Anorexia and Cachexia Anorexia – loss of appetite, usually with decreased intake Cachexia – lack of nutrition and wasting Offer favorite foods but educate families about disease process Forcing intake orally or artificially may cause additional suffering
Causes of Anorexia and Cachexia Pre-maturity Disease related Psychological Treatment related
Assessment of Anorexia and Cachexia Physical findings Impact on function and QOL Calorie counts/daily weights Laboratory tests
Treatment of Anorexia and Cachexia Dietary consult/intervention Medications Parenteral/enteral nutrition Education (as artificial nutrition at EOL may increase suffering)
Time with Grandfather
Constipation Infrequent passage of stool Frequent symptom in palliative care Prevention is key Discussion may be difficult with child/adolescent
Causes of Constipation Disease related (e.g. obstruction, hypercalcemia, neurolgic, inactivity) Treatment related (e.g. opioids, other meds)
Assessment of Constipation Bowel history Abdominal assessment Rectal assessment Medication review
Treatment of Constipation Medications Dietary/fluids Popsicles Clear sodas Jello Other approaches
Assessment of Nausea and Vomiting Clinical/physical exam History Lab values BARF scale Minimize suffering
Causes of Nausea and Vomiting Overview/ definition Gastrointestinal causes Metabolic causes CNS causes
Pharmacologic Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting Anticholinergics Antihistamines Steroids Prokinetic agents Other Hellsten & Medellin, 2010; Karwacki, 2006; Santucci & Mack, 2007
Non-Drug Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting Distraction Dietary Small/slow feeding Invasive therapies
Oh, My Child