Fast Fact and Concept #133: NON-ORAL HYDRATION IN PALLIATIVE CARE
Author(s): Robin Fainsinger At the center of the debate with regard to hydration in terminally ill patients is the desire to maintain comfort and avoid unnecessary/distressing procedures. There is no controversy that terminally ill patients should be encouraged to maintain adequate oral hydration for as long as possible. However there is debate and controversy around the use of parenteral hydration. Arguments Against Hydration
- comatose patients do not experience symptom distress
- parenteral fluids may prolong dying
- with less urine there is less need to void and use catheters
- with less gastrointestinal fluid there can be less nausea and vomiting
- with less respiratory tract secretions there can be less cough and pulmonary edema
- dehydration can help reduce distressing edema or ascites
- dehydration may be a “natural” anesthetic to ease the dying process
- parenteral hydration can be uncomfortable (e.g. needles/catheters) and limit patient mobility
Arguments For Hydration
- dehydration can lead to pre-renal azotemia, which in turn can lead to accumulation of drug metabolites (notably opioids), leading to delirium, myoclonus and seizures. Hydration can reverse these symptoms in some patients leading to improved comfort
- there is no evidence that fluids prolong the dying process
- providing hydration can maintain the appearance of “doing something”, even though there may be no medical value, and thus ease family anxiety around the time of death
Ethical/Legal Issues In the United States, the following ethical/legal standards exist:
- Competent patients or their surrogate decision-makers can accept or refuse hydration based on relevant information.
- Non-oral hydration is considered a medical intervention, not ordinary care--as such, there is no legal or ethical imperative to provide a medical intervention unless the benefits outweigh the burdens.
Recommendation There is research literature to support both the use of, and withholding of, non-oral hydration in patients near death; thus, there is no consensus on the single best approach to care. Key issues to be considered when determining the role of non-oral hydration include the following:
- Expressed wishes of the patient or surrogate decision-maker regarding use of hydration;
- Patient-defined goals; the presence of a specific goal may direct the clinician to use hydration as a means to improve delirium and potentially delay death;
- Symptom burden: symptoms related to total body water excess may improve by withholding hydration, while delirium may lessen with hydration;
- Burden to the patient and caregivers of maintaining the non-oral route of hydration;
- Family distress concerning withholding hydration/nutrition;
- When in doubt, a time limited hydration trial is an appropriate recommendation.
Finally, it is important to recognize that health care providers often have biases for or against non-oral hydration near the end-of- life—self-reflection upon these biases is crucial to help patients and families make decisions that are based on the best interests and goals of the patient/family unit. References Fainsinger RL. Hydration. In: Ripamonti C; Bruera E. Editors. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Advanced Cancer Patients. Oxford University Press, 2002: 395-410. MacDonald N. Ethical considerations in feeding or hydrating advanced cancer patients. In: Ripamonti C; Bruera E. Editors. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Advanced Cancer Patients. Oxford University Press, 2002: 411-423. Lawlor PG. Delirium and dehydration: Some fluid for thought? Support Care Cancer 2002; 10:445-454. Sarhill N, Walsh D, Nelson K, Davies M. Evaluation and treatment of cancer related fluid deficits: Volume depletion and dehydration. Support Care Cancer 2001; 9:408-419.
Copyright/Referencing Information : Users are free to download and distribute Fast Facts for educational purposes only. Citation for referencing: Fainsinger R . Non-oral hydration in palliative care. Fast Facts and Concepts #132: April 2005. End-of-Life/Palliative Education Resource Center www.eperc.mcw.edu.
Fast Facts were edited by David Weissman MD, Palliative Care Center, Medical College of Wisconsin until January 2007. For comments/questions write to the current editor, Drew Rosielle MD: drosiell@mcw.edu. The complete set of Fast Facts is available at EPERC: www.eperc.mcw.edu
Disclaimer: Fast Facts provide educational information, this information is not medical advice. Health care providers should exercise their own independent clinical judgment. Some Fast Fact information cites the use of a product in dosage, for an indication, or in a manner other than that recommended in the product labeling. Accordingly, the official prescribing information should be consulted before any such product is used.
Creation Date: 3/2005
Purpose: Self-Study Guide, Teaching Audience(s)
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Training: Fellows, 3rd/4th Year Medical Students, PGY1 (Interns), PGY2-6, Physicians in Practice |
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Specialty: Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery |
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Non-Physician: Nurses |
ACGME Competencies: Medical Knowledge, Patient
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Keyword(s): Non pain symptoms & syndromes;
Ethics, law, policy, health systems