Dyspnea and Its Correlated Factors in Taiwanese Patients with Terminal Cancer.

Abstract

This study prospectively assessed. dyspnea and related bio- pyscho-social -spiritual factors - including severity, cause, psychological distress, and fear of death-that were possibly related to dyspnea in 125 terminal cancer patients at admission and two days before their death. At admission , 74 patients had dyspnea, which improved but later worsened. Causes included cachexia, anemia, pleural effusion, and lymphangitis. Quality of life, anxiety, depression, and fear of death improved after admission,- anxiety was correlated with dyspnea before death (r = 0.211, P<0.05, univariate analysis). Lung injection (odds ratio = 2.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.68-3.90, multiple regression), airway obstruction (2.27, 1.41 -3.13), acidemia (1.82, 0.72-2.98), and pericardial effusion (1.38, 0.44-2 .32) were independent correlates of dyspnea severity at admission (42.8% of explained variance). Before death, airway obstruction, esophageal cancer, pericardial effusion, lung infection, and mediastinal mass were independent cop-relates Of severity ( 42.7% of explained, variance). Comprehensive care, including improved psychospiritual status, can. help in controlling dyspnea and. enhancing patients' quality of life .