Optimal treatment of opioid induced constipation in daily clinical practice - an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioids are prescribed in over 40% of patients with advanced cancer, but side effects occur frequently. In this study we evaluated the development and treatment of opioid induced constipation (OIC), and OIC resolving effect of methylnaltrexone for different opioid subtypes in daily clinical practice.

Methods

Patients with cancer using opioids were included in a retrospective chart analysis. Baseline characteristics, data on opioid use, laxative use, and OIC were collected. Patients with OIC who were prescribed methylnaltrexone, were included in a prospective observational trial (NCT01955213).

Results

Thirty-nine of 327 patients (pts) with cancer who were treated with opioids suffered from OIC (overall prevalence 12%; 95%-CI: 8-15%). The prevalence of OIC wa

SUBMITTER: Neefjes ECW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6439982 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature