Antimicrobial Use at the End of Life

Abstract

At least one-third of patients at the end of life (EOL) receive interventions that are without benefit, and a similar proportion of patients die in the intensive care unit. Here, the authors discuss the role of antimicrobials in patients at the EOL, including the patient populations and scenarios in which antimicrobials may or may not have benefit. They also review adverse outcomes associated with antimicrobial use at the EOL, including societal harms. Finally, an algorithm to aid management of suspected infections at the EOL is proposed.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Antimicrobials; End of life; Palliative care.