[Fentanyl-TTS in the treatment of pain caused by arthrosis].
OBJECTIVE
Efficacy and tolerability of analgesic treatment with fentanyl-TTS (Durogesic) for pain caused by arthrosis was investigated.


METHODS
Treatment with fentanyl-TTS was started for the first time in patients with severe pain caused by coxarthrosis and/or gonarthrosis and was prospectively documented for 30 days. Pain was assessed by the patient with an 11-step numerical analogue scale and by the physician with 5 questions (5-step scale) adapted from the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).


RESULTS
A total of 243 patients (166 women, 77 men) with a mean age of 67 years (range 28 - 94) was treated. In the patient's rating, pain at rest as well as in motion decreased significantly from 6.4 +/- 2.1 to 2.9 +/- 2.0 and from 8.1 +/- 1.5 to 4.2 +/- 21, respectively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The sum score for the 5 questions with a detailed pain assessment by the physician decreased from 18.8 +/- 3.2 to 11.2 +/- 42 (p < 0.001). A significant pain reduction was also observed for each of the 5 single questions. At the end of observation the proportions of patients with no pain or impairment under different conditions were 5 % (climbing stairs), 14 % (walking), 26 % (standing), 33 % (lying/sitting), and 44 % (sleeping). The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, obstipation, and dizziness. Treatment with fentanyl-TTS was usually well-tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe pain caused by arthrosis can be well treated with fentanyl-TTS with a favourable safety profile.
Theodoridis
T
T
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, St.-Josef-Hospital/Orthopädie, Bochum.
Waap
I
I
Schwalen
S
S
Krämer
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005283:Fentanyl
Fentanyl-TTS bei Arthrose bedingten Schmerzen.