Comparing mortality between cancer and non-cancer critically ill patients: a propensity score matched analysis

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission may be required in cancer patients for management of acute illnessess associated with underlying malignancy or complications of cancer therapy. The higher mortality rates found in this population, in comparison to non-cancer critically ill patients, may be attributable to confounding bias due to a higher incidence of multiple organic dysfunction in those patiens with malignant neoplasms; however data regarding this hypothesis are scarce.