title: Continuous sc infusion of narcotics using a portable disposable device in patients with advanced cancer.
abstract: Fifty-six patients with chronic pain due to advanced cancer were treated with an sc infusion of morphone (34 patients) or hydromorphone (22 patients) using a portable disposable infusor. The infusion was maintained for 26 +/- 14 days. Twenty-five patients (45%) were discharged to the home for a mean period of 18 days (range, 2-138). The mean daily increase in dose was 2.6% +/- 1.4% of the initial dose. The sc site needed to be changed every 8 days (range, 2-31). Local toxicity consisted of infection in two patients (3%), chemical irritation in three (5%), and bleeding in one (2%). After 48 hours of treatment, 54 of 56 patients (96%) preferred the sc infusion to their previous parenteral treatment. We conclude that this is a safe and simple method for the administration of narcotics to inpatients and outpatients.
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D009020:Morphine; D004091:Hydromorphone