[Individual aspects of the quality of life of patients with chronic pain. Observational study of treatment with fentanyl-TTS].
OBJECTIVE
The success of effective pain treatment can best be established on the basis of a multidimensional assessment of the patient's quality of life. Within the framework of a prospective multicentre observational study, patients suffering from chronic pain were investigated for impairment of quality of life in regard to 32 different activities. The phase prior to and during treatment with fentanyl-TTS were compared. A total of 6677 patients were included in the study. The source of the pain was, forthe most part, non-tumor-related diseases. Some 64% of the patients were dissatisfied with their prior medication. The analgesics included nonopioid substances and both weak and strong opioids. 18% of the patients had received no prior opioid medication.


RESULTS
During the two-month period under observation, pain intensity decreased from an average of 7.6 +/- 1.3 to 3.1 +/- 1.6 on the visual analog scale. With regard to quality of life, more than 80% of the patients experienced an appreciable improvement. Pain reduction was particularly common in patients with pain associated with the locomotor system, where an improvement in particular in walking, mobility or driving ability and good pain control was reported. In the area of sexuality, too, a significant improvement in quality of life was to be seen. Tolerability was good.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic pain can be effectively treated with fentanyl-TTS, which has a very favorable side effect profile. The reduction in pain led to an appreciable improvement in quality of life in all the areas reported bythe patients.
Zimmermann
M
M
Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt.
Waap
I
I
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl