Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Jan 2011
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialMethylnaltrexone for opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced illness: a 3-month open-label treatment extension study.
Methylnaltrexone is a methylated form of the mu-opioid antagonist naltrexone that blocks peripheral effects of opioids without affecting centrally mediated analgesia. The authors conducted a 3-month open-label extension trial of methylnaltrexone in patients with advanced illness and opioid-induced constipation (OIC). Following completion of a 2-week double-blind (DB) trial, 82 patients with OIC who did not respond to laxatives received subcutaneous (SC) methylnaltrexone as needed for up to 3 months. ⋯ There were minimal changes in pain scores and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Adverse events included abdominal pain and nausea, mostly mild or moderate in severity. SC methylnaltrexone administered PRN (as needed) for up to 3 months continued to rapidly induce laxation in advanced illness patients with OIC.
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Jan 2011
Multicenter StudyErrors in managing postsurgical pediatric pain in Mexico.
Postoperative pain is a subjective symptom that has been extensively studied in adults, but only minimally in children. In children, use of low analgesic doses and failure to document the pain and its management are common concerns. In newborns and infants pain is difficult to interpret. ⋯ Nurses and doctors in training did not have the skills needed to evaluate pain. The study revealed errors in pain management and fear among staff in using high doses of common analgesics. The study results document patterns of care in most Mexican hospitals today and indicate a need for pain management training for Mexican doctors and nurses.
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Jan 2004
Multicenter StudyKnowledge and attitudes in pain management: Hong Kong nurses' perspective.
Effective pain management requires accurate knowledge, attitudes and assessment skills. To determine the current knowledge level and attitudes of nurses in pain management, 1,604 registered nurses working in three different hospitals in Hong Kong were invited to participate in this study. The sample consisted of 601 registered nurses, 63 nursing officers, and 14 nursing specialists (N = 678). ⋯ There was statistical significant in educational preparation and clinical experiences with correct scores. The findings of our study support the concern of inadequate knowledge and attitudes in relation to pain management. Further intensive continuing education and staff development is highly indicated for nurses in Hong Kong.