Cancer
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From February 1985 until January 1987, 108 consecutive patients with pain due to advanced cancer requiring parenteral narcotics were treated with a subcutaneous infusion of morphine (62 patients) or hydromorphone (46 patients). Mean maximal daily dose of morphine and hydromorphone was 305 mg (range, 80-3000 mg) and 310 mg (range, 40-4024 mg), respectively. The infusion was maintained for a mean of 31 +/- 16 days (range, 2-156). ⋯ Local toxicity consisted in infection in two patients, bleeding in one, and chemical irritation in six. Cost analysis shows that subcutaneous infusion reduced costs by either allowing home discharges, or replacing intravenous infusion. The authors conclude that this method is safe and effective in patients admitted and at home, and should be considered the first choice when parenteral analgesia is required.