Hydration and symptoms in the last days of life.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

At the end of life oral fluid intake is often reduced. Consensus about the most appropriate management for terminally ill patients with limited oral fluid intake is lacking. The objective of this study is to investigate to what extent the amount of fluid intake, preceding and during the dying phase, is related to the occurrence of death rattle and terminal restlessness.

Methods

A multicentre prospective observational study was performed. Data on the occurrence of death rattle and terminal restlessness, fluid intake and opioid use of patients expected to die within a few days or hours were collected.

Results

371 patients were included. Death rattle was reported at least once in 40% (n=149) of patients during the dying phase. Death rattle occurrence was not a

SUBMITTER: Lokker ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8380917 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature