1
|
Hamatani Y, Iguchi M, Moriuchi K, Anchi Y, Inuzuka Y, Nishikawa R, Shimamura K, Kondo H, Mima H, Yamashita Y, Takabayashi K, Takenaka K, Korai K, Kawase Y, Murai R, Yaku H, Nagao K, Kitano M, Aono Y, Kitai T, Sato Y, Kimura T, Akao M. Effectiveness and safety of morphine administration for refractory dyspnoea among hospitalised patients with advanced heart failure: the Morphine-HF study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1300-e1307. [PMID: 37169517 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004247] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Morphine is effective in alleviating dyspnoea in patients with cancer. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of morphine administration for refractory dyspnoea in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). METHODS We conducted a multicentre, prospective, observational study of hospitalised patients with advanced HF in whom morphine was administered for refractory dyspnoea. Morphine effectiveness was evaluated by dyspnoea intensity changes, assessed regularly by both a quantitative subjective scale (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; graded from 0 to 100 mm)) and an objective scale (Support Team Assessment Schedule-Japanese (STAS-J; graded from 0 to 4 points)). Safety was assessed by vital sign changes and new-onset severe adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, constipation and delirium based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. RESULTS From 15 Japanese institutions between September 2020 and August 2022, we included 28 hospitalised patients with advanced HF in whom morphine was administered (mean age: 83.8±8.7 years, male: 15 (54%), New York Heart Association class IV: 26 (93%) and mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 38%±19%). Both VAS and STAS-J significantly improved from baseline to day 1 (VAS: 67±26 to 50±31 mm; p=0.02 and STAS-J: 3.3±0.8 to 2.6±1.1 points; p=0.006, respectively), and thereafter the improvements sustained through to day 7. After morphine administration, vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation did not change, and no new-onset severe adverse events occurred through to day 7. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested acceptable effectiveness and safety for morphine administration in treating refractory dyspnoea in hospitalised patients with advanced HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Hamatani
- Cardiology, National Hospital Organisation Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Moritake Iguchi
- Cardiology, National Hospital Organisation Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Moriuchi
- Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuta Anchi
- Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Inuzuka
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Shiga Medical Center for Adults, Moriyama, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Nishikawa
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Hibiki Mima
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yugo Yamashita
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | - Kengo Korai
- Cardiology, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yuichi Kawase
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Murai
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Kazuya Nagao
- Cardiology, Osaka Red Cross Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mariko Kitano
- Cardiovascular Center, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuya Aono
- Cardiology, Kansai Electric Power Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kitai
- Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Yukihito Sato
- Cardiology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Masaharu Akao
- Cardiology, National Hospital Organisation Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mori M, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki K, Matsuda Y, Matsunuma R, Watanabe H, Ikari T, Matsumoto Y, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Miwa S, Yamauchi T, Okamoto S, Inoue S, Inoue A, Hui D, Morita T, Satomi E. Do Types of Opioids Matter for Terminal Cancer Dyspnea? A Preliminary Multicenter Cohort Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e177-e184. [PMID: 37080479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dyspnea is among the most distressing symptoms in the last weeks to days of life (terminal dyspnea). While physicians frequently use parenteral opioids other than morphine for terminal dyspnea, little is known about their effects in cancer patients. OBJECTIVES To explore the effectiveness and safety of parenteral morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone for cancer patients with terminal dyspnea. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study that consecutively enrolled advanced cancer patients with moderate/severe terminal dyspnea. Participating palliative care physicians initiated parenteral opioids (morphine/oxycodone/hydromorphone), utilizing a standardized treatment algorithm. We examined the dyspnea intensity (Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale [IPOS]) at 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS Of 108 patients (mean age = 72), 66 (61%), 34 (32%), and 8 (7.4%) received morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone, respectively. At 24 hours, mean dyspnea IPOS scores significantly decreased from 3.0 (standard error (SE) = 0.1) at the baseline to 1.6 (0.1), 2.9 (0.1) to 2.0 (0.2), and 3.5 (0.2) to 1.2 (0.4) in the morphine (P < 0.001), oxycodone (P < 0.001), and hydromorphone (P = 0.011) groups, respectively. At 48 hours, the IPOS scores significantly reduced from 2.9 (0.1) at the baseline to 1.4 (0.1), 2.9 (0.1) to 1.6 (0.2), and 3.5 (0.2) to 1.2 (0.2) in the morphine (P < 0.001), oxycodone (P < 0.001), and hydromorphone (P = 0.004) groups, respectively. No significant differences in mean scores were found among the three groups at 24 (P = 0.080) and 48 hours (P = 0.322). Adverse events were rare. CONCLUSION Parenteral morphine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone may be similarly effective and safe for cancer patients with terminal dyspnea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division (M.M., N.Y., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (T.Y.), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care (K.S.), Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine (Y.M.), National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Division of Palliative Care (R.M.), Department of Medicine, Konan Medical Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care (H.W.), Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ikari
- Department of Palliative Medicine (T.I., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Department of Palliative Therapy (Y.M.), Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.O., S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division (M.M., N.Y., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.O., S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Yamauchi
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.O., S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Soichiro Okamoto
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.O., S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.O., S.I.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akira Inoue
- Department of Palliative Medicine (T.I., A.I.), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative (D.H.), Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division (M.M., N.Y., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eriko Satomi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (E.S.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang CH, Chen PJ, Mori M, Morita T, Cheng SY, Suh SY, Kim SH, Yokomichi N, Imai K, Ito S, Yamaguchi T, Hiratsuka Y, Tsuneto S, Maeda S. Cross-cultural comparison of continuous deep sedation for advanced cancer patients in East Asian countries: prospective cohort study. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2023:7145896. [PMID: 37114920 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cultural, social, and legal factors have been known to affect physicians' practice of continuous deep sedation. There have been few quantitative studies to compare continuous deep sedation practice in Asian countries. We aimed to describe and compare clinical characteristics of continuous deep sedation in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. METHODS Patients with advanced cancer admitted to participating palliative care units were enrolled from January 2017 to September 2018. We evaluated and compared (i) the prevalence of continuous deep sedation, (ii) the characteristics of sedated and non-sedated groups in each country, and (iii) continuous deep sedation administration patterns among the three countries. RESULTS A total of 2158 participants were included in our analysis, and 264 received continuous deep sedation. The continuous deep sedation prevalence was 10, 16 and 22% in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively. Delirium was the most frequent target symptom in all countries, along with dyspnoea (in Japan) and psychological symptoms (in Korea). Midazolam was most frequently used in Japan and Taiwan, but not in Korea (P < 0.001). Among the patients receiving continuous deep sedation, the hydration amount on the final day was significantly different, with median volumes of 200, 500 and 0 mL in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively (P < 0.001). In Korea, 33% of the continuous deep sedation administration caused a high degree of physicians' discomfort, but 3% in Japan and 5% in Taiwan (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Clinical practices of continuous deep sedation and physicians' discomfort related to continuous deep sedation initiation highly varied across countries. We need to develop optimal decision-making models of continuous deep sedation and hydration during continuous deep sedation in each country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Hsien Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, Dongguk University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun-Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Satoko Ito
- Hospice, The Japan Baptist Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Maeda
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mori M, Miwa S, Ikari T, Kako J, Hasegawa T, Matsunuma R, Suzuki K, Matsuda Y, Watanabe H, Morita T, Yamaguchi T. Current Management Options for Dyspnea in Cancer Patients. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:565-579. [PMID: 37037975 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Dyspnea is one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms in patients with advanced cancer. As dyspnea deteriorates patients' quality of life markedly and tends to worsen as the disease progresses, comprehensive assessment and timely treatment of the underlying etiologies are essential. International guidelines recommend various non-pharmacological and pharmacological management options. However, there is a scarcity of confirmatory clinical trials on cancer dyspnea, and the overall level of evidence is weak. Recently, observational and survey studies indicated a wide range of practice patterns of palliative care specialists, providing important insight into the real-world management of dyspnea. In this paper, we summarize current management options for dyspnea in cancer patients, highlight major controversies in the literature, and propose future research directions toward quality care for patients with dyspnea and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, 3453 Mikatahara-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, 433-8558, Japan.
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ikari
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jun Kako
- College of Nursing Art and Science, University of Hyogo, Akashi, Japan
| | - Takaaki Hasegawa
- Center for Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Division of Palliative Care, Konan Medical Center, Konan, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, 3453 Mikatahara-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, 433-8558, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mori M, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki K, Matsuda Y, Matsunuma R, Watanabe H, Ikari T, Matsumoto Y, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Miwa S, Yamauchi T, Okamoto S, Inoue S, Inoue A, Morita T, Satomi E. The feasibility and effects of a pharmacological treatment algorithm for cancer patients with terminal dyspnea: A multicenter cohort study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:5397-5408. [PMID: 36259645 PMCID: PMC10028104 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How clinicians treat patients with terminal dyspnea widely varies, which could hamper quality care. We visualized comprehensive pharmacological treatment delivered by palliative care physicians. AIM To examine adherence to a comprehensive pharmacological treatment algorithm for patients with terminal dyspnea, and to explore its outcomes during 48 h. DESIGN A multicenter cohort study at five sites (February 2020 to June 2021). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with advanced cancer, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 3-4, and moderate/severe dyspnea. Participating palliative care physicians initiated algorithm-based treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of adherence to the treatment algorithm over 24 h (predefined goal, 70%). We evaluated the adherence, goal achievement, and dyspnea level with a numerical rating scale (NRS), as well as adverse events over 48 h. RESULTS All 108 patients received algorithm-based pharmacological treatment. Among 96 and 87 patients who were alive at 24 and 48 h, respectively, 96 (100%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 96%-100%) and 82 (94%; 95%CI = 87%-98%) continued to receive the algorithm treatment, respectively, and 66 (69%; 95%CI = 59%-77%) and 64 (74%; 95%CI = 63%-82%) achieved the treatment goals, respectively. Using a complete case analysis with paired t-tests, mean dyspnea NRS scores significantly reduced from 7.3 (standard error, 0.2) at the baseline to 4.9 (0.3) at 24 h (n = 72; p < 0.001), and 7.2 (0.3) at the baseline to 4.6 (0.4) at 48 h (n = 55; p < 0.001). Most adverse events were mild to moderate. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive pharmacological treatment algorithm was feasible, and the study data supports its preliminary efficacy and safety. The use of this algorithm may help clinicians improve care for patients with terminal dyspnea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Kozue Suzuki
- Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | | | | | - Tomoo Ikari
- Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Soichiro Okamoto
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akira Inoue
- Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Imai K, Morita T, Mori M, Kiuchi D, Yokomichi N, Miwa S, Okamoto S, Yamauchi T, Naito AS, Matsuda Y, Maeda I, Sugano K, Ikenaga M, Inoue S, Satomi E. Visualizing How to Use Antipsychotics for Agitated Delirium in the Last Days of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:479-489. [PMID: 36682673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT How physicians use antipsychotics for agitated delirium in the last days of life varies markedly, which could hamper the quality of care. OBJECTIVES To examine adherence to an algorithm-based treatment for terminal agitated delirium, and explore its effectiveness and safety. METHODS A single-center, prospective, observational study was conducted in a 27-bed palliative care unit in Japan. All adult cancer patients who developed agitated delirium with a modified Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) of +1 or more were included; the palliative care specialists determined that the etiology was irreversible, the estimated survival was three weeks or less, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was three or four. Patients were treated with an algorithm to visualize how to use antipsychotics, with the treatment goal defined as no agitation (RASS≤0) or acceptable agitation for patients and families. We provided all patients nonpharmacological management to alleviate the symptoms of delirium and administered antipsychotic medications when the nonpharmacological approach was insufficient. We measured the adherence rate, RASS, Nursing Delirium Screening Scale items 2, 3, 4 (Nu-DESC), and Agitation Distress Scale item 2 (ADS) on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 24 hours before death. RESULTS A total of 164 patients were enrolled. Adherence rates were 99, 94, and 89%, and treatment goals were achieved in 66, 83, and 93% on days one, three, and seven, respectively. The mean RASS decreased from +1.41 to -0.84 on day three; Nu-DESC decreased from 4.19 to 1.83, and ADS decreased from 1.54 to 0.38. There were seven severe adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) of 3), including aspiration (n = 3), apnea (n = 2), tremor (n = 1), and muscle rigidity (n = 1) on day three. CONCLUSION The algorithm-based treatment could be feasible, effective, and safe. Visualizing how palliative care specialists provide pharmacological management could be beneficial for nonspecialist clinicians, and clinical, educational, and research implications warrant further empirical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kiuchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (D.K., E.S.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (T.M., M.M., N.Y.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Yamauchi
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akemi Shirado Naito
- Department of Palliative Care (A.S.N.), Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine (Y.M.), National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care (I.M.), Seri-Chuo Hospital, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Koji Sugano
- Division of Respiratory Medicine (K.S.), Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ikenaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine (M.I.), Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Seirei Hospice (K.I., S.M., T.Y., S.I.), Seirei Miyahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eriko Satomi
- Department of Palliative Medicine (D.K., E.S.), National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yamaguchi T, Matsunuma R, Matsuda Y, Tasaki J, Ikari T, Miwa S, Aiki S, Takagi Y, Kiuchi D, Suzuki K, Oyamada S, Ariyoshi K, Kihara K, Mori M. Systemic Opioids for Dyspnea in Cancer Patients: A Real-world Observational Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:400-408. [PMID: 36641006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.12.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although Systemic opioids are recommended as a pharmacological treatment for cancer-related dyspnea, their effectiveness and safety needs to be investigated in a real-world context OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of systemic regular opioids for dyspnea in cancer patients, in the real-world palliative care practice. METHODS This was a multicenter prospective observational study. We consecutively enrolled adult cancer patients starting regular opioids (morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, or fentanyl) for dyspnea from 12 palliative care services across Japan. We evaluated dyspnea intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale (IPOS) every 24 hours until 72 hours after starting opioids (T1-T3). We also evaluated common opioid-related adverse events (AEs) and other severe AEs. RESULTS We enrolled 402 cancer patients. The proportion of responders was 68.8% (95%confidence intervals (CI): 0.63-0.74) at T1, 75.7% (95%CI: 0.70-0.81) at T2, and 82.1% (95%CI: 0.76-0.87) at T3. The mean differences in dyspnea NRS from baseline were 1.73 (95%CI: 1.46-1.99) at T1, 1.99 (95%CI: 1.71-2.28) at T2, and 2.47 (95%CI:2.13-2.82) at T3. The most common treatment-emergent AE was somnolence with an incidence of the severe form of approximately 10% throughout the study period. In the multivariate analysis, baseline dyspnea NRS ≥6 had a positive correlation with dyspnea relief by systemic regular opioids, while liver metastasis, clinician-predicted survival days, and opioid tolerance had a negative correlation. CONCLUSION Regular systemic opioids were effective for dyspnea in real-world cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine (T.Y.), Kobe, Japan.
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Care, Konan Hospital (R.M., J.T.), Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center (Y.M.), Sakai, Japan
| | - Junichi Tasaki
- Department of Palliative Care, Konan Hospital (R.M., J.T.), Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ikari
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine (T.I.), Sendai, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hokkaido University Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine (T.I.), Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital (S.M.), Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Sayo Aiki
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Hospital Organization Osaka Medical Center (S.A.), Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takagi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine ( Y.T.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kiuchi
- Department of Palliative Care, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (D.K.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital (K.S.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Oyamada
- Japanese Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (JORTC) (S.O., K.A., K.K.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ariyoshi
- Japanese Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (JORTC) (S.O., K.A., K.K.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kota Kihara
- Japanese Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (JORTC) (S.O., K.A., K.K.), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital (M.M.), Hamamatsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Obarzanek L, Wu W, Tutag-Lehr V. Opioid Management of Dyspnea at End of Life: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2022; 26:711-726. [PMID: 36453988 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to consolidate the existing evidence on opioid use, including administration, dosing, and efficacy, for the relief of dyspnea at end of life. The overarching goal is to optimize clinical management of dyspnea by identifying patterns in opioid use, improving opioid management of dyspnea, and to prioritize future research. Background: Opioids are commonly used in the management of dyspnea at end of life, yet specific administration guidelines are limited. A greater understanding of the effectiveness of opioids in relieving end-of-life dyspnea with consideration of study design, patients, and opioids, including dyspnea evaluation tools and outcomes, will leverage development of standardized administration and dosing. Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic review using six databases identified quality studies of opioid management for patients with dyspnea at end of life. Results: Twenty-three references met review inclusion criteria, which included terminally ill cancer and noncancer patients with various diagnoses. Studies included two randomized controlled trials, and three nonrandomized experimental, three prospective observational, one cross-sectional, and one case series. Thirteen retrospective chart reviews were also included due to the limited rigorous studies rendered by the search. Thirteen studies evaluated morphine, followed by fentanyl (6), oxycodone (5), general opioid use (4), and hydromorphone (2). Routes of administration were parenteral, oral, combination, and nebulization. Dyspnea was evaluated using self-reporting and non-self-reporting evaluation tools. Sedation was the most reported opioid-related adverse effect. Discussion: Challenges persist in conducting end-of-life research, preventing consensus on standardization of opioid treatment for dyspnea within this specific palliative time frame. Future robust prospective trials using specific, accurate assessment with reassessment of dyspnea/respiratory distress, and consideration of opioid tolerance, polypharmacy, and comorbidities are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Wu
- Shiffman Medical Library, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Victoria Tutag-Lehr
- Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang RY, Lee TT, Lin YH, Liu CY, Wu HC, Huang SH. Factors Related to Family Caregivers’ Readiness for the Hospital Discharge of Advanced Cancer Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138097. [PMID: 35805756 PMCID: PMC9266053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Many family caregivers of advanced cancer patients worry about being unable to provide in-home care and delay the discharge. Little is known about the influencing factors of discharge readiness. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of family caregivers’ readiness, used a cross-sectional survey, and enrolled 123 sets of advanced cancer patients and family caregivers using convenience sampling from four oncology wards in a medical centre in northern Taiwan. A self-developed five-point Likert questionnaire, the “Discharge Care Assessment Scale”, surveyed the family caregivers’ difficulties with providing in-home care. Results: The study showed that the discharge readiness of family caregivers affects whether patients can be discharged home. Moreover, the influencing factors of family caregivers’ discharge readiness were the patient’s physical activity performance status and expressed discharge willingness; the presence of someone to assist family caregivers with in-home care; and the difficulties of in-home care. The best prediction model accuracy was78.0%, and the Nagelkerke R2 was 0.52. Conclusion: Discharge planning should start at the point of admission data collection, with the influencing factors of family caregivers’ discharge readiness. It is essential to help patients increase the likelihood of being discharged home.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Yu Huang
- Department of Nursing, Mackay Memorial Hospital Tamsui Branch, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan; (R.-Y.H.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Ting-Ting Lee
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Hsien Lin
- Division of Radiotherapy, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 11220, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Yu Liu
- Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 11219, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 11219, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chun Wu
- Department of Nursing, Mackay Memorial Hospital Tamsui Branch, New Taipei City 25160, Taiwan; (R.-Y.H.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Shu-He Huang
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2826-7227; Fax: +886-2-2822-9973
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mori M, Morita T, Bruera E, Hui D. Prognostication of the last days of life: Review article. Cancer Res Treat 2022; 54:631-643. [PMID: 35381165 PMCID: PMC9296934 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate prediction of impending death (i.e., last few days of life) is essential for terminally-ill cancer patients and their families. International guidelines state that clinicians should identify patients with impending death, communicate the prognosis with patients and families, help them with their end-of-life decision-making, and provide sufficient symptom palliation. Over the past decade, several national and international studies have been conducted that systematically investigated signs and symptoms of impending death as well as how to communicate such a prognosis effectively with patients and families. In this article, we summarize the current evidence on prognostication and communication regarding the last days of life of patients with cancer, and future directions of clinical research.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mori M, Kawaguchi T, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki K, Matsunuma R, Watanabe H, Maeda I, Matsumoto Y, Matsuda Y, Morita T. Visualizing How to Use Parenteral Opioids for Terminal Cancer Dyspnea: A Pilot, Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:936-948. [PMID: 33992759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT How physicians use opioids for dyspnea in imminently dying cancer patients (terminal dyspnea) varies markedly, which could hamper quality care. OBJECTIVES To examine the adherence to an algorithm-based treatment for terminal dyspnea, and explore its outcomes over 24 hours. METHODS This was a pre-planned subgroup analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were: advanced cancer patients admitted to palliative care units, ECOG performance status = 3-4, and a dyspnea intensity ≥2 on the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS). We developed an algorithm to visualize how palliative care physicians would use parenteral opioids. Participating physicians (palliative care specialists) initiated parenteral opioids, choosing whether to use the algorithm based on their preference. We measured the adherence rate to the algorithm over 24 hours (predefined goal = 70%), and compared dyspnea IPOS scores and adverse events between patients with and without algorithm-based treatment. RESULTS Of 164 patients (median survival = 5 days), 71 (43%) received algorithm-based treatment, and 70 (99%; 95% confidence interval = 92%-100%) adhered to it over 24 hours. In a complete case analysis, mean dyspnea IPOS scores significantly decreased from 2.9 (standard error = 0.1) to 1.5 (0.1) in the algorithm group (n = 54; P < 0.001), and 2.9 (0.1) to 1.6 (0.1) in the non-algorithm group (n = 72; P < 0.001). There was no significant between-group difference in changes in dyspnea IPOS scores (P = 0.65). Adverse events were rare (n = 5). CONCLUSION The algorithm-based treatment was feasible, and might be as effective and safe as the usual care by palliative care specialists. Its implementation may help physicians provide quality care for terminal dyspnea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kawaguchi
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Konan Medical Center, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-chuo Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Suh SY, Won SH, Hiratsuka Y, Choi SE, Cheng SY, Mori M, Chen PJ, Yamaguchi T, Morita T, Tsuneto S, LeBlanc TW, Kim SH, Yoon SJ, Lee ES, Hwang SW. Assessment of Changes in Symptoms Is Feasible and Prognostic in the Last Weeks of Life: An International Multicenter Cohort Study. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:388-395. [PMID: 34668798 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Symptoms are not typically part of established various prognostic factors and scoring systems but are among the most frequently assessed issues in patient care. Objectives: To evaluate that, changes in symptoms can provide additional useful prognostic information. Design: A secondary analysis of an international cohort study in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Setting/Subjects: Subjects were adult patients with advanced cancer (n = 2074) who were admitted to 37 palliative care units (PCUs) in 3 countries from January 2017 to September 2018. Measurements: Symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, dry mouth, and drowsiness) were assessed at admission and one-week later. Dyspnea was assessed by the presence of resting and exertional dyspnea, whereas other symptoms were assessed using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scales (IPOS) (range 0-4). For analysis, we grouped patients by symptom change, as either Improved, Stable, or Worsened (by having at least a one increment decrease, no change, or at least a one increment increase, respectively). Results: Worsened groups had the shortest survival (median survival 15-21 days) compared with those with Improved (median survival 23-31 days) and Stable symptoms (median survival 27-29 days) across all four symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, dry mouth, and drowsiness). Survival differences were statistically significantly different across all three groups for all symptoms (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, Improved symptoms were associated with similar survival compared with Stable groups, with no statistical differences. Conclusions: Worsened symptoms at one week after admission were useful predictors of survival for patients with advanced cancer in PCUs during the final weeks of life. Longitudinal assessments are needed to reflect passage of time as well as impact of treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeon Suh
- Department of Medicine, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang si, South Korea
| | - Seon-Hye Won
- Department of Family Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang si, South Korea
| | - Yusuke Hiratsuka
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sung-Eun Choi
- Department of Statistics, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ping-Jen Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, and School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Psychiatry, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Thomas W LeBlanc
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sun-Hyun Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Seok-Joon Yoon
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eon Sook Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Ilsan-Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Goyang, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Family Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yamamoto S, Arao H, Aoki M, Mori M, Morita T, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Masukawa K, Miyashita M. Care Associated With Satisfaction of Bereaved Family Members of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Dyspnea: A Cross-sectional Nationwide Survey. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:796-804. [PMID: 33848568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Terminal dyspnea in dying cancer patients is frequent and distressing, and the impact extends to their families. Families are often involved in providing care for terminal dyspnea. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe various care strategies for terminal dyspnea in cancer patients hospitalized in palliative care units (PCUs), evaluate families' satisfaction with care for terminal dyspnea, and explore determinants contributing to families' satisfaction. METHODS A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire among bereaved families of cancer patients who died in PCUs. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the perceptions of care offered to patients with terminal dyspnea and their families, satisfaction with care for terminal dyspnea, family-perceived intensity of terminal dyspnea, use of oxygen, and background data of patients and families. RESULTS In total, 533 participants (response rate = 54%) returned the completed questionnaires, and 231 reported that their loved one had experienced terminal dyspnea. Dedicated and compassionate care was perceived by 60%-89% of the participants as the strategy provided for patients. Care for family members was perceived by 58%-69% of the participants. Perception of dedicated and compassionate care for patients and that of care for family members were significantly associated with high satisfaction (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 8.64, 3.85-19.36 and 15.37, 5.00-47.25, respectively). CONCLUSION Dedicated and compassionate care may be the essential part of the care for terminal dyspnea. Dedicated and compassionate care for patients and care for family members have a potential of improving the care satisfaction among family caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sena Yamamoto
- Division of Health Sciences (S.Y., H.A., M.A.), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Harue Arao
- Division of Health Sciences (S.Y., H.A., M.A.), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Miwa Aoki
- Division of Health Sciences (S.Y., H.A., M.A.), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (M.M., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care (M.M., T.M.), Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.K.), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences (S.T.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Department of Palliative Medicine (Y.S.), Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences (K.M., M.M.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences (K.M., M.M.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Experience of symptom control, anxiety and associating factors in a palliative care unit evaluated with Support Team Assessment Schedule Japanese version. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19321. [PMID: 34588477 PMCID: PMC8481243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97143-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Various physical and psychosocial difficulties including anxiety affect cancer patients. Patient surroundings also have psychological effects on caregiving. Assessing the current status of palliative care intervention, specifically examining anxiety and its associated factors, is important to improve palliative care unit (PCU) patient quality of life (QOL). This study retrospectively assessed 199 patients admitted to a PCU during August 2018–June 2019. Data for symptom control, anxiety level, disease insight, and communication level obtained using Support Team Assessment Schedule Japanese version (STAS-J) were evaluated on admission and after 2 weeks. Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) and laboratory data were collected at admission. Patient anxiety was significantly severer and more frequent in groups with severer functional impairment (p = 0.003) and those requiring symptom control (p = 0.006). Nevertheless, no relation was found between dyspnea and anxiety (p = 0.135). Patients with edema more frequently experienced anxiety (p = 0.068). Patient survival was significantly shorter when family anxiety was higher after 2 weeks (p = 0.021). Symptoms, edema, and disabilities in daily living correlate with patient anxiety. Dyspnea is associated with anxiety, but its emergence might be attributable mainly to physical factors in this population. Family members might sensitize changes reflecting worsened general conditions earlier than the patients.
Collapse
|
15
|
Beng TS, Kim CLC, Shee CC, Ching DNL, Liang TJ, Kumar MKN, Guan NC, Khuen LP, Loong LC, Chin LE, Zainuddin SI, Capelle DP, Munn AC, Yen LK, Isahak NNHN. COVID-19, Suffering and Palliative Care: A Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:986-995. [PMID: 34525862 PMCID: PMC9294437 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211046233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the WHO guideline, palliative care is an integral component of COVID-19 management. The relief of physical symptoms and the provision of psychosocial support should be practiced by all healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. In this review, we aim to provide a simple outline on COVID-19, suffering in COVID-19, and the role of palliative care in COVID-19. We also introduce 3 principles of palliative care that can serve as a guide for all healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients, which are (1) good symptom control, (2) open and sensitive communication, and (3) caring for the whole team. The pandemic has brought immense suffering, fear and death to people everywhere. The knowledge, skills and experiences from palliative care could be used to relieve the suffering of COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tan Seng Beng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Carol Lai Cheng Kim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chai Chee Shee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Sarawak Malaysia, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Diana Ng Leh Ching
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Sarawak Malaysia, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Tan Jiunn Liang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ng Chong Guan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lim Poh Khuen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lam Chee Loong
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Loh Ee Chin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - David Paul Capelle
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ang Chui Munn
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lim Kah Yen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mori M, Kawaguchi T, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Yamaguchi T, Suzuki K, Matsunuma R, Watanabe H, Maeda I, Uehara Y, Morita T. How Successful Is Parenteral Oxycodone for Relieving Terminal Cancer Dyspnea Compared With Morphine? A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:336-345. [PMID: 33290857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parenteral morphine is widely used for dyspnea of imminently dying cancer patients (terminal dyspnea). However, the efficacy of other opioids such as oxycodone remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To explore the efficacy of parenteral oxycodone vs. morphine by continuous infusion over 24 hours in cancer patients with terminal dyspnea. METHODS This was a pre-planned subgroup analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were advanced cancer patients admitted to palliative care units, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status = 3-4, and a dyspnea intensity ≥2 on the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) for which oxycodone or morphine was initiated by continuous infusion. We measured dyspnea IPOS scores over 24 hours. RESULTS We analyzed 164 patients who received oxycodone (n = 26) and morphine (n = 138) for dyspnea (median survival = 5 days). The mean age was 70 years, 58 patients (35%) had lung cancer, and 97 (59%) had lung metastases. Complete case analysis revealed that mean dyspnea IPOS scores decreased from 3.0 (standard deviation = 0.7) to 1.5 (0.7) in the oxycodone group (difference in means = 1.5; P < 0.001), and from 2.9 (0.7) to 1.6 (1.0) in the morphine group (difference in means = 1.3; P < 0.001). No significant between-group differences existed in the IPOS scores at 24 hours (P = 0.753). Adverse events were seen in no and 5 patients in the oxycodone and morphine groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Parenteral oxycodone may be equally effective and safe as morphine in the treatment of terminal dyspnea in cancer patients. Future randomized controlled trials should confirm the efficacy and safety of opioids other than morphine for terminal dyspnea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kawaguchi
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Konan Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Isseki Maeda
- Department of Palliative Care, Senri-chuo Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Uehara
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan; Department of Palliative Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hui D, Bohlke K, Bao T, Campbell TC, Coyne PJ, Currow DC, Gupta A, Leiser AL, Mori M, Nava S, Reinke LF, Roeland EJ, Seigel C, Walsh D, Campbell ML. Management of Dyspnea in Advanced Cancer: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1389-1411. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.03465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide guidance on the clinical management of dyspnea in adult patients with advanced cancer. METHODS ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. An Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) systematic review provided the evidence base for nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate dyspnea. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a concurrent comparison group published through early May 2020. The ASCO Expert Panel also wished to address dyspnea assessment, management of underlying conditions, and palliative care referrals, and for these questions, an additional systematic review identified RCTs, systematic reviews, and guidelines published through July 2020. RESULTS The AHRQ systematic review included 48 RCTs and two retrospective cohort studies. Lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most commonly addressed types of cancer. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as fans provided some relief from breathlessness. Support for pharmacologic interventions was limited. A meta-analysis of specialty breathlessness services reported improvements in distress because of dyspnea. RECOMMENDATIONS A hierarchical approach to dyspnea management is recommended, beginning with dyspnea assessment, ascertainment and management of potentially reversible causes, and referral to an interdisciplinary palliative care team. Nonpharmacologic interventions that may be offered to relieve dyspnea include airflow interventions (eg, a fan directed at the cheek), standard supplemental oxygen for patients with hypoxemia, and other psychoeducational, self-management, or complementary approaches. For patients who derive inadequate relief from nonpharmacologic interventions, systemic opioids should be offered. Other pharmacologic interventions, such as corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, are also discussed. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hui
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kari Bohlke
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | - Ting Bao
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | - Arjun Gupta
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aliza L. Leiser
- Rutgers RWJ Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Masanori Mori
- Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Stefano Nava
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Alma Mater University, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Uchida M, Morita T, Akechi T, Yokomichi N, Sakashita A, Hisanaga T, Matsui T, Ogawa A, Yoshiuchi K, Iwase S. Are common delirium assessment tools appropriate for evaluating delirium at the end of life in cancer patients? Psychooncology 2020; 29:1842-1849. [PMID: 32735046 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study are to investigate how many advanced cancer patients became unconscious or non-communicative after pharmacological treatment for delirium, and to explore whether existing delirium assessment tools can successfully evaluate its severity at the end of life. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of a registry study that examined the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics for advanced cancer patients with delirium. A total of 818 patients were recruited from 39 specialized palliative care services in Japan. The severity of delirium was measured using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale-Palliative care version, the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98), and the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) on Day 3. Data from 302 patients with motor anxiety with an Agitation Distress Scale score ≥2 on Day 0 were analyzed for this study. The patients were categorized into four treatment response groups: complete response (CR: no agitation and fully communicative), partial response (PR: no/mild agitation and partially communicative), unconscious/non-communicative (UC), and no change (NC). RESULTS On Day 3, 29 (10%; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 7-13) and 2 (1%; 95% CI, 0-2) patients became unconscious and non-communicative, respectively. Forty-four patients were categorized as CR, 97 as PR, 31 as UC, and 96 as NC. The scores of the DRS-R-98 and Nu-DESC in the UC group were rated higher than patients in the NC group were. CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of cancer patients with delirium became unconscious or non-communicative. Existing delirium assessment tools may be inappropriate for measuring the severity of delirium in end-of-life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Uchida
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, and Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Akechi
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Palliative Care and Psycho-oncology, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, and Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakashita
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takayuki Hisanaga
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsui
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tochigi Cancer Center, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Asao Ogawa
- Department of Psycho-Oncology Service, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi
- Department of Stress Sciences and Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Satoru Iwase
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Irima-gun, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hadzibegovic S, Sikorski P, Potthoff SK, Springer J, Lena A, Anker MS. Clinical problems of patients with cachexia due to chronic illness: a congress report. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 7:3414-3420. [PMID: 33012131 PMCID: PMC7754899 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hadzibegovic
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology, Charité - Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Sikorski
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology, Charité - Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia K Potthoff
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology, Charité - Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Springer
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessia Lena
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology, Charité - Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus S Anker
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism, Department of Cardiology, Charité - Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mori M, Yamaguchi T, Matsuda Y, Suzuki K, Watanabe H, Matsunuma R, Kako J, Imai K, Usui Y, Matsumoto Y, Hui D, Currow D, Morita T. Unanswered questions and future direction in the management of terminal breathlessness in patients with cancer. ESMO Open 2020; 5 Suppl 1:e000603. [PMID: 33558034 PMCID: PMC7046422 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathlessness is among the most common and deteriorating symptoms in patients with advanced cancer, which may worsen towards the end of life. Breathlessness in patients with estimated life expectancy of weeks to days has unique clinical features: it tends to worsen rapidly over days to hours as death approaches often despite current symptom control measures. Breathlessness in patients during the last weeks to days of life can be called ‘terminal breathlessness’. While evidence has accumulated for the management of breathlessness in patients with cancer who are not dying, such evidence may not be fully applied to terminal breathlessness. Only a few studies have investigated the best practice of terminal breathlessness in patients with cancer. In this paper, we summarise the current evidence for the management of terminal breathlessness, and propose future directions of clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Palliative Care Team, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | | | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Watanabe
- Department of Palliative Care, Komaki City Hospital, Komaki, Japan
| | - Ryo Matsunuma
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Jun Kako
- Division of Nursing Science, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuko Usui
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Matsumoto
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - David Hui
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mori M, Morita T, Imai K, Yokomichi N, Yamaguchi T, Masukawa K, Kizawa Y, Tsuneto S, Shima Y, Miyashita M. The Bereaved Families' Preferences for Individualized Goals of Care for Terminal Dyspnea: What Is an Acceptable Balance between Dyspnea Intensity and Communication Capacity? Palliat Med Rep 2020; 1:42-49. [PMID: 34223455 PMCID: PMC8241337 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toward the individualized care of terminally ill patients with dyspnea (“terminal dyspnea”), it is essential to identify individualized goals of care (GOC) to achieve an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity. Objective: To explore preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea, and factors associated with the preferences. Design: A nationwide cross-sectional survey. Setting/Subjects: In total, 1055 bereaved families of cancer patients admitted to 167 inpatient hospices in Japan. Measurements: Preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea to achieve an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity, should individuals experience continuous moderate or severe/overwhelming dyspnea despite optimal palliative care, and perceptions about a good death. Results: Among 548 participants (response rate = 52%), we analyzed responses of 477 families whose loved one suffered dyspnea in the last week of life. In total, 167 (45%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40%–50%) and 272 (80%; 95% CI = 75%–84%) participants would prioritize dyspnea relief over communication capacity, should they continuously suffer moderate or severe/overwhelming dyspnea, respectively. In multivariate analyses, the determinants of the prioritization of dyspnea relief were perceiving physical comfort as important for a good death (odds ratio [OR] = 1.389; 95% CI = 1.062–1.818; p = 0.017) in moderate dyspnea, and perceiving physical comfort (OR = 2.505; 95% CI = 1.718–3.651; p < 0.001) and not perceiving mental awareness (OR = 0.695; 95% CI = 0.529–0.913; p = 0.009) as important in severe/overwhelming dyspnea. Conclusions: Preferences for individualized GOC for terminal dyspnea can vary among individuals and with different symptom intensity, and may be influenced by perceptions about a good death. Outcome measurements incorporating an acceptable balance between dyspnea intensity and communication capacity should be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Mori
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morita
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kengo Imai
- Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Naosuke Yokomichi
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | | | - Kento Masukawa
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kizawa
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Satoru Tsuneto
- Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Shima
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Miyashita
- Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|