Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · Apr 2010
Opioid-induced bowel disorders and narcotic bowel syndrome in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.
Opioids are used increasingly in the management of moderate-to-severe chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Opioid-induced bowel disorders (OBD) markedly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and frequently limit medically indicated opioid pharmacotherapy. We assessed the risk factors, and effect of OBD on HRQoL in CNCP patients. We also estimated the likely prevalence of narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS). These effects have been reported in cancer patients but not in CNCP previously. ⋯ Bowel disorders including chronic abdominal pain and NBS are common in patients taking opioids for CNCP. Decreased HRQoL in patients with CNCP is driven by chronic abdominal pain.