TY - JOUR
T1 - Palliative care for patients with end-stage liver disease ineligible for liver transplantation
AU - Sanchez, William
AU - Talwalkar, Jayant A.
PY - 2006/3
Y1 - 2006/3
N2 - The proportion of patients with ESLD who will be managed without liver transplantation will increase in the near future, largely as a result of the increasing age of the population. Patients with ESLD are subject to many physical and psychosocial symptoms that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Sleep quality should be maximized by controlling pruritus and leg cramps. Many frequently used therapies are not supported by a strong evidence base. Advance directives should be addressed with all patients with ESLD, preferably in the outpatient setting before an acute deterioration. Medicare provides a hospice benefit for patients with ESLD, and referral to a hospice is appropriate for patients with an expected survival of 6 months or less.
AB - The proportion of patients with ESLD who will be managed without liver transplantation will increase in the near future, largely as a result of the increasing age of the population. Patients with ESLD are subject to many physical and psychosocial symptoms that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Sleep quality should be maximized by controlling pruritus and leg cramps. Many frequently used therapies are not supported by a strong evidence base. Advance directives should be addressed with all patients with ESLD, preferably in the outpatient setting before an acute deterioration. Medicare provides a hospice benefit for patients with ESLD, and referral to a hospice is appropriate for patients with an expected survival of 6 months or less.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.gtc.2005.12.007
DO - 10.1016/j.gtc.2005.12.007
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16530121
AN - SCOPUS:33644829900
SN - 0889-8553
VL - 35
SP - 201
EP - 219
JO - Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
JF - Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
IS - 1
ER -