Certain Signs Suggest An Increased Risk Of Death: Here's Why

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston have identified what they believe are eight specific physical signs that strongly indicate death for someone dealing with the advanced stages of cancer.

"I think the bottom line is that our study identified several classical signs that can be observed by the bedside by doctors, nurses and even family caregivers, which may help them to determine with confidence that the patient has entered the final days of life," said lead study author Dr. David Hui who is also an assistant professor in the department of palliative care and rehabilitation medicine at the center, via Philly.com. 

First, the study authors monitored a list of physical changes that occurred prior to death among more than 350 advanced-stage cancer patients. All the participants were treated at one of two cancer centers in the United States and in Brazil.

As researchers studied the participants, certain signs seemed to stick out. During a twice-daily check in, they found that many who were near death had difficulties closing their eyes, focusing their eyes on certain things, a reduced ability to react to sounds and words, facial drooping and non-reactive pupils. Some also had vocal grunting and bleeding in the upper digestive tract.

Researchers also believe that these signs may apply to advanced cancer patients as well as non-cancer patients. However, the signs will also be different based on the individual. 

"It is important to point out that only a small proportion of patients may have each of the signs before death," said Hui, "although a majority would have at least one of the signs in the last three days of life. The presence of these signs strongly suggests that death will occur in the next three days. However, absence of these signs does not suggest that death will not occur."

While some signs seemed to be more common among various patients than others, researchers also noted that there will be certain exceptions to all cases, including cases of sudden death or intensive care unit patients who are hooked up by mechanical means.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Cancer. 

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