For dying patients : artificial hydration, is it necessary or not?

Abstract EN

Eating and drinking are essential for life.

There are clinical situations that artificial hydration is necessary.

For dying patients artificial hydration looks useless and in many conditions could even be harmful (e.g.

pulmonary edema in hypoalbuminemic patients).

In our medical culture artificial hydration is a symbol of care to the patient and withholding it, is a very emotive issue, especially to the family.

Attention to autonomy, explanation about advantages and disadvantages of artificial hydration to the family and reassure them that the patient will be looked after and kept comfortable till the last seconds might be the solution of this ethical dilemma.