The final phase in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A study on bleeding, infection and pain.

To increase the knowledge of the final phase of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) a retrospective review of the medical and nursing records of 106 adult patients with AML who had died in 1995-1997 was made. A total of 27 patients were treated with curative intent at the time of death and 79 patients were prescribed palliative care. From the documentation, an evaluation of the frequency and severity of bleeding and pain episodes was made during their last week in life, and the occurrence of infection criteria was studied. Notations on bleeding were found in 44%, infection in 71% and pain in 76% of the patients. In 54% of the morphine administration days, no information on the effect of given morphine treatment was registered. To give AML patients in the final phase, the best possible treatment, skills in palliative medicine and palliative care are important.

[A "good death" needs to be discussed. A study of patients with acute myeloid leukemia demonstrates the value of palliative care]. / Den "goda döden" måste diskuteras. Studie av patienter med akut myeloisk leukemi visar värdet av palliativ vård.

The incidence of AML in Sweden is 5.4/100,000, i.e. 300 persons a year. About 70% of the patients die from their disease. In a retrospective study of medical journals of 106 patients with AML, who had died 1995-1997 in five selected hospitals in Sweden, the last week in life was studied. Sixty-six women and 40 men (age 19-84, mean 67) were included and 658 days of care were documented. The cause of death, the place of death, the type of care and clinical problems and symptoms were registered. We found bleeding (44%), infection (71%), pain (76%) and respiratory (59%) and psychological (64%) problems. Next of kin were often present and during the last week in life 3/4 of the patients had palliative care focusing on symptom relief and quality of life for the patients and his/her family.