PROPOFOL IN TERMINAL CARE

In advanced cancer patients close to death, delirium multifocal myoclo nus, and restlessness may occur Multi-organ failure and related metabo lic changes are mostly responsible for these symptoms. A pharmacologic approach to manage the delirium is necessary in the majority of cases . Benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and barbiturates are the most common drugs used. In the case reported, propofol administered at very low do ses provided good control of neuropsychiatric symptoms. After a loadin g dose of 20 mg, an infusion of 50-70 mg per hr was started. The patie nt died peacefully after 8 hr of propofol infusion, without requiring opioids. Propofol seems to be a promising drug in treating the termina l agitated state that can be associated with the dying process.