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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-01-2010 | Original Article

Efficacy and safety of deep, continuous palliative sedation at home: a retrospective, single-institution study

Authors: Giampiero Porzio, Federica Aielli, Lucilla Verna, Giovanna Micolucci, Paolo Aloisi, Corrado Ficorella

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Goals

The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of palliative sedation at home (PSH) to approach refractory symptoms in dying cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Charts of 121 patients, observed by “L'Aquila per la Vita” Home Care Unit, from August 2006 to May 2008, were reviewed. Sixteen patients out of 44 who died at home (36.4%) were sedated. Indication for sedation was agitated delirium in 13 patients and dyspnea in three patients. A multistep midazolam-based protocol was administered.

Results

In all patients, a deep, prolonged, continuous sedation was obtained. No treatment-related complications were registered.

Conclusion

A midazolam-based protocol for PSH is feasible and effective. Our results need to be confirmed by prospective, multicentric, controlled studies.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of deep, continuous palliative sedation at home: a retrospective, single-institution study
Authors: Giampiero Porzio
Federica Aielli
Lucilla Verna
Giovanna Micolucci
Paolo Aloisi
Corrado Ficorella
Publication date: 01-01-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-009-0632-4

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