A retrospective analysis of high-dose opioids analgesics management for cancer pain.

Objective:To observe the effective and safe of high-dose opioid analgesics in Chinese patients with cancer pain.Methods:To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 21 patients who received high-dose opioids analgesics(oral morphine equivalent dose≥300mg/d) for severe cancer pain relief from January 2005 to February 2009.To collected data regarding medical diagnosis,opioid analgesics titration,opioid analgesics dosage,and survival time as associated with opioid analgesics,and the side-effect of opioid analgesics.Results:Of 21 patients,there were 16 with gastroenteric tumor,14 with bone metastasis,8 with retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis,14 with somatic pain,9 with neuropathic pain,and 9 with visceralgia.Seventeen patients needed opioid rotation for pain relief or adverse effects decrease.The time to maximum dose of opioids analgesics were 4 days to 378 days(Median 92 days).The duration of high-dose opioids analgesics were in range of 12 days to 255 days(median,61days).The maximum dose of opioids analgesics were 330-1 200mg/day(median,450mg/day).The survival time after cancer pain were 1-45 months(median,11 months).There weren't life-threatening side-effects.Conclusion:The use of high-dose opioids analgesics proved safe and effectiveness for Chinese patients with severe cancer pain.