Management of bleeding in the terminally ill patient

Hematology. 2005 Jun;10(3):167-75. doi: 10.1080/10245330500093237.

Abstract

Clinically significant bleeding occurs in approximately 6%-10% of patients in the palliative-care setting. Bleeding can range from persistent and small in quantity (but enough to interfere with a patient's quality of life), to catastrophic bleeding that ultimately leads to the rapid demise of the patient. Uncontrolled bleeding can be very distressing for staff, patients and families. Advanced planning is necessary in all bleeding circumstances. This session will review the types of cancer associated with bleeding, as well as management options for these situations. Emphasis will be placed on aspects of communication with families.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Advance Care Planning* / ethics
  • Advance Care Planning* / organization & administration
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / classification
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Palliative Care* / ethics
  • Palliative Care* / organization & administration
  • Quality of Life
  • Terminal Care* / ethics
  • Terminally Ill*