Eric J Roeland1, Christopher J Sera2, Joseph D Ma3. 1. Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA. 2. Moores Cancer Center, University of California (UC) San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. 3. Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0714, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0714, USA. joema@ucsd.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a distressing physical symptom for patients with cancer taking opioids. Total opioid consumption may contribute to developing worsening OIC-related symptoms. We completed a retrospective analysis examining the association of total daily opioid consumption on self-reported constipation in patients with cancer. METHODS: In over 5 clinic visits, we collected self-reported constipation scores and 24-h oral morphine equivalents (OME). We examined the association between OME and the presence of constipation (i.e., score > 3) and the relationship of OME between patients with or without constipation. RESULTS: Of 297 patients with cancer, we observed 57.8% with constipation and 42.4% without constipation at the first clinic visit. Age was similar in both groups (54.2 ± 14.5 vs. 56.4 ± 14.8 years [mean ± SD]) and the majority of patients were women (63.7% vs. 61.1%). The most common cancer type in patients with constipation was non-colorectal gastrointestinal (n = 25, 14.6%), while in patients without constipation was colorectal gastrointestinal (n = 25; 19.8%). Across visits, we observed weak or no association between OME and self-reported constipation (r = 0.01-0.27). At the first visit, higher mean OME was seen in patients who self-reported constipation (133.4 vs 76; p < 0.05). Age, sex, metastatic disease, and stimulant laxative use were not associated with constipation. CONCLUSIONS: We observed weak to no association between OME and constipation in patients with cancer. These results suggest a lack of a clear association between total opioid consumption and self-reported constipation.
PURPOSE: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a distressing physical symptom for patients with cancer taking opioids. Total opioid consumption may contribute to developing worsening OIC-related symptoms. We completed a retrospective analysis examining the association of total daily opioid consumption on self-reported constipation in patients with cancer. METHODS: In over 5 clinic visits, we collected self-reported constipation scores and 24-h oral morphine equivalents (OME). We examined the association between OME and the presence of constipation (i.e., score > 3) and the relationship of OME between patients with or without constipation. RESULTS: Of 297 patients with cancer, we observed 57.8% with constipation and 42.4% without constipation at the first clinic visit. Age was similar in both groups (54.2 ± 14.5 vs. 56.4 ± 14.8 years [mean ± SD]) and the majority of patients were women (63.7% vs. 61.1%). The most common cancer type in patients with constipation was non-colorectal gastrointestinal (n = 25, 14.6%), while in patients without constipation was colorectal gastrointestinal (n = 25; 19.8%). Across visits, we observed weak or no association between OME and self-reported constipation (r = 0.01-0.27). At the first visit, higher mean OME was seen in patients who self-reported constipation (133.4 vs 76; p < 0.05). Age, sex, metastatic disease, and stimulant laxative use were not associated with constipation. CONCLUSIONS: We observed weak to no association between OME and constipation in patients with cancer. These results suggest a lack of a clear association between total opioid consumption and self-reported constipation.
Authors: L Abramowitz; N Béziaud; L Labreze; V Giardina; C Caussé; B Chuberre; F A Allaert; S Perrot Journal: J Med Econ Date: 2013-10-25 Impact factor: 2.448
Authors: Elisabeth Cw Neefjes; Maurice Jdl van der Vorst; Manon Sa Boddaert; Wouter Wa Zuurmond; Hans J van der Vliet; Aart Beeker; Hendrik P van den Berg; Cornelis J van Groeningen; Suzan Vrijaldenhoven; Henk Mw Verheul Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2014-08-20 Impact factor: 3.234