. Results obtained from logistic regressions revealed patients with a higher anticholinergic load from prescribed medications were more likely to require treatment for NRS (odds ratio [OR]=2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.4-5.7). There were no other factors significantly associated with developing the symptom. Conclusion: A high anticholinergic load from medications was not protective and instead predicted the need for treatment for NRS at the end of life.
Authors:
Caitlin Sheehan; Katherine Clark; Lawrence Lam; Richard Chye
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-9-1
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of palliative medicine     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1557-7740     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Sep 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-9-2     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9808462     Medline TA:  J Palliat Med     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
1 The Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care , Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia .
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