Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-9 | Issue-07 | 402-408
Original Research Article
A Retrospective Study on Opioid Therapy to Manage Pain in Cancer in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Vivian Dsouza, Angel Mary Thomas, Desna P.S, Naveen Kumar Panicker, C. S. Madhu
Published : July 5, 2023
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most leading causes of mortality in the general population. Most cancers are accompanied with pain. Pain management in cancer is just as important as treatment of cancer for better quality of life for the patient. The primary objective of the study includes the role of opioids in managing cancer pain and also check for dose titrations, ADRs of opioids and its management and the role of Co-Analgesics used in Cancer Pain Management. A retrospective, observational study of 5 years from 1st June 2016 to 31st May 2021. The study was conducted in the Oncology department of Lourde’s hospital, Kochi which is a tertiary care teaching hospital.98 patients admitted in the oncology department who were taking opioids for their cancer pain management and who were included based on the inclusion criteria .The patient’s pain scores were obtained and statistical analysis was done, which showed p < 0.001, there is a significant difference existing between pain among cancer patients before and after taking opioids. This proves that there is a significant reduction in pain after taking opioids. All patients received adequate dose titration (100%) and the main ADR recorded was constipation [22.4%]. Also the use of co-analgesics significantly plays a role in mitigating the pain intensity in patients with cancer. The study found that the use of opioids as analgesic medication for cancer patients is the cornerstone for cancer pain management because of the effectiveness of opioids in mitigating pain.