Hydratation artificielle chez les patients en fin de vie

The decrease in oral fluid intake in patients with cancer or other chronic illness who are at the end of their life is a very common phenomenon and can be an important source of anxiety for the patient, family or caregivers. Once all possible measures to improve oral intake have been tried often raises the question of introducing an artificial hydration. Some consider hydration as a treatment that can be stopped in the same way as another, while others believe that hydration is a fundamental need to be maintained at all times. The various arguments involved in the decision whether to introduce a hydration at end of life are discussed.