American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyDuration of withdrawal of life support in the intensive care unit and association with family satisfaction.
Most deaths in the intensive care unit (ICU) involve withholding or withdrawing multiple life-sustaining therapies, but little is known about how to proceed practically and how this process affects family satisfaction. ⋯ Withdrawal of life support is a complex process that depends on patient and family characteristics. Stuttering withdrawal is a frequent phenomenon that seems to be associated with family satisfaction. Extubation before death should be encouraged if possible.