Outcomes of lung transplant candidates referred for co-management by palliative care: A retrospective case series
Outcomes of lung transplant candidates referred for co-management by palliative care: A retrospective case series
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DOI：
10.1177/0269216314566839
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发表时间：
2015-05-01
影响因子：
4.4
通讯作者：
Downar, James
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Colman, Rebecca;Singer, Lianne G.;Downar, James
Background: Lung transplant candidates experience important symptoms, but they are rarely referred for palliative care consultation until they are deemed ineligible for transplant. Our lung transplant service has a high rate of palliative care referral for patients awaiting transplant.Aim: We reviewed the characteristics, interventions, and outcomes of lung transplant candidates referred for co-management by palliative care, to determine whether they safely received opioids and went on to transplantation.Design and participants: Retrospective review of lung transplant candidates referred to our palliative care consultation service between January 2010 and May 2012.Results: Of 308 lung transplant candidates, 64 (20.7%) were referred to palliative care. Most had interstitial lung disease and were referred for dyspnea and a rapidly deteriorating course. A total of 59 (92%) were prescribed opioids for dyspnea, 55/59 used the opioids more than once, and 38/59 were maintained on standing opioids. There were no episodes of clinically important opioid toxicity or respiratory depression, and there was a trend toward increased exertion during exercise sessions post-opioid versus pre-opioid (19.3 vs 17.0kcal, respectively, p=0.06). At last follow-up, 30 (47%) had been transplanted, 23 (36%) had died while on the wait-list, 9 (14%) had died after delisting, and 2 (3%) were still awaiting transplantation. Of the 30 patients who underwent lung transplantation, only 7 (23%) still required an opioid prescription 1month post-discharge.Conclusion: In lung transplant candidates, palliative care and opioids in particular can be safely provided without compromising eligibility for transplantation. Palliative care should not be delayed until a patient is deemed ineligible for transplant.
