Abstract
Introduction
To better understand current practice relating to artificial nutrition/hydration in terminal cancer patients, we enrolled terminal cancer patients who were admitted at Seoul National University Boramae Hospital for supportive care only and who died with a duration of hospital stay to death of more than 1 week between 2003 and 2004. We detailed oral intake and intravenous nutrition/hydration status on admission, 1 week after admission, and 2 days before death. Administered calories and changes in these according to time and “DNR” (do-not-resuscitate) status were noted.
Results
Of the total 165 patients, oral intake was possible in 84 patients (50.9%) on admission, in 79 patients (47.8%) on 1 week after admission, and in 29 patients (17.5%) 2 days before death (p < 0.01). Intravenous nutrition/hydration was administered to 133 patients (80.6%) on admission, to 125 patients (75.7%) at 1 week, and to 137 patients (83.0%) 2 days before death (p = 0.7). The calories administered to the patient by oral intake were 393 kcal on admission, 353 kcal 1 week after admission, and 89 kcal 2 days before death. In addition, the calories delivered by intravenous fluid were 369, 386 and 465 kcal, respectively. Near to death, calories by oral intake continuously reduced (p < 0.01) and intravenous calories continuously increased (p = 0.04), but total administered calories reduced (p = 0.03). Intravenous nutrition/hydration stopped after the attainment of the advance directive of DNR in 9% of patients.
Conclusion
This study showed the high prevalence of artificial nutrition/hydration, especially intravenous infusion, in Korean terminal cancer patients compared with situation in other countries. More studies are needed to verify the efficacy of artificial nutrition/hydration in terminal cancer patients.
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Oh, D.Y., Kim, J.H., Lee, S.H. et al. Artificial nutrition and hydration in terminal cancer patients: the real and the ideal. Support Care Cancer 15, 631–636 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-006-0184-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-006-0184-9