Dyspnoea associated with anxiety--symptomatic therapy with opioids in combination with lorazepam and its effect on ventilation in palliative care patients.

PURPOSE: Opioids are used for symptomatic therapy of dyspnoea, and benzodiazepines if dyspnoea is associated with anxiety. When given at the same time, the risk of respiratory depression will increase. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of this treatment regimen in palliative care patients. METHODS: In a prospective non-randomised study, 26 patients were included. All patients suffered from moderate to severe dyspnoea associated with anxiety. Transcutaneous measurement (tm) of carbon dioxide partial pressure (paCO(2)), pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) and pulse frequency (PF) were monitored with SenTec Digital Monitor (SenTec AG, Therwill, CH); consecutive measurement of respiratory rate (f). Baseline values at admission, and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the first application of the opioid and anxiolytic (O + A) were compared. RESULTS: Hypoxic and non-hypoxic patients showed no significant paCO(2) increase or SaO(2) decrease after opioid application in combination with lorazepam. At admission, mean SaO(2) was 95.0 ± 4.6 % (85.0-100) and mean paCO(2) was 38.1 ± 6.0 mmHg (26.0-48.0) vs. SaO(2) 95.2 ± 3.5 % (87.0-100.0), paCO(2) 37.7 ± 5.5 (24.0-47.0) 120 min after the first O + A application. Also, f decreased significantly high from 40.6 ± 4.8/min (32.0-50.0/min) to 32.0 ± 4.0/min (20.0-32.0/min; p < 0.001) after 120 min. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of dyspnoea at rest and on exertion (6.2 ± 2.0 (4-10)/7.4 ± 2.3 (4-10) vs. 1.2 ± 0.8 (0-3)/2.5 ± 1.2 (1-5) after 120 min (p < 0.0001)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the use of O + A was a safe and effective treatment option in this patient group. Signs of respiratory depression were not found.

Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of physiotherapeutic management of lymphoedema in palliative care patients.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphoedema is a common sequela of cancer or its treatment that affects lymph node drainage. The physiotherapist, as member of the multiprofessional team in palliative care, is one of the keys to successful rehabilitation and management of patients with cancer and non-malignant motoneuron disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and palliative care needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and effect of manual lymphatic drainage in palliative care patients with lymphoedema in a far advanced stage of their disease. METHODS: Retrospective study (reflexive control design) of data of the 208 patients admitted to our palliative care unit from January 2007 to December 2007. Demographic and disease-related data (diagnosis, symptoms, Karnofsky performance status and effect of manual lymphatic drainage interventions) were documented and compared. STATISTICS: mean ± SD, median; Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: Of the 208 patients, 90 who reported symptom load due to lymphoedema were included; 67 (74.4%) had pain, 23 (25.6%) dyspnoea due to progredient trunk oedema. Mean age 65.5 ± 13.0 years; 33 (36.7%) male; Karnofsky index 50% (30-80%), mean length of stay 15.6 ± 8.0 days. The mean number of physiotherapeutic treatment interventions was 7.0 ± 5.8. Manual lymphatic drainage was well tolerated in 83 (92.2%) patients; 63 of 67 (94.0%) patients showed a clinically relevant improvement in pain, and 17 of 23 (73.9%) in dyspnoea. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients showed a clinical improvement in the intensity of symptoms after manual lymphatic drainage.

Managing opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness: focus on methylnaltrexone bromide.

Constipation is a common symptom in palliative care patients which can generate considerable suffering. There is uncertainty about the choice of treatment options from varying recommendations for management of constipation and a varying clinical practice in palliative care settings. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the current recommendations of therapy guidelines for the management of opioid-induced constipation in palliative care patients with a focus on methylnaltrexone bromide. Recent findings in the literature and related information on the opioid-induced gastrointestinal disorders in patients with advanced illness, as well as information on the opioid-antagonist methylnaltrexone, are discussed. Knowledge of the role of definitions, the causes of constipation and the pathophysiology of opioid-induced constipation must be given high priority in the treatment of patients receiving opioids. Diagnosis and therapy of constipation, therefore, should relate to findings in clinical investigation. Opioid-induced constipation and its adequate treatment is an important issue for patients with advanced illness and also poses therapeutic challenge for clinicians in daily routine. Methylnaltrexone bromide may represent an important therapeutic option for palliative care patients who are suffering from opioid-induced constipation with failure of conventional prophylactic oral laxative treatment.

[Integration of principles of palliative medicine into treatment of patients in intensive care units]. / Integration palliativmedizinischer Prinzipien in die Behandlung von Intensivpatienten--Vom "shared decision making" und der Begleitung von Angehörigen.

Intensive care medicine, as well as palliative medicine, is dealing with the limits of life-preserving care. Decision-making in matters of life and death is one of the greatest challenges for physicians, because it may be an area of conflict with regard to aspects of patient autonomy, medical prognosis and the ethics of medical care. At first sight palliative medicine and intensive care medicine seem to be at the opposite ends of care. In palliative medicine, symptom control and alleviation of suffering are the focus of care in order to achieve or maintain the best possible quality of life in patients with incurable, advanced and life-limiting disease. In intensive care medicine, the main focus of care lies on prolongation of life and restoration of health, whenever possible. Approaches, tasks and goals of palliative and intensive care medicine are covering and targeting at different medical situations but are not at opposite ends of care. Shared priorities are pain control and management of other distressing symptoms, alleviation of suffering, comprehensive communication with both, patient and relatives, empathic care that includes the willingness to reflect on end-of-life matters and respect for a human being's dignity. Other common denominators of the team members are: inter-disciplinary teamwork of highly qualified specialists who are able to face and deal with extensive emotional and physical strain, the breaking down of hierarchical structures and team spirit.

Use of oxygen and opioids in the palliation of dyspnoea in hypoxic and non-hypoxic palliative care patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnoea is a complex experience of the body and the mind. Whereas the effects of opioids on dyspnoea in advanced disease have been the focus of studies for management of dyspnoea in palliative medicine, the role of oxygen is still unclear. The effects of symptomatic oxygen and opioid treatment on ventilation and palliation of dyspnoea in hypoxic (H) and non-hypoxic (NH) palliative care patients were assessed and compared. METHODS: In a prospective, non-randomised study, 46 patients with mild to severe dyspnoea were included. Transcutaneous measurement (earlobe sensor) of carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpaCO2), pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SaO2) and pulse frequency (PF) were monitored with SenTec digital monitor. Compared was: baseline data of the continuously documented respiratory parameters for about 15 min in patients breathing room air at admission, 60 min during nasal O2 insufflation, and 30, 90 and 120 min after the first opioid application and without O2 insufflation. RESULTS: Whereas opioid application resulted in a significant decrease in the intensity of dyspnoea and respiratory rate, during the nasal O2 insufflation (4 l/min), there was no significant decrease in the intensity of dyspnoea neither in H (P = 0.564) nor in NH (P = 0.096) patients. There was no evidence of a significant correlation between the intensity of dyspnoea and oxygen saturation. The Spearman rank correlation in NH patients was -0.080 (P = 0.686) and in H patients P = 0.296 (P = 0.233). No significant differences between the groups of hypoxic and non-hypoxic patients with regard to tcpaCO2 increase (P = 0.075 NH; P = 0.346 H) or SaO2 decrease after opioid application (P = 0.077) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, opioids worked significantly better than oxygen in reducing the intensity of dyspnoea even in hypoxic patients. There was no correlation between intensity of dyspnoea and oxygen saturation in H and NH patients. Oxygen should be seen as a pharmacological agent and not be given based on intuitive assumption of benefit.

Management of constipation in palliative care patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Constipation is a common symptom in palliative care patients that can generate considerable suffering due to both unpleasant physical symptoms and psychological preoccupations that may arise. There is uncertainty about the choice from varying recommendations for management of constipation and a varying clinical practice in palliative care settings. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the current recommendations of therapy guidelines and to determine the effectiveness of laxative administration for the management of constipation in palliative care patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings in the literature include an updated version of the Rome criteria and related information on the functional gastrointestinal disorders, as well as information on opioid antagonists. Knowledge of the role of definitions, causes of constipation and the pathophysiology of opioid-induced constipation must be given a high priority in the treatment of patients receiving opioids. Diagnosis and therapy of constipation, therefore, should relate to findings in clinical investigation. SUMMARY: The treatment of constipation in palliative care is based on inadequate experimental evidence, such that there are insufficient randomized controlled trial data. Recommendations for laxative use can be related to efficacy. Particularly in patients with advanced-stage tumor disease this must be undertaken with careful consideration of their physical activity and dietary needs.

Attitudes toward active euthanasia among medical students at two German universities.

AIM: There has been an ongoing debate about a legalisation of active euthanasia (AE) in Germany. Palliative care education in German medical schools seeks to foster and cultivate a negative attitude toward AE, but little is known about its effectiveness in this respect. The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward AE among students with and without palliative medicine tuition (PMT). METHODS: The link to an anonymised online questionnaire was sent out to 1,092 third, fifth and sixth year medical students (YMS) in August-November 2006 at two German universities: university one (U1) with compulsory and additional optional PMT and university two (U2) without any PMT. Thirteen questions addressed active, passive or indirect euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (statistic: mean +/- SD (range), Wilcoxon, Whitney U Test, significance p < 0.05). RESULTS: Response rate was 17.5%; 59.2% of the questionnaires were returned from U1 and 40.8% from U2; 28.3% of the students were male. Whereas 50% of third YMS at U1 and 36.7% at U2 favoured a legalisation of AE, this was true for 22.4% sixth YMS at U1 and 35.7% at U2. At U1, the number of students who would want to make use of AE for themselves decreased considerably (70%-44.9%) but less at U2; main reasons were 'unbearable suffering' and 'circumstances that lack dignity'. Of all students, 21.1% at U1 and 37.2% at U2 could imagine to perform AE in patients, even though 72.6% at U1 and 78.2% at U2 think its legalisation would promote misuse. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of pro-AE attitudes gives reason to reconsider both 'standard' and palliative medicine tuition for medical students.

Is there a higher risk of respiratory depression in opioid-naïve palliative care patients during symptomatic therapy of dyspnea with strong opioids?

OBJECTIVE: Dyspnea is a highly prevalent symptom in palliative care patients. Opioids are the first-line therapy for symptomatic relief of dyspnea. However, respiratory depression is still a feared side effect of therapy with WHO III opioids. The risk of respiratory depression in opioid-naïve patients and in patients pretreated with strong opioids during symptomatic therapy of dyspnea was investigated in palliative care patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients were included in a prospective, nonrandomized study. All patients suffered from moderate to severe dyspnea. Transcutaneous measurement (earlobe sensor) of carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpaCO(2)), pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), and pulse frequency (PF) were monitored with SenTec Digital Monitor (SenTec AG, Therwill, CH). The following monitoring data were compared: baseline recording for 15 minutes, and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after opioid application. RESULTS: The data obtained with transcutaneous measurement showed that there were no significant differences between the groups of opioid-naïve patients and those pretreated with strong opioids with regard to tcpaCO(2) increase or SaO(2) decrease after the first opioid application. Neither SaO(2) decreased significantly nor tcpaCO(2) increased significantly after the initial opioid application, which means there was no opioid-induced respiratory depression. The first opioid application, however, resulted in a significant decrease in the intensity of dyspnea and respiratory rate. CONCLUSIONS: No higher risk of respiratory depression and increase in tcpaCO2 in opioid-naïve palliative care patients, compared to patients pretreated with strong opioids, during symptomatic therapy of dyspnea with strong opioids could be found.

Effect of hydromorphone on ventilation in palliative care patients with dyspnea.

GOALS: This study assessed the effect of hydromorphone treatment on ventilation and the intensity of dyspnea in palliative care patients. The assessments measured changes in peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), transcutaneous arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (tcpaCO(2)), respiratory rate (f), and pulse frequency (PF) during the titration phase with hydromorphone for symptomatic therapy of dyspnea. The aims of the study were to verify the efficacy of hydromorphone for the management of dyspnea and assess its effect on ventilation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients admitted to our palliative care unit were included in this prospective, nonrandomized trial. At admission, all patients suffered from dyspnea. TcpaCO(2), SaO(2), and PF were measured transcutaneously by means of a SenTec Digital Monitor (SenTec AG, Switzerland). MAIN RESULTS: As early as 30 min after the first hydromorphone application, mean respiratory rate decreased from 38.8 +/- 4.9 breaths/min (range 30.0-45.0 breaths/min) to 34.6 +/- 4.2 breaths/min (29.0-41.0 breaths/min); after 120 min to 29.0 +/- 3.1 breaths/min (range 24.0-33.0 breaths/min) (p = 0.001). The other monitored respiratory parameter, however, showed no significant changes. A significant improvement was shown in the intensity of dyspnea [numeric rating scale 0-10: 5.2 +/- 1.5 (4-8)/6.4 +/- 2.1 (4-10) vs 1.1 +/- 0.9 (0-3)/2.3 +/- 1.3 (1-5); p = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Neither was there a significant decrease in SaO(2) nor a significant increase in tcpaCO(2) after the initial hydromorphone application, i.e., there was no hydromorphone-induced respiratory depression. The first hydromorphone application, however, resulted in a significant decrease in the intensity of dyspnea and respiratory rate.

Clinical experience with transdermal and orally administered opioids in palliative care patients--a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Transdermal fentanyl is a widely used opioid for the treatment of cancer pain. Simplicity of use and high patient compliance are the main advantages of this opioid. However, based on our clinical experience, transdermal fentanyl is often not efficacious in terminally ill palliative care patients. We thus retrospectively examined the pain management and need for opioid switching in cancer patients admitted to our palliative care unit. METHODS: Of 354 patients admitted to our palliative care unit from 2004 through 2005, 81 patients were pre-treated with transdermal fentanyl. Demographic and cancer-related data (diagnosis, symptoms, pain score on a numeric rating scale (NRS)), analgesic dose at admission and discharge were compared. STATISTICS: mean +/- SD, ANOVA, Wilcoxon's test was used for inter-group comparisons, significance P < 0.05, adjusted for multiple testing. Pain scores are given in median (range). RESULTS: Mean transdermal fentanyl dose at admission was 81.0 +/- 55.8 microg/h. In 79 patients transdermal fentanyl treatment was discontinued. In two patients, analgesic treatment according to WHO I provided sufficient pain relief. The other 77 patients were switched to other opioids: 33 patients to oral morphine and 44 to oral hydromorphone. In patients switched to morphine the dose at discharge (104.7 +/- 89.0 mg) was lower than at admission (165.5 mg morphine equivalence). In patients switched to hydromorphone the dose of 277.8 +/- 255.0 mg morphine equivalent was higher at discharge than at admission (218.2 +/- 131.4 mg morphine equivalence--considering an equianalgesic conversion ratio morphine: hydromorphone = 7.5: 1). Pain scores decreased significantly after opioid rotation (NRS at rest/on exertion: 4 (0-10)/7 (2-10) versus 1 (0-3)/2 (0-5); P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the patient group switched to morphine, sufficient pain relief was achieved by lower equianalgesic morphine doses, compared with the doses at admission. In the patient group switched to hydromorphone, higher equianalgesic morphine doses were needed at discharge, considering an equianalgesic conversion ratio of morphine: hydromorphone = 7.5: 1. Patients with far advanced cancer often suffer from sweating and cachexia, which may have negative effects on the absorption of transdermal fentanyl. Opioid switching to oral morphine or hydromorphone was well tolerated and proved to be an efficacious option for cancer pain treatment.

[State of the art 2007]. / Entwicklungsstand im Jahr 2007.

The beginning of the modern hospice movement and palliative medicine relates to the recognition of the fact that a cure-oriented health care system often neglects the critically ill and the dying in terms of appropriate treatment and human care. Therefore, the idea was born to offer comprehensive medical, nursing, psychological, social and spiritual care for these patients and their families at a suitable location . This first location was St Christopher's Hospice in London; the starting point of a still ongoing humanly and ethically demanded development.

Symptomatic therapy of dyspnea with strong opioids and its effect on ventilation in palliative care patients.

This study assessed the effect of opioid treatment on ventilation in dyspneic palliative care patients who received symptomatic treatment with strong opioids. The assessments measured changes in peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), transcutaneous arterial pressure of carbon dioxide (tcPCO(2)), respiratory rate (f), and pulse rate (PF) during the titration phase with morphine or hydromorphone. The aims of the study were to verify the efficacy of opioids for the management of dyspnea, assess the effect on ventilation, and show whether nasal O(2) insufflation before opioid application leads to a decrease in the intensity of dyspnea. Eleven patients admitted to our palliative care unit were included in this prospective, nonrandomized trial. At admission, all patients suffered from dyspnea. tcPCO(2), SaO(2), and PF were measured transcutaneously by means of a SenTec Digital Monitor (SenTec AG, Switzerland). During O(2) insufflation, the intensity of dyspnea did not change. In contrast, the opioid produced a significant improvement in the intensity of dyspnea (P=0.003). Mean f decreased as early as 30 minutes after the first opioid administration, declining from 41.8+/-4.7 (35.0-50.0) to 35.5+/-4.2 (30.0-40.0), and after 90 minutes, to 25.7+/-4.5 (20.0-32.0) breaths/min. Other monitored respiratory parameters, however, showed no significant changes. There was no opioid-induced respiratory depression.

Undergraduate training in palliative medicine in Germany: what effect does a curriculum without compulsory palliative care have on medical students' knowledge, skills and attitudes?

INTRODUCTION: The effect of a curriculum without compulsory courses in palliative medicine on students' knowledge, kills and attitudes towards the care of dying patients and decisions at the end of life was investigated. METHODS: In a cross sectional, questionnaire based survey at the medical school of Bonn 1st, 3rd and 5th year students had to grade their knowledge and skills in items concerning palliative medicine. Attitudes towards end of life decisions were queried. RESULTS: The return rate was 78%. Significant increase in self estimation of certainty comparing 1st to 5th year students were detected for the items distinction between palliative and curative medicine (p <0.001), symptom control (p <0.001), pain management (p =0.001) and communication (p =0.036). No significant differences were recorded for the items accompaniment of dying patients, breaking bad news and integration of spiritual aspects. The low overall certainty is reflected in poor knowledge. A significant decrease of the approval for euthanasia by request was evident (p =0.012). DISCUSSION: A medical curriculum without compulsory course does increase confidence in some of the core competencies in palliative care, but the overall results at the end of the training are poor. The WHO claims that palliative care has to be "compulsory in courses leading to a basic professional qualification" has still to be fulfilled in Germany. This study can serve as a baseline to evaluate the effect of mandatory courses in palliative care.

Management of constipation in palliative care patients undergoing opioid therapy: is polyethylene glycol an option?

This study assessed the efficacy of laxative use for treatment of constipation in patients receiving opioid therapy, with special attention to polyethylene glycol 3350/electrolyte solution (PEG-ES). Computerized data from 206 patients were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Subgroups were analyzed using confirmatory statistics. Constipation occurred in 42.7 percent of patients. Laxatives were administered to 74.3 percent of these patients using a standardized step scheme, with good results in 78.4 percent. As a therapy for constipation, the combined administration of PEG-ES, sodium picosulphate, and liquid paraffin proved most effective, although statistical analysis yielded no significance. Early use of PEG-ES using a step scheme holds promise for treatment of opioid-related constipation in palliative care patients, although further investigation is warranted.

Drugs in palliative care: results from a representative survey in Germany.

The development of palliative medicine in inpatient units in Germany has been impressive in the last years. As a first step of quality assurance, a core documentation form was developed in 1996. In 2001, 55 of the 83 palliative inpatient units in Germany and one unit each in Switzerland and Austria participated in the third phase of the evaluation of the core documentation. A total of 1304 patients were documented consecutively in the 57 units for a period of up to three months. This study investigates the frequency of drugs used in palliative care units in Germany. During inpatient treatment, the most common drug classes were strong opioids (68% of the patients), nonopioids (59%), corticosteroids (32%), laxatives (31%), antiemetics (27%), gastric protection agents (24%), neuroleptics (19%), sedatives/anxiolytics (18%), antidepressants (16%) and diuretics (15%). These ten drug classes made up for 72% of all prescriptions in the palliative care units. The substances used most frequently were dipyrone (47% of the patients), morphine (42%), fentanyl (28%), dexamethasone (27%), metoclopramide (21%), sodium picosulfate (15%), haloperidol (13%), pantoprazole (11%), macrogol (11%), amtriptyline (11%), furosemide (10%), omeprazole (9%), lactulose (8%), rofecoxib (8%) and lorazepam (7%). The 15 most commonly used drugs accounted for 54% of the prescriptions in the palliative care units in Germany. Drug treatment was related to sex, age and functional status of the patients. Patients who died in a palliative care unit had received significantly more frequent doses of neuroleptics (P < 0.001), corticosteroids (P < 0.001), sedatives/anxiolytics (P < 0.001) and strong opioids (P < 0.001). This study is the first representative and systematic evaluation of drug treatment in palliative care units in a European country. Many of the 'top 15' drugs were drugs included in the list of essential drugs of the World Health Organisation though availability and cultural differences have an effect on the use of drugs, e.g., the high usage of dipyrone in Germany. Age and sex-related differences in drug therapy were seen, and more research is needed to recognize possible undertreatment of symptoms in subgroups of patients, e.g., treatment of depression in older or male patients.