Predictors of Symptoms and Site of Death in Pediatric Palliative Patients With Cancer at End of Life

Abstract

Objective: To describe how preferences and treatment influence symptoms at end of life and site of death in pediatric cancer. Methods: We included 61 pediatric palliative patients with cancer whose parents previously participated in a study that elicited preferences for aggressive chemotherapy versus supportive care alone and who subsequently died. Main outcomes were severe pain and dyspnea proximal to death and site of death. Results: Choice of aggressive chemotherapy predicted significantly more severe pain (odds ratio [OR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-9.6; P = .049). Intravenous chemotherapy 4 weeks before death predicted severe dyspnea (OR 15.8, 95% CI 3.7-67.5; P < .001) and death outside the home (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9; P = .038). Conclusions: Parental choice of aggressive chemotherapy and more aggressive treatment proximal to death predicted more pain, dyspnea, and death in hospital. Strategies to improve quality of life are needed.