Episode 18 – Emergency Department Management of Dyspnea in the Dying Patient

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Join Jeff, a former firefighter, and Nachi, a former mathematician, as they take you through the July 2018 issue of Emergency Medicine Practice: Emergency department management of dyspnea in the dying patient

Most Important References

17. Reuben DB, Mor V. Dyspnea in terminally ill cancer patients. Chest. 1986;89(2):234-236. (Prospective; 1754 patients)
34. Lunney JR, Lynn J, Foley DJ, et al. Patterns of functional decline at the end of life. JAMA. 2003;289(18):2387-2392. (Prospective cohort; 4190 patients)
40. Steinhauser KE, Christakis NA, Clipp EC, et al. Factors considered important at the end of life by patients, family, physicians, and other care providers. JAMA. 2000;284(19):2476-2482. (Cross-sectional survey; 1122 patients/families/providers)
41. Quill TE, Arnold R, Back AL. Discussing treatment preferences with patients who want “everything.” Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(5):345-349. (Review)
63. Clemens KE, Quednau I, Klaschik E. Use of oxygen and opioids in the palliation of dyspnoea in hypoxic and non-hypoxic palliative care patients: a prospective study. Support Care Cancer. 2009;17(4):367-377. (Nonrandomized trial; 46 patients)
66. Abernethy AP, McDonald CF, Frith PA, et al. Effect of palliative oxygen versus room air in relief of breathlessness in patients with refractory dyspnoea: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2010;376(9743):784-793. (Double-blind randomized controlled trial; 239 patients)
68. Galbraith S, Fagan P, Perkins P, et al. Does the use of a handheld fan improve chronic dyspnea? A randomized, controlled, crossover trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2010;39(5):831-838. (Randomized controlled crossover trial; 50 patients)