Hyoscine Butylbromide for the Management of Death Rattle: Sooner Rather Than Later

Death rattle (DR) is a dramatic sign in the dying patient. Existing studies with anticholinergic agents are controversial, as this class of drugs has been commonly administered without considering the rationale of the mechanism of action. A meaningful use of these drugs may provide a better outcome.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of hyoscine butylbromide (HB), given prophylactically in comparison with HB administered once DR occurs.

Dying patients having a score of ≥3 in the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale-palliative version were included in the study. HB (60 mg/day) was given when DR occurred (Group 1) or as pre-emptive treatment (Group 2). The onset of DR (death rattle free time) and intensity of DR were recorded at intervals until death.

Eighty-one and 51 patients were randomized to Group 1 and 2, respectively. Patients in Group 2 survived longer than those in Group 1 (P < 0.05). DR occurred in 49 (60.5%) and three patients (5.9%) in Group 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.001). A significant difference in the number of patients reporting DR was found at intervals examined (30 minutes, one hour, and then every six hours until death [P = 0.001]). In Group 1 and 2, DR free time was 20.4 (20.5) and 27.3 hours (25.2), respectively (P = 0.001). In Group 1, the treatment was considered effective in 10 patients (20.4%) only, after a mean of 14.4 hours (SD 8.57).

The prophylactic use of HB is an efficient method to prevent DR, whereas the late administration produces a limited response, confirming data from traditional studies performed with anticholinergics. This could be considered a new paradigm to manage a difficult and dramatic sign, such as DR.