Journal of palliative medicine
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Antimicrobials are commonly used in patients near the end of life, but the percentage and predictors of patients prescribed antibiotics while hospitalized on a comfort care protocol are unknown. ⋯ Antimicrobial use is relatively high in hospitalized patients near the end of life, even when the goal is comfort.
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Delirium has a high mortality rate. Understanding predictors of prognosis in patients with delirium will aid treatment decisions and communication. This study aimed to explore variables associated with death during an established episode of delirium in palliative care when haloperidol treatment had been commenced. ⋯ This study has shown a very high mortality rate within two weeks of commencing haloperidol for delirium in palliative care, with no clear clinical predictors for those with a higher chance of dying. Having a higher BMI offered some benefit in survival, but only in noncancer patients. When delirium occurs in advanced illness, discussion should be initiated about the gravity of the clinical situation.