Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Morphine is the only opioid which has been clearly demonstrated as effective in the treatment of dyspnea. The role of other opioids has not been sufficiently substantiated. OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: This is a randomized, double-blind crossover clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of OTFC in dyspnea on exertion after the completion of a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). All patients were attended in 2011 by the Palliative Care Supportive Team from Badajoz. In visit 1, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 treatment groups. In visit 2, the patients who had been receiving the investigational product were given placebos and vice versa. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were recruited (26 6MWT), with a mean age of 65 years. Of the patients, 11 (76%)were males and lung cancer was the most frequently represented etiology. The patients were classified into 3e categories: better response in the first period, the same response in both the periods, and better response in the second period. No differences between the treatments were demonstrated (P: 1). There were no differences in changes in oxygen saturation (P: .7541) nor in the distance walked in the different sequences (P: .6550). No significant differences were found in relation to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, either before or after the 6MWT (P: .1234). No secondary effects associated with the medication were observed. CONCLUSION: It could not be demonstrated that the OTFC improved exertion dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer. A placebo effect was observed in all the patients.
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Authors | Miguel Ángel Cuervo Pinna, Eduardo Bruera, María José Redondo Moralo, Miguel Ángel Sánchez Correas, Rafael Mota Vargas |
Journal | The American journal of hospice & palliative care
(Am J Hosp Palliat Care)
Vol. 32
Issue 3
Pg. 298-304
(May 2015)
ISSN: 1938-2715 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 24259406
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Copyright | © The Author(s) 2013. |
Chemical References |
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Fentanyl
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Topics |
- Aged
- Analgesics, Opioid
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Dyspnea
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Female
- Fentanyl
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neoplasms
(complications)
- Oral Mucosal Absorption
- Pain
(etiology)
- Physical Exertion
(drug effects)
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