title: [Sedation in the terminal phase of life].
abstract: In 2 patients, a woman aged 38 years and a man aged 48 years, in the terminal phase of life due to metastasized+ malignancy, palliative care failed. They suffered seriously from pain, delirium, restlessness, nausea, and fear. Deep sedation was given to induce almost continuous sleep without the intention of causing death. After one and five quiet days respectively the patients died. Deep sedation is an option when palliative care fails to diminish serious suffering. Midazolam, given by continuous subcutaneous infusion is the drug of choice.
authors.affiliation: Integraal Kankercentrum Midden Nederland, Utrecht. ehverhag@ikmn.nl
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Verhagen
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Eliel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Graeff
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Teunissen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods*; D003693:Delirium / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D009426:Netherlands; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam