title: A Review of Palliative Sedation.
abstract: Palliative sedation has become a standard practice to treat refractory symptoms at end-of-life. Dyspnea and delirium are the two most commonly treated symptoms. The medications used in palliative sedation are usually benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antipsychotics, and/or anesthetics. Some ethical considerations remain, especially surrounding the use of palliative sedation in psychological distress and existential suffering.
authors: Thomas Palliative Care Services, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, 1300 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. Electronic address: barton.bobb@vcuhealth.org.
authors: Barton
authors: B
authors: Bobb
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000628:therapy*; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam
keywords: End of life; Midazolam; Palliative sedation; Proportionate sedation; Refractory symptoms