The change in prevalence of symptoms in homecare visits of advanced cancer patients as they closer to the time of deathEvaluation of imminent death symptoms in patients with advanced cancer hospitalized at home under the supervision of Iranian Cancer Control Center (MACSA) ISFAHAN

Back ground: The physical changes in symptoms of impending death is not well characterized. A better understanding of these signs may help clinicians and patients and their families.This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of the symptoms of the advanced cancer patients.Methods: We retrieved the symptoms recorded during homecare visits of cancer patients. A total number of ۱۰۹۳۶ visits were analyzed. We examined the prevalence of ۳۲ symptoms. The visits were divided into ۴ subgroups in reference to the time to death. The frequency of the symptoms in visits from each time frame was compared with others.Results: In total, an increase visits reporting in lack of Appetite, Feeling Drowsy, Difficulty Concentrating, swelling, difficulty Swallowing, vomiting, Lack of Energy, Bedsore, Weight Loss, nausea, Feeling Nervous and Delirium, in contrast, a decrease in frequency of pain, dizziness, shiver was demonstrated.Conclusion: We identified specific symptoms associated with the trajectory of death within ۶ months among advanced cancer patients. These findings may hint at symptoms that should be considered most by the palliative care team.

کلیدواژه ها:

end-of-life care ، symptoms dynamics ، imminent death ، palliative care ، homecare