ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Limitations of life-sustaining therapies in South Africa
Authors' conclusion
Withholding was more common than withdrawing treatment both in SA and worldwide, although both were significantly less frequent in SA compared with the world average.
Study context
- Population
- ICU patients with limitations of life sustaining therapies (LLST) or end-of-life (EOL) care
- Comparison
- LLST practices in South Africa (SA) vs rest of the world
Methodological detailsinternational, multicentre
- International
- Multicentre
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
LLST practices
- LLST relatively common in SA; withholding more frequent than withdrawing
- Withdrawing and withholding less common, failed CPR more common in SA than in many other countries
Further findings
Advance directives in SA
- No patients had an advance directive
Primary reasons for LLST in SA
- Poor quality of life, multisystem organ failure and unresponsiveness to maximal therapy
Primary considerations for EOL decision-making
- Good medical practice and patients' best-interest; need for an ICU bed only rarely considered
Original publication
Limitations of life-sustaining therapies in South Africa. J Crit Care. Published 29 March 2024. doi:10.
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