Background: Dyspnoea is experienced by approximately two-thirds of cancer patients at the end-of-life. Despite the use and assessment of various interventions, palliation of dyspnoea poses a clinical challenge. The benefit of nebulised furosemide in the palliation of dyspnoea among cancer patients remains uncertain. This systematic review was conducted to study the effectiveness of nebulised furosemide for dyspnoea in cancer, to ascertain the most appropriate dose and adverse effects, and to quantify the effects on respiratory rate, oxygenation status, observer-rated dyspnoea and opioid dose.
Methods: A systematic literature search of four databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database and CINAHL) was carried out to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of nebulised furosemide for dyspnoea in cancer patients.
Results: The review identified 91 articles of which two RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The included RCTs had sample sizes of 7 and 15, respectively. Neither of the RCTs showed an improvement in dyspnoea with nebulised furosemide. Meta-analysis was not possible as the RCTs measured different domains of dyspnoea using different tools. Neither RCT highlighted significant adverse effects. Other outcomes of interest were not studied in the RCTs.
Conclusions: Evidence from this review, which is limited by the small number of RCTs and small sample size, does not show benefit with nebulised furosemide for the alleviation of dyspnoea in cancer. Adequately powered multicentre double-blinded RCTs are warranted to further define the potential role of this drug in the palliation of dyspnoea in advanced cancer.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2013-000492 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Fabrication and evaluation of stable amorphous polymer-drug composite particles via a nozzle-free ultrasonic nebulizer.
Int J Pharm
May 2024
Department of Chemical Engineering (BK21 FOUR Integrated Engineering Program), Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, South Korea. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- * The technique effectively produces spherical composite particles that dissolve better in water compared to traditional crystalline drugs, offering potential improvements in how medications work in the body.
- * Despite some challenges like needing a continuous water supply and managing solvent solubility, this method stands out for its flexibility and ability to create uniform particles, marking a significant step forward in drug formulation and delivery.
Nebulized Furosemide for Pulmonary Inflammation in Intubated Patients With COVID-19: A Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study.
Crit Care Explor
February 2024
Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Objectives: Respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 is associated with morbidity and mortality. Current anti-inflammatory therapies are effective but are given systemically and have significant side effects. Furosemide has anti-inflammatory properties, can be administered by inhalation, and is inexpensive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNebulised furosemide for the treatment of patients with obstructive lung disease: a systematic review protocol.
BMJ Open
November 2023
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Introduction: Obstructive lung diseases (OLDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are major global sources of morbidity and mortality. Current treatments broadly include bronchodilators such as beta agonists/antimuscarinics and anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids. Despite therapy patients still experience exacerbations of their diseases and overall decline over time.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCase report: MRI findings of acute uremic encephalopathy in a 1-year-old boy.
BJR Case Rep
September 2021
Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.
We present a 1-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with a 7-day history of diarrhoea and vomiting. The initial renal function profile demonstrated a urea of 55 mmol l (normal range between 5 and 20 mmol l), creatinine 695 micromol/L (normal range between 62-106 micromol/L) and potassium 9.1 mmol l (normal range between 3.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEfficiency of Nebulizing Furosemide in the Treatment of Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Tanaffos
December 2020
Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in humans. Among both oral and intravenous diuretics, nebulizing furosemide (Lasix) is the most commonly used agent. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the therapeutic effects of nebulizing furosemide compared with placebo in the treatment of COPD using a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!