[Major organ deficiencies in palliative care].

The development of one or more life-threatening deficiencies in the course of a serious disease progression is an indicator of the terminal stage. Management aims at relieving symptoms reported by the patient as being particularly painful, and not treating causes of such deficiencies. Repeated clinical examinations help to adapt treatments and care to ensure their adequacy to the situation. The patient's level of consciousness should be determined to assess their distress while preserving, wherever possible, their communication capacities. During agony, explanations are provided to families to support them in these moments, sometimes experienced as being distressing.