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OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of early vs. late palliative care (PC) on the frequency of admissions to acute hospital settings and the utilization of end-of-life (EoL) interventions in cancer decedents. METHODS: In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we examined the frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) admissions among adult cancer decedents between 2018 and 2022 in a referral hospital in México. Additionally, we assessed EoL medical interventions, categorizing patients into 3 groups: those who received early PC (EPC), late PC (LPC), and those who did not receive PC (NPC). RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1762 patients, averaging 56 ± 16.3 years old, with a predominant representation of women (56.8%). PC was administered to 45.2% of patients, but EPC was limited to only 12.3%. The median time from the initiation of PC to death was 5 days (interquartile range: 2.0-31.5). Hematological malignancies were the most prevalent, affecting 21.5% of patients. EPC recipients demonstrated notable reductions in ICU and ED admissions, as well as diminished utilization of chemotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), antibiotics, blood transfusions, and surgery when compared to both LPC and NPC groups. EPC also exhibited fewer medical interventions in the last 14 days of life, except for RT. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The findings of this study indicate that a significant proportion of EoL cancer patients receive PC; however, few receive EPC, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility to these services. Moreover, the results underscore the importance of thoughtful deliberation regarding the application of EoL medical interventions in cancer patients.
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OBJECTIVES: The Schedule of Attitudes Toward Hastened Death (SAHD) has emerged as a valid and reliable tool to assess the wish to hasten death (WTHD) among patients diagnosed with advanced cancer; however, the instrument has never been culturally adapted and validated for patients in Mexico. This study sought to validate and abbreviate the SAHD tool for use among patients attending the Palliative Care Service of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico. METHODS: The SAHD was culturally adapted from a previously published validation in patients from Spain. Eligible patients included Spanish literate subjects treated as outpatients in the Palliative Care Service, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-3. Patients were asked to answer the Mexican version of SAHD (SAHD-Mx) instrument and the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS). RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included in the study. Median positive response in the SAHD-Mx was 2 (range 0-18). Positive correlation was identified between the SAHD-Mx scale and ECOG performance status (r = 0.188, p = 0.005), as well as BEDS (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). SAHD-Mx displayed strong internal consistency (alpha = 0.85) and adequate reliability from test-retest phone interviews (r = 0.567, p < 0.001). Using the confirmatory factor analysis model, a factor was identified and the number of items was reduced to 6, including items 4, 5, 9, 10, 13, and 18. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The SAHD-Mx emerges as an adequate tool, with appropriate psychometric characteristics, for assessing WTHD among patients diagnosed with cancer undergoing palliative care in Mexico. .
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Neoplasias , Cuidados Paliativos , Humanos , Atitude Frente a Morte , México , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Doente Terminal , Neoplasias/complicações , Neoplasias/terapia , Pacientes Ambulatoriais , Psicometria , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Background: Patients with hematological malignancies have significant and diverse palliative care needs but are not usually referred to specialist palliative care services in a timely manner, if at all. Objective: To identify the characteristics of patients with hematological malignancies referred to the palliative care service in a tertiary hospital in Mexico City. Patients: Retrospective study including consecutive patients with hematological malignancies referred to palliative care services at Mexico's National Cancer Institute. Results: Between 2011 and 2019, 5,017 patients with hematological malignancies were evaluated for first time at Mexico's National Cancer Institute. Of these, 9.1% (n = 457) were referred to palliative care. Most were male (53.4%), with a median age of 58 years. The most frequent diagnosis was non-Hodgkin lymphoma (54.9%). The primary indication for referral to palliative care was for cases wherein chemotherapy was no longer an option (disease refractory to treatment, 42.8%). The median time of referral to the palliative care service occurred 11.2 months after the first evaluation at the National Cancer Institute and death occurred on median 1.1 months after the first palliative care evaluation. Conclusion: Patients with hematological neoplasms are infrequently referred to Palliative Care at the Institute (9.1%). We found no clear referral criteria for Palliative Care referral and note that hematologists' optimism regarding a cure can delay referrals. Clearly, we have a long way to go in improving the number of patients referred, and we still saw frequent referrals near the end of life, but the high rate of outpatient referrals is encouraging.
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Neoplasias Hematológicas , Enfermagem de Cuidados Paliativos na Terminalidade da Vida , Neoplasias , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Feminino , Cuidados Paliativos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Neoplasias Hematológicas/terapia , Encaminhamento e Consulta , Neoplasias/terapiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Accurate forecasting the life expectancy of patients with cancer is adamantly needed for adequate decision-making in the Palliative Care Services (PCS) context. Nonetheless, physician forecast is often inaccurate, hindering end of life (EOL) decisions. In this study, we determined the prognostic value of two oncology performance status (PS) scales at first referral to PCS. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 6310 patients consecutively admitted to PCS at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2012-2018). Demographic and PS (as per Karnofsky (KPS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scales) information was retrieved and the overall survival of patients calculated according to PS. Concordance of each scale was assessed in the overall population and according to age. RESULTS: Overall survival was significantly associated with ECOG and KPS (p<0.05). A total of 2278 (36.1%) and 2296 (36.4%) patients were referred to PCS in their last month of life and most had a poor PS (ECOG 3-4, 59.1%; KPS <50, 54.4%). Both PS scales had high concordance in the overall population (K=0.6189 (KPS); K=0.6058 (ECOG)), but a higher value was observed among the subgroup of patients aged ≥65 (K=0.6339 (KPS); 0.6252 (ECOG)). Concordance was lowest among younger (≤39) patients. CONCLUSIONS: PS as assessed by the most widely known tools is strongly associated with overall survival of patients with cancer attending PCS. No large differences were observed among the scales, though results slightly favour the use of KPS. Early referral to PCS and accurate survival prediction can aid in relevant decision-making for patients approaching EOL.
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No disponible.
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Neoplasias , Cuidados Paliativos , Humanos , National Cancer Institute (U.S.) , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Abstract Introduction Suicide represents a major public health problem worldwide, and cancer patients might have vulnerability factors which increase suicide risk. There are multiple factors associated with this tragic outcome, including those stemming from the disease itself, mental illness and social, personal and spiritual factors. Although previous reports have identified a suicide rate which ranges from .03-7% among cancer patients undergoing palliative care, this has not been studied in Mexico. Objective This study sought to report the cases of suicide in patients with cancer undergoing palliative care at a large cancer reference center. Method A retrospective review of records was performed between 2018-2019 for patients treated at the Palliative Care Service of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. Records for patients who committed suicide were reviewed to describe factors associated with this outcome. Results Among all deaths identified during the record review, two were due to suicide (.09%). The patients were one female and one male, 60 and 42 years of age, diagnosed with breast cancer and gastroesophageal junction cancer, respectively, associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as several economic, social, and familial stress factors. One of the patients was identified as likely having major depressive disorder. Discussion and conclusion Deaths might be underreported in our population. A systematic evaluation is required in order to establish and detect suicidal behavior risk factors, and a follow-up plan for all these patients.
Resumen Introducción El suicidio representa un problema de salud pública en todo el mundo. Los pacientes con cáncer pueden tener factores de vulnerabilidad para presentar conducta suicida. Hay múltiples factores asociados con este fenómeno, incluidos los derivados de la enfermedad en sí, enfermedades mentales y factores sociales, personales y espirituales. Aunque hay reportes previos que describen una tasa de suicidio que va del .03 al 7% entre los pacientes con cáncer que reciben cuidados paliativos, esto no se ha estudiado en México. Objetivo Reportar los casos de suicidio en pacientes oncológicos que reciben cuidados paliativos en un centro oncológico de referencia. Método Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo, donde se revisaron los expedientes de los pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Cuidados Paliativos del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología entre 2018-2019. Se revisaron los expedientes de los pacientes que se suicidaron para describir los factores de riesgo que presentaban. Resultados Entre todas las muertes identificadas durante la revisión de expedientes, dos se debieron a suicidio (.09%). Los pacientes fueron una mujer y un hombre, de 60 y 42 años, diagnosticados de cáncer de mama y de una unión gastroesofágica, respectivamente. Los factores asociados fueron el consumo de tabaco y alcohol, así como varios factores de estrés económico, social y familiar. Se identificó, asimismo, que uno de los pacientes padecía trastorno depresivo mayor. Discusión y conclusión Es posible que los suicidios estén infrarreportados en nuestra población. Se requiere una evaluación sistemática para establecer y detectar factores de riesgo de conducta suicida, y un plan de seguimiento para todos estos pacientes.
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CONTEXT: The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is particularly high at disease progression and during relapse. Patients cared for in specialized palliative care units (SPCU) are rarely included in VTE studies. Objective: We sought to study the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and survival of individuals with VTE in an SPCU setting. METHODS: We retrospectively included 2707 consecutive individuals with active cancer managed at a SPCU. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and frequency for categorical variables. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier and comparisons by log-rank test. Thrombotic events were confirmed by imaging. RESULTS: We studied 1984(73.3%) women and 723 (26.7%) men. The overall prevalence of thrombosis was 22.2% with only 6.2% occurring after initiating SPCU care, and was higher in women (24.6% vs 15.8%), particularly with gynecological tumors (cervical: 30.5%, ovarian: 29.2%). Median survival was slightly longer for patients without VTE (80 days [IQR21-334] and 69 days [IQR 25-235]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of VTE was high and varied by tumor origin. VTE may impact survival. Though median survival is short, some patients are followed over months, suggesting that in the absence of high bleeding risk, treatment for thrombosis in an attempt to decrease the morbidity of re-thrombosis should be considered. On the other hand, few patients developed symptomatic VTE during SPCU care, making generalized primary prophylaxis probably unwarranted. Customizing anticoagulation for the risk of hemorrhage and physical performance is essential.
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Anticoagulantes/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias/terapia , Cuidados Paliativos/métodos , Tromboembolia Venosa/prevenção & controle , Idoso , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/complicações , Prevalência , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/epidemiologia , Tromboembolia Venosa/etiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Data describing the characteristics, treatment, and survival of oncological patients referred to PCS remains scarce. Aim: To establish the characteristics of oncological patients referred to PCS, including their profile, treatment, and survival within a 7-year period. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. Clinical variables such as treatment and dates were included. Ji2 or Wilcoxon tests were used accordingly; Kaplan-Meier and log rank test were used to estimate survival. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive oncological patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 sent to PCS were included. RESULTS: We studied 5,631 patients, 58% female and 59% at advanced stage. Median age was 59 years, with 6 years or less of formal education and low monthly income ($152.4 USD). Neoplasms included breast (12%), stomach (12%), colorectal (10%) and cervical cancer (9%). Median referral time was 5.1 months; pain was the main reason for referral. Morphine was the most prescribed opioid with 47%. Median overall survival was 3.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: Morphine remains the paradigm of treatment making necessary to emphasize information on its optimal use. Additional measures such as education for cancer prevention and early referral to PCS are vital to improve survival and quality of life.
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Neoplasias , Qualidade de Vida , Analgésicos Opioides/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Morfina , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Cuidados Paliativos , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Introduction: The Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) is a reliable screening instrument for a variety of problems (physical, existential, and social) that affect the dignity of patients during their end of life. The PDI has been translated into several different languages and has been validated in different settings. As such, it is important to validate the instrument in patients with cancer in Mexico to assess dignity in this population. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Spanish version of the PDI in Mexican patients with cancer. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included patients with cancer, both those enrolled and not enrolled in palliative care, at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City from September 2018 to August 2019. A translation and back translation were performed to obtain the Mexican version of the PDI (PDI-Mx) instrument. Patients completed the PDI-Mx, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and functional scales (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] and Karnofsky). Psychometric properties were evaluated by determining internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and concurrent validity with the HADS. Results: We included 290 participants with cancer (145 in palliative care and 145 not enrolled in palliative care). The Cronbach's alpha of the PDI-Mx was 0.95. There was a significant correlation with the HADS (rs = 0.757, p < 0.0001). The factor analysis showed four factors that explain 64.7% of the model. The CFA presented adequate indicators, which show the adjustment of the structure that indicates a balanced and parsimonious model. Conclusions: The Mexican version of the PDI shows adequate psychometric properties in patients with cancer. We suggest the use of PDI-Mx in clinical care and research. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee with numbers (016/063/CPI) and (CEI/1115/16) respectively.
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Neoplasias , Respeito , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , México , Neoplasias/diagnóstico , Psicometria , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Subscale (HADS-D) and Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) as case-finding tools of major depressive disorder in patients with advanced cancer in a palliative care service. METHODS: An observational study was performed which included patients with advanced cancer who attended the palliative care service at the National Institute of Cancer in Mexico. Patients were asked to fill out the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and BEDS and were then assessed by a psychiatrist to evaluate major depressive disorder (MDD) as per the DSM-5 criteria. The case-finding capability of each scale was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves, assessing the area under the curve (AUC) in comparison to the clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included; median age was 57 years, and 71% were female. Among these, 19 patients were diagnosed with MDD during the interview. When comparing the self-reported scales, BEDS had a better performance compared with HADS-D (AUC 0.8541 vs. 0.7665). Limitations include a heterogeneous population and a limited sample size. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The BEDS outperformed the HADS-D tool in discriminating patients with and without depression. A BEDS cutoff value of ≥5 is suggested as a case-finding score for depression in this population.
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Transtornos de Ansiedade , Ansiedade , Depressão , Transtorno Depressivo Maior , Neoplasias , Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Transtornos de Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Depressão/diagnóstico , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/diagnóstico , Feminino , Hospitais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/psicologia , Cuidados Paliativos , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the palliative care service (PC) at a major cancer center in Mexico. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced cervical cancer referred to the PC of INCan, between January 2011 and December 2015. Demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of admission to the INCan, time to referral to PC, initial Edmonton Symptom Assessment System evaluation, and follow up were recorded. RESULTS: In all, 359 patients were included, median age 51 years, predominantly poor with low education. Most patients 322 (90%) received tumor-specific treatment; presence of nephrostomies and other tumor-related complication was frequent. Median time to referral was 335 days, more than 180 (50%) had five or more symptoms, pain and fatigue were the most prevalent. CONCLUSION: Women with advanced cervical cancer have a high burden of symptoms; PC is only considered at the end of life. Efforts for an early referral to PC should be made.
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Cuidados Paliativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Encaminhamento e Consulta/organização & administração , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/complicações , Adulto , Dor do Câncer/etiologia , Progressão da Doença , Fadiga/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Encaminhamento e Consulta/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Tempo , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/mortalidadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial distress and associated factors in advanced cancer patients consulting at the outpatient Palliative Care Unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico City. DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted using electronic records (June 2015 to December 2016). SAMPLE: A total of 646 patients with advanced cancer during their first visit to the outpatient palliative care unit at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico were evaluated using the Distress Thermometer (DT) and ECOG performance status scores. FINDINGS: Overall, 62% were women, with a median age of 57 years, and married (54.8%). The most frequent diagnosis was gastrointestinal cancer (28.6%), and 38.9% had a functional performance status of ECOG 2. The median DT score was 4.0 (IQR = 2-6), with 56% reporting DT scores ≥4. The three most frequent problems ≥4 were sadness (82.6%), feeling weak (81.2%), worry (79.6%), and <4 were feeling weak (57.7%), fatigue (55.6%), and financial security (52.1%). The variables associated with distress according to the multiple logistic regression analysis were problems with housing (OR = 2.661, 95% CI = 1.538-4.602), sadness (OR = 2.533, 95% CI = 1.615-3.973), transportation (OR = 1.732, 95% CI = 1.157-2.591), eating (OR = 1.626, 95% CI = 1.093-2.417), nervousness (OR = 1.547, 95% CI = 1.014-2.360), and sleep (OR = 1.469, 95% CI = 1.980-2.203). CONCLUSION: The principal factors were related to distress levels, housing problems, transportation issues, and emotional problems such as sadness, nervousness, lower functionality, and younger age. Therefore, psychosocial support is of considerable relevance in palliative care. These findings will help clinicians understand the distress of patients with advanced cancer in palliative care in Latin American countries.
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Neoplasias , Estresse Psicológico , Ansiedade , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/complicações , Cuidados Paliativos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estresse Psicológico/complicaçõesAssuntos
Transtorno Depressivo Maior/epidemiologia , Neoplasias/epidemiologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Cuidados Paliativos , Idoso , Comorbidade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/mortalidade , Estudos Prospectivos , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Admission to the emergency department (ED) of patients with advanced or end-of-life (EoL) cancer saturates the services that provide active medical attention to the complications of anticancer therapy, and the lack of specific protocol limits proper handling. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with advanced cancer admitted to the ED at the EoL in a comprehensive cancer center in Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to ED of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico City, with 3 or less days before they died, between January 2011 and December 2018. The data collected included clinical and demographic characteristics, reason for admission to the ED, number of admissions to ED in the last month of life, and cancer treatment received. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients were included; 60.8% were female with a median age of 60 years; 71.6% patients were receiving some kind of disease-modifying treatment, although the oncologist had considered they could die within 6 months, and 16 of them were receiving concomitant PC. 8.9% of these patients had been admitted 3 or more times to the ED in the last month. The principal reasons for admission to ED were dyspnea, uncontrolled pain, 12 patients were admitted in active death and 94 died within hours of admission to ED. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care approach in oncological patients admitted to ED is important to avoid unnecesary suffering at the EoL.
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Países em Desenvolvimento , Neoplasias , Morte , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Feminino , Humanos , México/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , National Cancer Institute (U.S.) , Neoplasias/epidemiologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estados UnidosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in patients diagnosed with advanced cancer (AC), with a prevalence of 16.5%. It is associated with great disability and worsened quality of life, increased number and intensity of physical symptoms, and lower survival. It is the main factor for the presence of suicidal ideation. Antidepressants show modest efficacy, and response requires several weeks. Ketamine has demonstrated a fast and robust antidepressant effect in subanesthetic doses. This effect may prove useful in patients with AC, MDD, and suicidal risk. METHOD: We report a case of a patient with advanced cervical cancer who presented with uncontrollable pain, MDD, and a suicide attempt. RESULT: A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IVB presented to the Emergency Department after a suicide attempt by hanging. Upon evaluation by the palliative care psychiatrist, she reported intense pain, unresponsive to analgesics, and had a history of persistent suicidal ideation. Antidepressant treatment was started (sertraline 50mg/d) after a single dose of ketamine hydrochloride IV (0.5 mg/kg) was administered. Treatment response was measured using the Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale before and after the intervention. The depressive symptoms decreased by 17% on day 1, 39% on day 3, and 72% on day 17. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This case report shows ketamine's efficacy as an augmentation agent alongside conventional antidepressant treatment in patients with AC. Moreover, it shows rapid response in suicidal ideation that has not been achieved with treatment as usual. More clinical trials are needed to support the potential benefit and safety of ketamine in patients with AC, MDD, and persisting suicidal ideation.
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Antidepressivos/administração & dosagem , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/tratamento farmacológico , Combinação de Medicamentos , Ketamina/administração & dosagem , Adulto , Antidepressivos/uso terapêutico , Transtorno Depressivo Maior/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Ketamina/uso terapêutico , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Suicídio/psicologia , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/complicações , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/psicologia , Prevenção do SuicídioRESUMO
Abstract Introduction The desire to hasten death (DHD) might be present in patients with advanced cancer. Multiple distressing physical and psychosocial symptoms may be related to it. There is limited literature about the characteristics of these patients in México. Objective To describe the prevalence and factors associated with DHD in advanced cancer patients evaluated by a palliative care psychiatrist. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study, including all patients referred to psychiatric assessment at the Servicio de Cuidados Paliativos of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City, from January to December 2016. DHD was defined as the presence of death ideas, suicidal ideation, and/or request for euthanasia or medically assisted suicide. Patients with delirium, dementia, psychosis, or uncontrolled physical symptoms were excluded. Results Sixty-four patients were included in the study. Most of them were women (59%); the mean age was 49 years old (SD = 16). Of them, 64% met criteria for a major depressive disorder, 64% for generalized anxiety disorder and/or panic disorder, and 11% for substance use disorders. 44% expressed DHD. In a multivariate regression analysis predicting DHD, only one factor emerged: clinical depression (OR = 13.5, p = .002, 95% CI [02.562, 71.726]). Discussion and conclusion The desire to hasten death is a frequent issue for the patients evaluated at the psychiatric palliative care clinic. Depression and other distressing psychiatric pathologies were associated with DHD. Interdisciplinary interventions are needed to treat DHD. More research is warranted in order to understand the factors associated with the expression of DHD.
Resumen Introducción El deseo de acelerar la muerte (DHD, por sus siglas en inglés) es frecuente en pacientes con cáncer avanzado. Múltiples estresores físicos y psicosociales se asocian a la presencia de este fenómeno. En México es limitada la información sobre estos pacientes. Objetivo Describir la prevalencia y los factores asociados con la presencia del DHD en pacientes con cáncer avanzado evaluados por el psiquiatra de cuidados paliativos. Método Realizamos un estudio transversal, incluimos a todos los pacientes referidos a evaluación psiquiátrica en el Servicio de Cuidados Paliativos del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología en la Ciudad de México, de enero a diciembre de 2016. El DHD se definió como la presencia de ideas de muerte, ideación suicida y/o solicitud de eutanasia o suicidio médicamente asistido. Se excluyeron los pacientes con delirium, demencia, psicosis o algún síntoma físico descontrolado. Resultados Sesenta y cuatro pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio; 59% fueron mujeres; la edad media era de 49 años (DE = 16). El 64% cumplieron criterios para un trastorno depresivo mayor, el 64% para el trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y/o trastorno de pánico y el 11% para los trastornos por uso de sustancias; 44% expresaron DHD. En un análisis de regresión multivariable, el factor depresión mayor (OR = 13.5; p = .002, IC 95% [02.562, 71.726]) fue el único significativo. Discusión y conclusión El DHD es frecuente en los pacientes valorados por psiquiatría de cuidados paliativos. La depresión mayor se asoció con DHD. Se necesitan intervenciones interdisciplinarias para tratar el DHD. Se requiere más investigación para comprender los factores asociados con la expresión de DHD.
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OBJECTIVE: Depression in palliative advanced cancer patients is common, but often goes unrecognized. One of the first steps toward improving detection is the development of tools that are valid in the specific language and setting in which they are to be used. The Brief Edinburgh Depression Scale (BEDS) is a sensitive case-finding tool for depression in advanced cancer patients that was developed in the United Kingdom. There are no validated instruments to identify depression in Mexican palliative patients. Our aim was to validate the Spanish-language version of the BEDS in Mexican population with advanced cancer. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study with outpatients from the palliative care unit at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. The Mexican BEDS was validated against a semistructured psychiatric clinical interview according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, classification criteria for major depressive disorder. The interviewer was blind to the BEDS score at the time of the assessment. RESULT: Seventy subjects completed the scale and interview. Women represented 71.4% of the sample and median age of subjects was 56.5 years (range, 20-85 years). The prevalence of major depressive disorder according to the psychiatric interview was 20%. The most valid cutoff for defining a case of depression was a score ≥5 of 18 on the Mexican BEDS, which gave a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 62.5%. The scale's Cronbach's alpha was 0.71. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Major depressive disorder is frequent in Mexican palliative patients. The Spanish-language Mexican version of the BEDS is the first valid case-finding tool in advanced cancer patients in this setting.