A review of intrathecal fentanyl and sufentanil for the treatment of chronic pain.

Intrathecal infusion of morphine using implantable pumps is an accepted practice for long-term management of chronic pain. Despite clinical benefit, development of tolerance and side-effects associated with intrathecal morphine has prompted investigators to explore alternative opioids such as the potent anilinopiperidine analogs, fentanyl, and sufentanil. Relevant preclinical and clinical literature from the MEDLINE database was used primarily for this review. In vitro, both compounds are stable in solution, but studies have not been conducted using implantable pumps under simulated use conditions (e.g., long-term stability at body temperature). Preclinical studies of limited duration have demonstrated efficacy, but safety-toxicology studies have been limited to intermittent boluses of sufentanil only. Few clinical reports on the use of intrathecal sufentanil or fentanyl for chronic pain are available. Although results confirm potency and efficacy with intrathecal administration, further studies are needed to support the long-term use of either opioid in chronic pain management.