[Laxative use and efficacy in palliative care of patients with cancer pain and morphine therapy. A retrospective study with special regard to polyethylene glycol].
OBJECTIVE
Goal of this study was the assessment of the frequency of constipation in patients of palliative care medicine and the efficacy of the use of laxatives.


METHODS
In a retrospective study the computerized data of 206 patients were analysed by descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
Constipation occurred in 42.7% of patients. Constipation appeared in 34% of 159 patients, who were treated with morphine. There was no correlation to gastrointestinal tumors. Laxatives were given to 74.3% of patients. Laxative use was uncomplicated in 78.4%. For therapy of constipation combined administration of polyethylene glycol, sodium picosulphate and paraffin was most effective.


CONCLUSIONS
In palliative care patients the use of polyethylene glycol is recommended for treating morphine-related-constipation.
Wirz
S
S
Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und spezielle Intensivmedizin, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. s.wirz@web.de
Klaschik
E
E
D000368:Aged; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D010166:Palliative Care; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002400:Cathartics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols