Published on: 5/21/2025
Is Decreased Urine Output a Common Sign at the End of Life?
Yes, decreased urine output is a common sign at the end of life, especially in patients with serious illnesses like cancer or heart failure.
Explanation
Decreased urine output can be a sign that the body is shutting down, which often happens at the end of life. In patients with serious illnesses such as cancer or heart failure, this is a common occurrence.
Key Points:
- Cancer Patients: According to the study on cancer patients, decreased urine output is one of the clinical signs observed as death approaches.
- Heart Failure Patients: For patients with heart failure, diminished urine output can also indicate worsening condition as they near the end of life.
These changes occur because the body is conserving energy and resources as it prepares for the end of life. Other symptoms may accompany this, such as changes in breathing, decreased appetite, and increased sleepiness. Understanding these signs can help caregivers provide the best possible comfort and care during this time.
(References)
- Hui D, dos Santos R, Chisholm G, Bansal S, Silva TB, Kilgore K, et al. (2014). Clinical signs of impending death in cancer patients. The oncologist, 24760709.
- Kisaka T, Sada Y, Takeuchi N, Mizukawa M, Oda N, Kimura H, & Kihara Y. (2014). Option for an end-of-life heart failure patient receiving .... Journal of cardiology cases, 30534301.
- Puente-Fernández D, Campos-Calderón CP, -Burgos AAE, Hueso-Montoro C, Roldán-López CB, & Montoya-Juárez R. (2020). Palliative Care Symptoms, Outcomes, and Interventions for .... International journal of environmental research and public health, 32106468.
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