Dyspnea assessment profiles in palliative care

Background: dyspnea is a symptom that is difficult to assess because it transcends its respiratory origin to show a multidimensional profile. Objective: to define the different profiles and related variables in the assessment of dyspnea in palliative care. Methods: we performed a Medline-based search of clinical trials related to the management of dyspnea in palliative care patients. We identified variables included for dyspnea assessment, which were grouped according to common profiles. Results: we identified 50 criteria for the evaluation of dyspnea that were grouped into four categories according to their profile: scales and questionnaires, respiratory function, ability to perform, and other characteristics. Scales and questionnaires include both numeric and categorical scales, questionnaires, and complex indicators. Measures of respiratory function include vital signs, lung function, arterial gasometry, and data from the physical exam. Ability to perform includes specific scales, performance status, adaptation effort, and trial effort. Finally, other characteristics are other personal areas that can be influenced by dyspnea and breakthrough dyspnea episodes. Conclusion: the evaluation of dyspnea may include diverse profiles. This diversity makes it difficult to use homogeneous criteria.