Nineteen patients believed to be in the terminal stages of cancer were
evaluated for signs of delirium. Six patients improved; 13 who died during
hospitalization were studied until their death. Patients were interviewed
three times a week using a delirium scale; medical records also were used
to gather data. Eleven (85%) of the 13 patients developed delirium. In most
patients, delirium was caused by multiple factors. The authors outline
strategies for management of terminal cancer patients with delirium.
Abstract Teaser