lifesupport

Life support refers to medical interventions that maintain or restore essential physiological functions in patients whose organs have failed or are at imminent risk of failure. It covers a spectrum of technologies and therapies, from basic supportive measures to invasive devices, and is used in acute, critical, and specialized care settings.

Common forms of life support include respiratory support, such as airway management, mechanical ventilation, and supplemental oxygen; cardiovascular support with fluids, vasopressors, or inotropes, and, in some cases, circulatory assist devices; and renal support through dialysis. Nutritional support via enteral or parenteral feeding may also be considered when a patient cannot meet metabolic needs. Additional life-sustaining measures can involve temperature management, infection control, and monitoring to guide therapy.

Decisions about life support typically occur in hospital environments, especially intensive care units, and involve patients when possible, or their surrogates and healthcare teams. Advanced directives, goals of care discussions, and, when appropriate, do-not-resuscitate orders help guide whether to begin, continue, or withdraw life-sustaining treatments. Ethical considerations include weighing potential benefits against burdens, respecting patient autonomy, and considering quality of life and resource use.

Outcomes vary widely; life support can sustain life temporarily or bridge to recovery, but it may also prolong suffering or simply extend the dying process. When life support is no longer aligned with goals of care or is unlikely to improve outcome, clinicians may discuss withdrawal or withholding in conjunction with palliative care.