title: Continuous infusions of midazolam and interrupted hydration - such as insulin infusions without glucose?
abstract: The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) for the dying patient is a UK care pathway covering palliative care options for patients in the final days or hours of life; it has recently been recommended for decommission in the UK following an independent review. The pathway was widely implemented in UK hospitals in part because of governmental financial incentives. One of the criticisms of the LCP included reports of the rapid escalation to continuous infusions of sedatives in patients who then became quickly unconscious and unable to communicate.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, University College London, London, UK. m.quail@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Quail
mesh_terms: D019091:Critical Pathways; D003681:Dehydration / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D055104:Infusions, Subcutaneous; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam