Patients' and relatives' perceptions about intravenous and subcutaneous hydration.

Hydration during palliative care is a controversial topic. Most of the arguments are based on anedoctal reports that have not been substantiated with scientific data. Given that the choice is problematic from a clinical perspective, preferences of patients and family should dictate whether intravenous fluids are administered. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient and family perceptions about hydration and two modes of providing hydration. Fifty-four consecutive patients admitted to an acute pain relief and palliative care unit who required hydration completed a questionnaire regarding their perceptions on hydration and modes of hydration. Similarly, the principal family carer was ch…

Problematic discharge from hospital for patients prescribed opioids for cancer pain.

Frequency and Indications of Parenteral Nutrition in an Acute Palliative Care Unit

The aim of this study was to estimate the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in advanced cancer patients enrolled in an acute pain relief and palliative care unit of a comprehensive cancer center and the appropriateness of the criteria to select patients for PN. Fourteen out of 750 patients (1.8%) admitted to an acute palliative care unit were administered PN. Patients were referred from various settings. The mean age was 58 yr (range 37-79), and 9 were males. The mean hospital stay was 7.7 days (range 3-14), and the mean Karnofsky level was 35 (range 10-50). The principal indication was bowel obstruction. Ten patients (71%) were already receiving PN before admission, and 2 of them discontinu…

Sleep disorders in advanced cancer patients: prevalence and factors associated.

Sleep disorders have been invariably reported in cancer population. However, the prevalence of this problem in advanced cancer patients has never been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of sleep disturbances in terms of quantity and quality, and possible associated factors.A consecutive sample of patients admitted to a pain relief and palliative care unit were surveyed. Patients with severe cognitive problems or who were too ill were excluded. Epidemiological and clinical data, including the performance status, habits, relevant symptoms, and drug use were recorded. Patients were asked to answer a small questionnaire regarding their sleep, and duration and characte…