The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Managing chronic nonmalignant pain with continuous intrathecal morphine.
One alternative to traditional treatment modalities for chronic pain is continuous intrathecal administration of morphine via an implanted pump. However, relatively little is known about the benefits and long-term complications of this therapy for chronic nonmalignant pain. The purpose of this study was to describe patient responses to continuous intrathecal morphine over the course of one year with respect to morphine dosage used, complications and subjective assessments of pain. ⋯ A statistically nonsignificant increase in the mean daily dosage of morphine occurred and few long-term adverse effects were present. Complications of implantation occurred in 33.3% of the patients and were successfully managed without discontinuing therapy. In selected patients with chronic pain, intrathecal administration of morphine via an implanted pump can reduce pain with minimal long-term adverse effects or complications.