Use of Phenobarbitone for Palliative Sedation in Dyspneic Crises Due to COVID-19 Pneumonia - A Case Series

Patients who suffer from dyspnea while dying from COVID-19 are treated with opioids and benzodiazepines. In some instances, patients may experience refractory dyspnea at the end of life. Palliative sedation can be prescribed to alleviate such patients' suffering. We describe two patients being...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy 2022-12, Vol.36 (4), p.242-248
Main Authors: Sim, Jingwei, Goh, Wen Yang, Wiryasaputra, Lynn, Hum, Allyn Yin-Mei, Neo, Han Yee, Poi, Choo Hwee
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analgesics, Opioid - therapeutic use
Benzodiazepines
COVID-19 - complications
Dyspnea - drug therapy
Dyspnea - etiology
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives - therapeutic use
Palliative Care
Phenobarbital - therapeutic use
Terminal Care
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Summary:Patients who suffer from dyspnea while dying from COVID-19 are treated with opioids and benzodiazepines. In some instances, patients may experience refractory dyspnea at the end of life. Palliative sedation can be prescribed to alleviate such patients' suffering. We describe two patients being treated for severe COVID-19 pneumonia in a tertiary hospital. Both developed intractable dyspneic crises despite high-dose opioids and benzodiazepines. This led to their requirement of palliative sedation in the general ward using subcutaneous phenobarbitone (phenobarbital). We outline clinical considerations for the use of palliative sedation in COVID-19 related dyspnea. In particular, we discuss the evidence for, benefits and limitations of using phenobarbitone for palliative sedation in COVID-19 patients.
ISSN:1536-0288
1536-0539
DOI:10.1080/15360288.2022.2113596