Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Jun 2017
Ischemic Ulcer Pain Is Both Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain Based on a Discriminant Function Analysis Using the McGill Pain Questionnaire.
The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) is composed of 78 words reflecting the mechanisms underlying chronic pain conditions. Ischemic ulcer pain is generally regarded as a nociceptive and inflammatory pain condition. However, it is sometimes refractory to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and opioid treatment. ⋯ On the basis of this function, 9 of the 18 ischemic pain patients' complaints were classified as NeP. Ten patients received revascularization and after revascularization, 7 of 10 patients' complaints were still NeP. Our results suggest that ischemic ulcer pain should be regarded as a mixed pain condition composed of both NocP and NeP and that it might be treated with medications for NeP (e.g., pregabalin, duloxetine) in combination with NSAIDs and opioids.
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Mar 2017
ReviewA Review of Agents for Palliative Sedation/Continuous Deep Sedation: Pharmacology and Practical Applications.
Continuous deep sedation at the end of life is a specific form of palliative sedation requiring a care plan that essentially places and maintains the patient in an unresponsive state because their symptoms are refractory to any other interventions. Because this application is uncommon, many providers may lack practical experience in this specialized area and resources they can access are outdated, nonspecific, and/or not comprehensive. ⋯ Parameters applied in end-of-life care that are based on experience and a thorough understanding of the pharmacology of those medications will differ from those applied in an intensive care unit or other medical environments. By recognizing these different goals and applying well-founded regimens geared specifically for end-of-life sedation, we can address our patients' symptoms in a more timely and efficacious manner.
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J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother · Mar 2017
Case ReportsNebulized Fentanyl for Dyspnea in a Hospice Patient with True Allergy to Morphine and Hydromorphone.
An 86-year-old white female was admitted to hospice care with lung cancer. Even with optimal medical management, she suffered from dyspnea and required opioid therapy. However, the patient had a true morphine and hydromorphone allergy. She was administered nebulized fentanyl for symptomatic relief of dyspnea with good effect and she did not experience any allergic response.