Expert reveals 'bedside test' to predict imminent end of life

Medical researchers have identified a simple bedside technique that may help clinicians predict if a patient is likely to pass away within 24 hours.

The method involves assessing the corneal reflex, which is the automatic blink response triggered when the surface of the eye is gently touched.

Loss of this reflex indicates worsening failure of the brainstem, the area controlling vital functions such as breathing.

Dr Jung Hun Kang, director of the hospice centre at Gyeongsang National University Hospital in South Korea, led the study. He noted that relatives frequently ask how much time remains.

"Family members often place great importance on being present at the moment of death," Dr Kang stated. "That often leads to difficult and urgent questions about how much time remains."

The study, published in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, involved 112 hospice patients with advanced cancer. Nurses approached from the side to avoid visual triggers, using a sterile cotton wisp to test the cornea.

Findings revealed that those with an absent reflex were five times more likely to die within the next day. Specifically, the 24-hour mortality rate for those with no reflex was 70.7 per cent.

David Hui, director of research at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, noted the results are comparable to other late signs of dying.

While the presence of the reflex does not rule out death, its absence provides a strong indicator for end-of-life care. This tool could allow for more peaceful and dignified final hours by giving families the clarity they need to be present.

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as professional advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition.