A randomized, controlled trial of parenteral hydration in patients with advanced cancer.

TPS320 Background: Currently, there is great debate regarding hydration practices near the end of life. The vast majority of cancer patients who die in acute care hospitals receive hydration until death; alternatively, the vast majority of patients who die in hospice or at home receive no fluids. This dichotomy in patient care illustrates the need for further evidenced-based research to determine the optimal treatment for patients. A preliminary study found that subcutaneous fluids are simple and safe, and have been shown to improve some dehydration symptoms such as fatigue, myoclonus, sedation, hallucinations, and delirium. Severe dehydration can also result in the accumulation of hydrosoluble active metabolites of opioids which further exacerbates patient delirium. To date, there have been no controlled clinical trials further investigating the role of parenteral hydration. Methods: Advanced cancer patients with decreased oral intake (≤1,000 ml/day), mild to moderate dehydration, normal cognition as evi...