Läkartidningen
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The incidence of AML in Sweden is 5.4/100,000, i.e. 300 persons a year. About 70% of the patients die from their disease. In a retrospective study of medical journals of 106 patients with AML, who had died 1995-1997 in five selected hospitals in Sweden, the last week in life was studied. ⋯ The cause of death, the place of death, the type of care and clinical problems and symptoms were registered. We found bleeding (44%), infection (71%), pain (76%) and respiratory (59%) and psychological (64%) problems. Next of kin were often present and during the last week in life 3/4 of the patients had palliative care focusing on symptom relief and quality of life for the patients and his/her family.