1
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang CH, Chen YK, Tsao SH, Lee CH. Trends in Palliative Care Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:1271-1278. [PMID: 36503251 PMCID: PMC9748525 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221145202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To demonstrate the trends and variety of research on palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search of the Web of Science database. Since the outbroke of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adjustment of palliative care systems is warranted to maintain a high quality of care. The COVID-19 -related palliative care studies account for approximately 4% of all publications on palliative care. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the nature of these studies. A total of 293 studies were included. Of the included studies, those related to system improvement were the most common (181/293, 61.8%), followed by those related to patient care (79/293, 27.0%), bereavement support for patients or family members (19/293, 6.5%), and the mental health of frontline practitioners (14/293, 4.8%). From these studies, 82, 137, and 74 studies were published in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (until August 1), respectively. The research trends of palliative care demonstrate the flexibility and rapid response of the global palliative care system to the COVID-19 pandemic and show how the palliative care system is evolving. While most studies are interested in system improvement, patient care, and bereavement support, the mental health of frontline practitioners has received less attention. Our findings provide palliative care practitioners with current valuable information and highlight possible future trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ho Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Han Tsao
- Department of Urology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsing Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Keelung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barmanray RD, Gong JY, Kyi M, Kevat D, Islam MA, Galligan A, Manos GR, Nair IV, Perera N, Adams NK, Nursing A, Warren AM, Hamblin PS, MacIsaac RJ, Ekinci EI, Krishnamurthy B, Karunajeewa H, Buising K, Visvanathan K, Kay TWH, Fourlanos S. Diabetes IN hospital - Glucose and Outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic (DINGO COVID-19): the 2020 Melbourne hospital experience prior to novel variants and vaccinations. Intern Med J 2023; 53:27-36. [PMID: 36269315 PMCID: PMC9874487 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A relationship between diabetes, glucose and COVID-19 outcomes has been reported in international cohorts. This study aimed to assess the relationship between diabetes, hyperglycaemia and patient outcomes in those hospitalised with COVID-19 during the first year of the Victorian pandemic prior to novel variants and vaccinations. DESIGN, SETTING Retrospective cohort study from March to November 2020 across five public health services in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS All consecutive adult patients admitted to acute wards of participating institutions during the study period with a diagnosis of COVID-19, comprising a large proportion of patients from residential care facilities and following dexamethasone becoming standard-of-care. Admissions in patients without known diabetes and without inpatient glucose testing were excluded. RESULTS The DINGO COVID-19 cohort comprised 840 admissions. In 438 admissions (52%), there was no known diabetes or in-hospital hyperglycaemia, in 298 (35%) patients had known diabetes, and in 104 (12%) patients had hyperglycaemia without known diabetes. ICU admission was more common in those with diabetes (20%) and hyperglycaemia without diabetes (49%) than those with neither (11%, P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Mortality was higher in those with diabetes (24%) than those without diabetes or hyperglycaemia (16%, P = 0.02) but no difference between those with in-hospital hyperglycaemia and either of the other groups. On multivariable analysis, hyperglycaemia was associated with increased ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.7, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.0-12, P < 0.001) and longer length of stay (aOR 173, 95% CI 11-2793, P < 0.001), while diabetes was associated with reduced ICU admission (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33-0.94, P = 0.03). Neither diabetes nor hyperglycaemia was independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-hospital hyperglycaemia and known diabetes were not associated with in-hospital mortality, contrasting with published international experiences. This likely mainly relates to hyperglycaemia indicating receipt of mortality-reducing dexamethasone therapy. These differences in published experiences underscore the importance of understanding population and clinical treatment factors affecting glycaemia and COVID-19 morbidity within both local and global contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul D Barmanray
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanna Y Gong
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mervyn Kyi
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dev Kevat
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Diabetes, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammad A Islam
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Galligan
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina R Manos
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Indu V Nair
- Department of Endocrinology, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nayomi Perera
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas K Adams
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashvin Nursing
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annabelle M Warren
- Department of Endocrinology, Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter S Hamblin
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard J MacIsaac
- Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elif I Ekinci
- Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Balasubramanian Krishnamurthy
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harin Karunajeewa
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,General Internal Medicine Unit, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kumar Visvanathan
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas W H Kay
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,St Vincent's Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Spiros Fourlanos
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pun J. The priorities, challenges, and scope of clinical communication teaching perceived by clinicians from different disciplines: a Hong Kong case study. BMC Prim Care 2022; 23:158. [PMID: 35733087 PMCID: PMC9219208 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background In the absence of a well-rounded syllabus that emphasises both interpersonal and medical dimensions in clinical communication, medical students in the early stages of their career may find it challenging to effectively communicate with patients, especially when dealing with perceived priorities and challenges across different disciplines. Methods To explore the priorities, challenges, and scope of clinical communication teaching as perceived by clinicians from different clinical disciplines, we recruited nine medical educators, all experienced frontline clinicians, from eight disciplines across seven hospitals and two medical schools in Hong Kong. They were interviewed on their clinical communication teaching in the Hong Kong context, specifically its priorities, challenges, and scope. We then performed interpretative phenomenological analysis of the interview data. Results The interview data revealed five themes related to the priorities, challenges, and scope of clinical communication teaching across a wide range of disciplines in the Hong Kong context, namely (1) empathising with patients; (2) using technology to teach both the medical and interpersonal dimensions of clinical communication; (3) shared decision-making with patients and their families: the influence of Chinese collectivism and cultural attitudes towards death; (4) interdisciplinary communication between medical departments; and (5) the role of language in clinician–patient communication. Conclusions Coming from different clinical disciplines, the clinicians in this study approached the complex nature of clinical communication teaching in the Hong Kong context differently. The findings illustrate the need to teach clinical communication both specifically for a discipline as well as generically. This is particularly important in the intensive care unit, where clinicians from different departments frequently cooperate. This study also highlights how communication strategies, non-verbal social cues, and the understanding of clinical communication in the Hong Kong Chinese context operate differently from those in the West, because of differences in sociocultural factors such as family dynamics and hierarchical social structures. We recommend a dynamic teaching approach that uses role-playing tasks, scenario-based exercises, and similar activities to help medical students establish well-rounded clinical communication skills in preparation for their future clinical practice.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wong AK, Philip J, Wawryk O, Sabe MG, Yoong J, Everitt R, Mendis R, Chua J, Pisasale M, Le B. A Multi-Centre COVID-19 Study Examining Symptoms and Medication Use in the Final Week of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e139-e147. [PMID: 35644508 PMCID: PMC9134756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Guidelines exist to direct end-of-life symptom management in COVID-19 patients. However, the real-world symptom patterns, and degree of concordance with guidelines on medication use, and palliative care involvement has received limited attention. OBJECTIVES To describe the evolution of COVID-19 symptoms, medication used to alleviate these, and degree of palliative care involvement in the final week of life. METHODS This retrospective study reviewed all COVID-19 inpatient deaths across five metropolitan hospitals in Australia from January 1 to December 31, 2020. Outcome measures were collected at day of death, and days one, two, five and seven before death. These were COVID-19 symptom severity (measured by the Palliative Care Outcome Scale), and use of supportive pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Palliative care referral timepoint was also collected. RESULTS Within the sample of 230 patients, commonest symptoms were breathlessness, agitation, pain, and respiratory secretions. On day of death, 79% (n = 181) experienced at least one symptom, and 30% (n = 68) experienced severe/extreme symptoms. The use of midazolam, glycopyrrolate, and infusions for symptom management occurred late, less frequently, and at lower doses than suggested in guidelines and other studies. Palliative care referrals were made late, at median three days before death (IQR 1-6 days), and for only half of people dying from COVID-19 (51%; n = 118). CONCLUSION Symptoms peaked in final three days of life. Earlier use of in fusional and breakthrough medications should be considered in anticipation of symptoms given high likelihood of dying in discomfort. Earlier palliative care referral for high-risk patients should be considered at hospital admission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron K Wong
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (A.K.W., J.P., R.E., J.C., B.L.) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine (A.K.W., J.P., O.W.), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (A.K.W., J.P., R.E., J.C., B.L.) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine (A.K.W., J.P., O.W.), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Olivia Wawryk
- Department of Medicine (A.K.W., J.P., O.W.), University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jaclyn Yoong
- Northern Health (M.G.S., J.Y.), Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Everitt
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (A.K.W., J.P., R.E., J.C., B.L.) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruwani Mendis
- Western Health (R.M.), St Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joyce Chua
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (A.K.W., J.P., R.E., J.C., B.L.) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Pisasale
- Werribee Mercy Hospital (M.P.), Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (A.K.W., J.P., R.E., J.C., B.L.) Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khoja O, Silva Passadouro B, Mulvey M, Delis I, Astill S, Tan AL, Sivan M. Clinical Characteristics and Mechanisms of Musculoskeletal Pain in Long COVID. J Pain Res 2022; 15:1729-1748. [PMID: 35747600 PMCID: PMC9212788 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s365026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is being increasingly reported by patients as one of the most common persistent symptoms in post-COVID-19 syndrome or Long COVID. However, there is a lack of understanding of its prevalence, characteristics, and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The objective of this review is to identify and describe the features and characteristics of MSK pain in Long COVID patients. Methods The narrative review involved a literature search of the following online databases: MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL, PsyclNFO, and Web of Science (December 2019 to February 2022). We included observational studies that investigated the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors and mechanisms of MSK pain in Long COVID. After screening and reviewing the initial literature search results, a total of 35 studies were included in this review. Results The overall reported prevalence of MSK pain in Long COVID ranged widely from 0.3% to 65.2%. The pain has been reported to be localized to a particular region or generalized and widespread. No consistent pattern of progression of MSK pain symptoms over time was identified. Female gender and higher BMI could be potential risk factors for Long COVID MSK pain, but no clear association has been found with age and ethnicity. Different pathophysiological mechanisms have been hypothesized to contribute to MSK pain in Long COVID including increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, immune cell hyperactivation, direct viral entry of neurological and MSK system cells, and psychological factors. Conclusion MSK pain is one of the most common symptoms in Long COVID. Most of the current literature on Long COVID focuses on reporting the prevalence of persistent MSK pain. Studies describing the pain characteristics are scarce. The precise mechanism of MSK pain in Long COVID is yet to be investigated. Future research must explore the characteristics, risk factors, natural progression, and underlying mechanisms of MSK pain in Long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Khoja
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Matthew Mulvey
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ioannis Delis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Astill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ai Lyn Tan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,COVID Rehabilitation Service, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tanaka-Yagi Y, Yamaguchi T, Matsuda Y, Mori M, Ikari T, Miwa S, Suzuki K, Tachikawa R, Nakata K, Kanatani M. Morphine May Contribute to Improving Respiratory Failure in Severe COVID-19: A Case Report. Indian J Palliat Care 2022; 28:221-223. [PMID: 35673688 PMCID: PMC9168286 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_132_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, the world is undergoing successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. When COVID-19 becomes severe, it causes respiratory failure and symptoms of dyspnoea. The patient’s dyspnoea worsens to the IPOS of 3. One COVID-19 patient admitted to our medical institution developed severe illness characterised by hypoxaemia and dyspnoea. In addition to disease-modifying treatments such as remdesivir and dexamethasone, we administered morphine to relieve his dyspnoea. Surprisingly, we observed an improvement in both hypoxaemia and dyspnoea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan,
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai, Osaka, Japan,
| | - Masanori Mori
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care Division, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan,
| | - Tomoo Ikari
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan,
| | - Satoru Miwa
- Department of Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan,
| | - Kozue Suzuki
- Department of Palliative Care, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan,
| | - Ryo Tachikawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan,
| | - Kyosuke Nakata
- Department of Palliative Care, Konan Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan,
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Farrow B, Bonney A, Singh KP, Tong S, Irving L, Lim WK, Lim S, Johnson D, Marshall C, Buising K, Liu B, Cowie B, Rees M, Miller A. COVID
‐19 pandemic 2020 ‐ A tertiary Melbourne hospital's experience. Intern Med J 2022; 52:1129-1134. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.15699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Asha Bonney
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Respiratory Medicine
| | - Kasha P. Singh
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Infectious Diseases The Peter Doherty Institute for Infectino and Immunity
| | - Steven Tong
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Infectious Diseases
| | | | - Wen Kwang Lim
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Geriatric Evaluation and Management
| | - Seok Lim
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Hospital In the Home
| | | | - Caroline Marshall
- Royal Melbourne Hospital Infection Prevention and Surveillance University Of Melbourne, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Belinda Liu
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Respiratory Medicine
| | | | - Megan Rees
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Respiratory Medicine
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Twycross RG, Wong AKY, Vivat B. Comment on Ramos-Rincon et al. Palliative Sedation in COVID-19 End-of-Life Care. Retrospective Cohort Study. Medicina 2021, 57, 873. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58010082. [PMID: 35056390 PMCID: PMC8778193 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We read with interest the article by Ramos-Rincon and colleagues about patients with COVID-19 dying in acute medical wards in a Spanish University hospital [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Kee Yee Wong
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Gratton Street, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia;
| | - Bella Vivat
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramos-Rincon JM, Moreno-Perez O, Gomez-Martinez N, Priego-Valladares M, Climent-Grana E, Marti-Pastor A, Portilla-Sogorb J, Sanchez-Martinez R, Merino E. Palliative Sedation in COVID-19 End-of-Life Care. Retrospective Cohort Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57090873. [PMID: 34577796 PMCID: PMC8470831 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Descriptions of end-of-life in COVID-19 are limited to small cross-sectional studies. We aimed to assess end-of-life care in inpatients with COVID-19 at Alicante General University Hospital (ALC) and compare differences according to palliative and non-palliative sedation. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in inpatients included in the ALC COVID-19 Registry (PCR-RT or antigen-confirmed cases) who died during conventional admission from 1 March to 15 December 2020. We evaluated differences among deceased cases according to administration of palliative sedation. Results: Of 747 patients evaluated, 101 died (13.5%). Sixty-eight (67.3%) died in acute medical wards, and 30 (44.1%) received palliative sedation. The median age of patients with palliative sedation was 85 years; 44% were women, and 30% of cases were nosocomial. Patients with nosocomial acquisition received more palliative sedation than those infected in the community (81.8% [9/11] vs 36.8% [21/57], p = 0.006), and patients admitted with an altered mental state received it less (20% [6/23] vs. 53.3% [24/45], p = 0.032). The median time from admission to starting palliative sedation was 8.5 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3.0–14.5). The main symptoms leading to palliative sedation were dyspnea at rest (90%), pain (60%), and delirium/agitation (36.7%). The median time from palliative sedation to death was 21.8 h (IQR 10.4–41.1). Morphine was used in all palliative sedation perfusions: the main regimen was morphine + hyoscine butyl bromide + midazolam (43.3%). Conclusions: End-of-life palliative sedation in patients with COVID-19 was initiated quite late. Clinicians should anticipate the need for palliative sedation in these patients and recognize the breathlessness, pain, and agitation/delirium that foreshadow death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose-Manuel Ramos-Rincon
- Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.-P.); (J.P.-S.); (R.S.-M.)
- Clinical Medicine Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550 Elche, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Oscar Moreno-Perez
- Clinical Medicine Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550 Elche, Spain;
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Nazaret Gomez-Martinez
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Manuel Priego-Valladares
- Palliative Care Unit and Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Eduardo Climent-Grana
- Pharmacy Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Ana Marti-Pastor
- Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.-P.); (J.P.-S.); (R.S.-M.)
| | - Joaquin Portilla-Sogorb
- Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.-P.); (J.P.-S.); (R.S.-M.)
- Clinical Medicine Department, Miguel Hernández University, 03550 Elche, Spain;
| | - Rosario Sanchez-Martinez
- Internal Medicine Department, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (A.M.-P.); (J.P.-S.); (R.S.-M.)
| | - Esperanza Merino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Alicante General University Hospital—Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|