title: [A new topically applied morphine gel for the pain treatment in patients with chronic leg ulcers: first results of a clinical investigation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The approach to patients with chronic leg ulcers should include not only an accurate diagnosis with appropriate therapy fort he underlying disease, but also the development of effective analgesia. To assess the analgesic effect of topical morphine, we developed a new morphine gel with polihexanide as a preservative for the local pain treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have studied 30 patients with painful chronic leg ulcers with an average age of 66 years. The respective pain intensity was assessed 24 hours after application of the morphine hydrogel and objectified with a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranged from 0 to 10.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All investigated patients had a pain intensity of at least 4 points before the topical application of the morphine gel; the average pain intensity was 7.8. After application of the morphine gel, a significant reduction of the average pain intensity was observed, with an average pain intensity of 4.5.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These first clinical results with the new morphine gel suggest that at least fort he first 24 hours it combines the advantages of a moist wound healing and a local pain treatment. This new development is certainly a promising therapeutic alternative for pain treatment in patients with chronic leg ulcers.
authors: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Deutschland.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Huptas
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Rompoti
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Herbig
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Körber
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Klode
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Schadendorf
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Dissemond
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005782:Gels; D009020:Morphine