title: [Observational and cross-sectional study of prevalence and severity of the opioid-induced bowel dysfunction].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the prevalence and severity of the opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epidemiological, observational and cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six Spanish centers participated.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 317 outpatients with a diagnosis of cancer pain or non-cancer pain treated with a unique opioid were recruited.
  
  
  METHODS
  The prevalence of OBD symptoms was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS: 0-100), and constipation was also assessed by the Bowel Function Index (BFI). The treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms was recorded, and the frequency of symptoms between different opioid treatments was compared. Finally, quality of life was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of OBD with at least one gastrointestinal disorder was 94.6%, with constipation being the most frequent symptom (BFI: 91.6%; VAS: 90.2%) and nearly half of the patients showed three or more symptoms with a VAS ≥ 4. No significant differences were detected in the prevalence of symptoms between the opioid groups. A decrease in the wellbeing of patients was detected related to moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high rate of gastrointestinal disorders probably related to OBD have been confirmed in patients on opioid therapy, highlighting the need for new drug strategies.
authors: Unidad de Dolor, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España. Electronic address: rafaelgalvez@hotmail.com.
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Gálvez
authors: Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España.
authors: Mariano
authors: M
authors: Provencio
authors: Servicio de Oncología Médica, Complejo Hospitalario Regional Carlos Haya, Málaga, España.
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Cobo
authors: Unidad de Dolor, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Pérez
authors: Unidad de Dolor, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, España.
authors: Concha
authors: C
authors: Pérez
authors: Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Lleida, España.
authors: Jaume
authors: J
authors: Canal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid
keywords: Abdominal pain; Analgesics; Analgésicos; Constipation; Dolor abdominal; Estreñimiento; Opioides; Opioids; Prevalence; Prevalencia