Abstract
The purpose of the study was to obtain information about patients experiencing any form of limitation of therapy (withdrawal -WD, or withholding -WH of therapy) and the way it is performed on the ICU. 78 ICUs in the Czech Republic took part in the survey. 32 (41 %) of them were university-based, 39 (44 %) were based in regional hospitals. 56 of the ICUs were run by anaesthesiologists and 22 by other spe-cialties. The study documented the current techniques ušed in EOLD on ICUs in the Czech Republic.
Withholding of therapy is generally preferred to withdrawal. The most frequently withdrawn therapeutic measures are haemodialysis and administration of catecholamines.
Analgesia and sedation, nutrition, antibiotics and ventilátory support are usually maintained. Termination of ventilátory support is rarely ušed.