Abstract
Nutritional management of patients under palliative care can lead to ethical issues, especially when Enteral Nutrition (EN) is prescribed by nasogastric tube (NGT). The aim of this review is to know the current status in the management of EN by NG tube in patients under palliative care, and its effect in their wellbeing and quality of life. The following databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Scielo, Embase and Medline. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, as well as different qualities screening, a total of three entries were used, published between 2015 and 2020. In total, 403 articles were identified initially, from which three were selected for this review. The use of NGT caused fewer diarrhea episodes and more restrictions than the group that did not use NG tubes. Furthermore, the use of tubes increased attendances to the emergency department, although there was no contrast between NGT and PEG devices. No statistical difference was found between use of tubes (NGT and PEG) or no use, with respect to the treatment of symptoms, level of comfort, and satisfaction at the end of life. Nevertheless, it improved hospital survival compared with other procedures, and differences were found in hospital stays in relation to the use of other probes or devices. Finally, there are not enough quality studies to provide evidence on improving the health status and quality of life of the use of EN through NGT in patients receiving palliative care. For this reason, decision making in this field must be carried out individually, weighing the benefits and damages that they can cause in the quality of life of the patients.
Highlights
The aim of Palliative Care (PC) was to relieve suffering at the end of life
PC was focused on cancer patients, but it currently covers other conditions such as advanced dementia, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, etc. [1]
It should not be forgotten that quality of life evaluates the subjective perception that each patient has around alterations or limitations that the disease undertakes in the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of their lives [5]
Summary
The aim of Palliative Care (PC) was to relieve suffering at the end of life. It is nowadays considered as a model to follow in patients in whom there is no curative treatment, and is being implemented at earlier stages. The goal of PC is to promote comfort and to maintain an optimal quality of life for patients and their families under palliative care [3] through prevention and management of physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues in these patients [4]. It should not be forgotten that quality of life evaluates the subjective perception that each patient has around alterations or limitations that the disease undertakes in the physical, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of their lives [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
