The last few days.

Abstract

In the dying patient, coma is preceded by either progressive sedation or the development of the organic brain syndrome of delirium. More than one-third of dying patients experience some difficulties during the last 48 hours of life with noisy and moist breathing, pain, and agitation and restlessness the most common. The great majority of these terminal symptoms can be managed by reassurance or drug intervention. Sublingual lorazepam and continuous subcutaneous infusion of midazolam can be effective in controlling terminal restlessness.

• Authors: R E Enck
• Journal: The American journal of hospice & palliative care (Am J Hosp Palliat Care) 1992 Jul-Aug Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 11-3 ISSN: 1049-9091 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1457227 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lorazepam
• Midazolam

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Humans
• Lorazepam (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Midazolam (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms (physiopathology)
• Terminal Care (methods)