Table 8

Factors associated with suggested limitation of care orders, multivariable analyses

Multivariable analyses

Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI)

P value

Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI)

P value

Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI)

P value

70 years old

(versus 50 years old)

2.90

(1.55 – 5.44)

0.0009

1.90

(0.98 to 3.68)

0.0589

1.87

(0.95 to 3.66)

0.0685

Stage IIA NSCLC

(versus no cancer)

7.12

(3.75 – 13.52)

<0.0001

5.70

(2.97 to 10.93)

<0.0001

5.84

(3.05 to 11.20)

<0.0001

BMI 40 kg/m²

(versus 22 kg/m²)

1.18

(0.78 – 1.79)

0.4274

1.02

(0.66 to 1.57)

0.9375

1.01

(0.65 to 1.56)

0.9694

Baseline predicted hospital mortality (per 10% increase)

1.30

(1.10 to 1.54)

0.0019

1.29

(1.09 to 1.53)

0.0027

Predicted problems with self-care at six months (per 10% increase)

1.26

(1.12 to 1.41)

<0.0001

1.26

(1.12 to 1.42)

0.0002

Overweight or obese respondent BMI

0.53

(0.29 to 0.96)

0.0345

Limitations of care included suggesting a 'do not resuscitate' order, that there be no further escalation of care (e.g., no addition of vasopressors), and/or termination of supportive care with appropriate 'comfort care' measures. Mortality predictions were estimated prior to any additional chosen care, including limitation of care orders. Respondents were asked to predict the ability to perform self-care (wash and dress oneself) in six months, assuming survival. Multivariable estimates included all variables with displayed estimates in that column. All analyses accounted for non-independence of responses due to respondents completing multiple vignettes.

BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; NSCLC = non-small cell lung carcinoma.

O'Brien et al. Critical Care 2009 13:R96   doi:10.1186/cc7926