Antibiotics at End of Life: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background Antibiotics are frequently prescribed at the end of life, though the benefits and harms are not well understood. Methods We abstracted relevant findings from articles published in English in the past 25 years to answer questions generated by discussion among the authors and with stakeholders in Palliative Care and Infectious Diseases. Findings Prescribing practices vary based on individual situation and geographic location. Patients with cancer and those hospitalized receive more antibiotics than those enrolled in outpatient hospice. Urinary tract infections and pulmonary infections are the most common conditions treated with antibiotics at the end of life -most often with penicillin derivatives and vancomycin in the hospital, fluoroquinolones in outpatient, and cephalosporins in both settings. When asked, patients most often prefer limiting antibiotics to symptom management at the end of life. Physicians’ over-estimation of patient preference for antibiotics and the increased probability of misdiagnosis increases antibiotic prescription rates. Antibiotics can improve symptoms when used for specific diseases at the cost of drug reactions, resistant organisms, and delayed discharge. Antibiotic use has variable results on survival duration. Antimicrobial stewardship exists in hospital and long-term care facilities, but not outpatient hospice groups. Stewardship interventions could increase proper use of antibiotics, but more information is needed to apply these interventions to hospice groups. Conclusions Antibiotics at the end of life are impactful and efforts to educate patients and providers will be invaluable in optimizing care.