Intravenous to oral morphine dosing for cancer pain [Новость добавлена - 02.12.2009]

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio conducted a prospective, observational study to confirm the efficacy and safety of converting 106 inpatient cancer patients from intravenous to oral morphine at a ratio of one to three. Sixty-two patients were successfully switched and included in the analysis. The researchers considered the switch successful if the patient's pain was adequately controlled, they needed fewer than four rescue doses per 24 hours, and they experienced no limiting side effects. The team was able to successfully convert about 80% of the patients to oral morphine, following the 1:3 ratio, with the balance requiring an oral dose adjustment, up or down, to improve pain relief or limit side effects. The authors concluded that the 1:3, IV to oral relative milligram potency ratio appears correct and practical for most patients. http://pmj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/0269216309346595v1?papetoc