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Reversible delirium in terminally ill patients
N D de Stoutz1, M Tapper, R L Fainsinger
1Palliative Care Program, Medical Clinic C, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Terminal illness delirium is common, but reversible causes are often missed. Comprehensive assessment and treatment can significantly improve cognition and quality of life for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Delirium is a frequent complication in terminally ill patients, often associated with poor prognosis.
- The focus on prognosis can lead to overlooking treatable, reversible causes of delirium.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Four cases of terminally ill patients experiencing delirium are presented.
- A thorough assessment identified multiple reversible etiologies contributing to the delirium.
- These reversible factors were targeted for treatment.
Findings:
- Comprehensive patient assessment is key to uncovering treatable causes of delirium in terminal illness.
- Targeted treatment of reversible causes led to significant improvements in cognitive function.
- Patients experienced enhanced quality of life following intervention.
Implications:
- Clinicians should prioritize thorough assessment for reversible causes of delirium in terminally ill patients.
- Interventions addressing reversible factors can positively impact cognitive status and well-being.
- This approach highlights the potential for improving care and quality of life in end-of-life scenarios.