[Continuous intrathecal analgesia in terminal cancer patients within transmural health care].
OBJECTIVE
To record the daily morphine doses, the influence of the treatment on quality of life and the incidence of side-effects and complications of continuous intrathecal morphine administration.


METHODS
Academic Hospital, Free University, Amsterdam.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
Forty terminal patients with intractable cancer pain, who had either insufficient pain relief or severe side effects from systemic analgesics were selected for continuous intrathecal administration of morphine. An intrathecal catheter was implanted, tunnelled and connected with a portable infusion pump delivering morphine constantly and if needed on demand. In a pain diary the patients recorded: the number of daily doses of morphine, concomitant medication, pain scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS), extra doses and activities.


RESULTS
The total number of catheter days was 1486. Patients were treated for a mean of 37.2 (range 2-183) days. The mean dose of daily administered morphine was in 30 patients (75%) less than 20 mg. Sufficient pain relief (VAS score < 5) was achieved in 37 patients (92.5%). Three patients had pain due to spinal cord compression, hardly responding to intrathecal morphine. Withdrawal symptoms, post-puncture headache and leakage of fluid could been treated conservatively. The catheter was removed inadvertently 6 times and could be replaced on outpatient basis. Meningitis occurred in 2 patients, who were adequately treated with antibiotics. The catheter could be re-inserted within 10 days.


CONCLUSIONS
In terminally ill cancer patients, the continuous intrathecal administration of morphine may be recommended if conventional pain relief fails.
Wagemans
M F
MF
Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, afd. Anesthesiologie, Amsterdam.
Spoelder
E M
EM
Zuurmond
W W
WW
de Lange
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies
D009020:Morphine