Abstract
In 2 patients, a woman aged 38 years and a man aged 48 years, in the terminal phase of life due to metastasized+ malignancy, palliative care failed. They suffered seriously from pain, delirium, restlessness, nausea, and fear. Deep sedation was given to induce almost continuous sleep without the intention of causing death. After one and five quiet days respectively the patients died. Deep sedation is an option when palliative care fails to diminish serious suffering. Midazolam, given by continuous subcutaneous infusion is the drug of choice.
| Translated title of the contribution | Sedation in the terminal phase of life |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 2601-3 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
| Volume | 143 |
| Issue number | 52 |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Dec 1999 |
Keywords
- Adult
- Anti-Anxiety Agents
- Conscious Sedation
- Delirium
- Euthanasia, Passive
- Female
- Humans
- Hypnotics and Sedatives
- Male
- Midazolam
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms
- Netherlands
- Psychomotor Agitation
- Terminal Care