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Ingham G, Urban K, Phyo Y, Hunt J, Tuffin P, Seah D. Use of Dexamethasone for Severe Fatigue in the Advanced Cancer Population: A Brief Report. Palliat Med Rep 2024; 5:116-121. [PMID: 38560745 PMCID: PMC10979672 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom for palliative care patients. Although the current literature emphasizes nonpharmacological management, dexamethasone is reportedly used in clinical practice. This study helps to characterize its use, efficacy, and adverse effects in a real-world setting. Objective To improve the evidence base by exploring the use, efficacy, and side effect profile of dexamethasone for fatigue management. Methods This international multisite prospective observational case series assessed the benefit and adverse effects of dexamethasone at baseline (T0) and at five to seven days postbaseline (T1). Fatigue scores were assessed using the symptom assessment scale (SAS) and visual analogue fatigue scale (VAFS). Adverse events were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE). The related samples Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare before and after scores. Results All 18 patients (male-female, 11:7) had advanced metastatic cancer with most in the deteriorating palliative care phase (56%). The most common dose of dexamethasone was 4 mg daily orally. At T1 (n = 12), improvement was seen in all measures of fatigue; the median SAS scores decreased from 7 to 5.5 (p = 0.007), the median VAFS scores increased from 3 to 5 (p = 0.126), and the median NCI-CTCAE fatigue scores were reduced from 3 to 2.5 (p = 0.18). Dexamethasone was well tolerated; one participant experienced grade 3 delirium. Conclusion The small number of participants recruited for this study suggests that dexamethasone is not widely used specifically for fatigue. Our results suggest an improvement in fatigue scores from T0 to T1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Ingham
- Department of Palliative Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kat Urban
- Department of Palliative Care, Lismore Base Hospital, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yinyin Phyo
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Hunt
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Penelope Tuffin
- Palliative Care Program, Pharmacist WA Country Health Service, Western Australia
- Pharmacy and Palliative Care Departments, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
- Palliative Care Unit, Bethesda Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Davinia Seah
- Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care Through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Supportive and Palliative Care, Sacred Heart Health Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Drake R, Prael G, Phyo Y, Chang S, Hunt J, Herbert A, Mott C, Hynson J, Phillips M, Cossich M, Mherekumombe M, Kim MS, Chong PH, Abitz M, Bernada M, Avery M, Doogue M, Rowett D, Currow D. Gabapentin for Pain in Pediatric Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:212-222.e1. [PMID: 38036114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gabapentin is commonly used to treat pain in children receiving pediatric palliative care. This study describes the real-world use of gabapentin and the associated benefits and adverse effects/events (AEs). METHODS A prospective, multicenter cohort of standardized data collection after a clinical decision was made to use gabapentin for managing neuropathic or nociplastic pain in children attended on by a pediatric palliative care service. It was conducted across 11 sites in seven countries including hospital, inpatient, and outpatient services. Clinical outcomes were graded using pain scales validated for age and cognitive ability and the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCICTCAE) at baseline, 14 days, 28 days, six weeks and 12 weeks after initiation of gabapentin. Ad-hoc safety reporting continued throughout the study. RESULTS Data were collected from 127 children with a median age of 4.7 years (IQR 0.1-17.9); 61% had a neurological disorder, 21% advanced cancer and the cohort had a high level of disability (Lansky/Karnofsky performance score 37.1). Gabapentin was prescribed at standard pediatric doses. On average, 76% of children had a reduction in pain and 42% experienced a potential AE. The mean pain score decreased from 6.0 (SD 2.6) at baseline to 3.3 (SD 2.4) at 14 days and 1.8 (SD 1.8) after 12-weeks of gabapentin therapy. Ten percent had increased pain at each time point. AEs did not increase when individual changes over time were accounted for except for somnolence (7%). Serious AEs attributable to gabapentin were possible or probable in 3% of children. CONCLUSIONS Gabapentin prescribed at standard doses for advanced cancer and severe neurological injury in children under a pediatric palliative care service was associated with generally improved pain intensity at previously described levels of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Drake
- Starship Children's Health (R.D.), Auckland, New Zealand; University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia.
| | - Grace Prael
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia
| | - Yinyin Phyo
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia
| | - Sungwon Chang
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Hunt
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Herbert
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia; Centre for Children's Health Research (A.H.), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christine Mott
- Queensland Children's Hospital (C.M.), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jenny Hynson
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (J.H.), Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mary Cossich
- Women's & Children's Hospital Adelaide (M.C.), Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Min Sun Kim
- Seoul National University Hospital (M.S.K.), Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Maja Abitz
- PABU, Copenhagen University Hospital (M.A.), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Matt Doogue
- University of Otago (M.D.), Christchurch, NZ
| | - Debra Rowett
- Drug & Therapeutics Information Service (D.R.), Adelaide, Australia; University of South Australia (D.R.), Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Currow
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (R.D., G.P., Y.P., S.C., J.H., A.H., D.C.), Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Sydney, Australia; University of Wollongong (D.C.), Sydney, Australia
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Lee J, Currow D, Lovell M, Phillips JL, McLachlan A, Ritchie M, Brown L, Fazekas B, Aggarwal R, Seah D, Sheehan C, Chye R, Noble B, McCaffrey N, Aggarwal G, George R, Kow M, Ayoub C, Linton A, Sanderson C, Mittal D, Rao A, Prael G, Urban K, Vandersman P, Agar M. Lidocaine for Neuropathic Cancer Pain (LiCPain): study protocol for a mixed-methods pilot study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066125. [PMID: 36810169 PMCID: PMC9945039 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many patients experience unrelieved neuropathic cancer-related pain. Most current analgesic therapies have psychoactive side effects, lack efficacy data for this indication and have potential medication-related harms. The local anaesthetic lidocaine (lignocaine) has the potential to help manage neuropathic cancer-related pain when administered as an extended, continuous subcutaneous infusion. Data support lidocaine as a promising, safe agent in this setting, warranting further evaluation in robust, randomised controlled trials. This protocol describes the design of a pilot study to evaluate this intervention and explains the pharmacokinetic, efficacy and adverse effects evidence informing the design. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A mixed-methods pilot study will determine the feasibility of an international first, definitive phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an extended continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine for neuropathic cancer-related pain. This study will comprise: a phase II double-blind randomised controlled parallel-group pilot of subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine hydrochloride 10% w/v (3000 mg/30 mL) or placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%) over 72 hours for neuropathic cancer-related pain, a pharmacokinetic substudy and a qualitative substudy of patients' and carers' experiences. The pilot study will provide important safety data and help inform the methodology of a definitive trial, including testing proposed recruitment strategy, randomisation, outcome measures and patients' acceptability of the methodology, as well as providing a signal of whether this area should be further investigated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Participant safety is paramount and standardised assessments for adverse effects are built into the trial protocol. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. This study will be considered suitable to progress to a phase III study if there is a completion rate where the CI includes 80% and excludes 60%. The protocol and Patient Information and Consent Form have been approved by Sydney Local Health District (Concord) Human Research Ethics Committee 2019/ETH07984 and University of Technology Sydney ETH17-1820. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ANZCTR ACTRN12617000747325.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lee
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
- Concord Centre for Palliative Care, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Currow
- University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Lovell
- Greenwich Palliative and Supportive Care Services, HammondCare, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Megan Ritchie
- Concord Centre for Palliative Care, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda Brown
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda Fazekas
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rajesh Aggarwal
- Palliative Care, Bankstown Hospital, Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Davinia Seah
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Health Australia Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caitlin Sheehan
- Palliative Care, Calvary Health Care, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard Chye
- Palliative Care, St Vincent's Health Australia Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Beverly Noble
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nikki McCaffrey
- Deakin Health Economics, Deakin University School of Health and Social Development, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ghauri Aggarwal
- Concord Centre for Palliative Care, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel George
- Pharmacy, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marian Kow
- Pharmacy, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chadi Ayoub
- Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Anthony Linton
- Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Dipti Mittal
- Concord Centre for Palliative Care, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Rao
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
- Palliative Care, Calvary Health Care, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Grace Prael
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katalin Urban
- Palliative Care, Northern New South Wales Local Health Network, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Priyanka Vandersman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care Death & Dying, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
- Palliative Care, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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Seah DS, Wilcock A, Chang S, Sousa MS, Sinnarajah A, Teoh CO, Allan S, Chye R, Doogue M, Hunt J, Agar M, Currow DC. Paracentesis for cancer-related ascites in palliative care: An international, prospective cohort study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1408-1417. [PMID: 36113139 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221122326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracentesis is commonly undertaken in patients with cancer-related ascites. AIM To systematically investigate the symptomatic benefits and harms experienced by patients with cancer undergoing paracentesis using real-world data in the palliative care setting. DESIGN Prospective, multisite, observational, consecutive cohort study. Benefits and harms of paracentesis were assessed between 01/07/2018 and 31/02/2021 as part of routine clinical assessments by treating clinicians at four timepoints: (T0) before paracentesis; (T1) once drainage ceased; (T2) 24 h after T1 and (T3) 28 days after T1 or next paracentesis, if sooner. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Data were collected from 11 participating sites across five countries (Australia, England, Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand) on 111 patients undergoing paracentesis via a temporary (73%) or indwelling (21%) catheter: 51% male, median age 69 years, Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Score 50. RESULTS At T1 (n = 100), symptoms had improved for most patients (81%), specifically abdominal distension (61%), abdominal pain (49%) and nausea (27%), with two-thirds experiencing improvement in ⩾2 symptoms. In the remaining patients, symptoms were unchanged (7%) or worse (12%). At least one harm occurred in 32% of patients, the most common being an ascitic leak (n = 14). By T3, 89% of patients had experienced some benefit and 36% some harm, including four patients who experienced serious harm, one of which was a fatal bowel perforation. CONCLUSION Most patients obtained rapid benefits from paracentesis. Harms were less frequent and generally mild, but occasionally serious and fatal. Our findings help inform clinician-patient discussions about the potential outcomes of paracentesis in this frail population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Se Seah
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sacred Heart Health Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Wilcock
- Hayward House Specialist Palliative Care Unit, School of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England
| | - Sungwon Chang
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mariana S Sousa
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aynharan Sinnarajah
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Richard Chye
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sacred Heart Health Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Doogue
- University of Otago - Christchurch & Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jane Hunt
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Clark K, Byrne PG, Hunt J, Brown L, Rowett D, Watts G, Lovell M, Currow DC. Pharmacovigilance in Hospice/Palliative Care: De-Prescribing Combination Controlled Release Oxycodone-Naloxone. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:656-661. [PMID: 31904310 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacovigilance studies in hospice/palliative care provide extra information to improve medication safety. Combination controlled release oxycodone-naloxone offers an alternative opioid with less risk of opioid-induced constipation. Objective: To examine why palliative care clinicians chose to cease oxycodone-naloxone and to explore immediate and short-term benefits and harms of this medication change. Design: A consecutive cohort study. Setting: 112 adults from 13 palliative care centers. Measurements: Reasons for ceasing medication and the harms and benefits that followed this 24 and 72 hours later. Symptom burdens were summarised by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Toxicity Gradings. Results: Combination medication was most commonly ceased because of poor pain control or impaired hepatic function. The last median oral morphine equivalent oxycodone dose before the switch was 45 mg (range 7.5-240 mg) with 76 switched to an alternative long-acting opioid (initial median oral morphine equivalent dose being 45 mg [range 5-210 mg]). Subgroup analysis of those switched because of clinicians' concerns about hepatic dysfunction demonstrated this group were receiving significantly lower opioid doses pre-cessation compared to those switched because of other reasons( p = 0.007). Regardless of why the medication was changed, improvements in pain and constipation scores were seen, the latter associated with an attendant increase in laxatives. Conclusions: This preliminary work suggests that despite theoretical concerns regarding the effect of the naloxone on opioid doses, most people were switched safely to very similar opioid doses with attendant improvements in pain control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Clark
- Department of Palliative Care, Northern Sydney Local Health District Cancer and Palliative Care Network, St. Leonards, Australia.,Health Sciences, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul G Byrne
- Health Sciences, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Hunt
- School of Medicine and Public Health, IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda Brown
- School of Medicine and Public Health, IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Debra Rowett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gareth Watts
- The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Melanie Lovell
- Health Sciences, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- School of Medicine and Public Health, IMPACCT (Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation), University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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Digges M, Hussein A, Wilcock A, Crawford GB, Boland JW, Agar MR, Sinnarajah A, Currow DC, Johnson MJ. Pharmacovigilance in Hospice/Palliative Care: Net Effect of Haloperidol for Nausea or Vomiting. J Palliat Med 2017; 21:37-43. [PMID: 28772094 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haloperidol is widely prescribed as an antiemetic in patients receiving palliative care, but there is limited evidence to support and refine its use. OBJECTIVE To explore the immediate and short-term net clinical effects of haloperidol when treating nausea and/or vomiting in palliative care patients. DESIGN A prospective, multicenter, consecutive case series. SETTING/SUBJECTS Twenty-two sites, five countries: consultative, ambulatory, and inpatient services. MEASUREMENTS When haloperidol was started in routine care as an antiemetic, data were collected at three time points: baseline; 48 hours (benefits); day seven (harms). Clinical effects were assessed using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE). RESULTS Data were collected (May 2014-March 2016) from 150 patients: 61% male; 86% with cancer; mean age 72 (standard deviation 11) years and median Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale 50 (range 10-90). At baseline, nausea was moderate (88; 62%) or severe (11; 8%); 145 patients reported vomiting, with a baseline NCI CTCAE vomiting score of 1.0. The median (range) dose of haloperidol was 1.5 mg/24 hours (0.5-5 mg/24 hours) given orally or parenterally. Five patients (3%) died before further data collection. At 48 hours, 114 patients (79%) had complete resolution of their nausea and vomiting, with greater benefit seen in the resolution of nausea than vomiting. At day seven, 37 (26%) patients had a total of 62 mild/moderate harms including constipation 25 (40%); dry mouth 13 (21%); and somnolence 12 (19%). CONCLUSIONS Haloperidol as an antiemetic provided rapid net clinical benefit with low-grade, short-term harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Digges
- 1 Discipline of Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Flinders University , Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Akram Hussein
- 1 Discipline of Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Flinders University , Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Wilcock
- 2 Hayward House Specialist Palliative Care Unit, School of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham , Nottingham, England
| | - Gregory B Crawford
- 3 Northern Adelaide Palliative Service , Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- 4 Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jason W Boland
- 5 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School , University of Hull, Hull, England
| | - Meera R Agar
- 6 IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aynharan Sinnarajah
- 7 Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- 8 Palliative/End of Life Care, Alberta Health Services , Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David C Currow
- 3 Northern Adelaide Palliative Service , Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- 6 IMPACCT-Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- 9 Southern Adelaide Palliative Services , Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Miriam J Johnson
- 5 Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School , University of Hull, Hull, England
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7
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Brant J, Keller L, McLeod K, Hsing Yeh C, Eaton L. Chronic and Refractory Pain: A Systematic Review of Pharmacologic Management in Oncology. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2017; 21:31-53. [DOI: 10.1188/17.cjon.s3.31-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Prevalence of Different Combinations of Antiepileptic Drugs and CNS Drugs in Elderly Home Care Service and Nursing Home Patients in Norway. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 2016:5153093. [PMID: 27525114 PMCID: PMC4971287 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5153093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to treat different conditions in elderly patients and are among the drug classes most susceptible to be involved in drug-drug interactions (DDI). The aim of the study was to describe and compare use of AEDs between home care service and nursing home patients, as these patients are not included in nationwide databases of drug utilization. In the combined population, we investigate DDI of AEDs with other central nervous system- (CNS-) active drugs and DDIs involving AEDs in general. Materials and Methods. Point-prevalence study of Norwegian patients in home care services and nursing homes in 2009. At the patient level, we screened for different DDIs involving AEDs. Results. In total, 882 patients (7.8%) of 11,254 patients used AEDs and number of users did not differ between home care services and nursing homes (8.2% versus 7.7%). In the combined population, we identified 436 potential DDIs in 45% of the patients. Conclusions. In a large population of elderly, home care service and nursing home patients do not differ with respect to exposure of AEDs but use more AEDs as compared to the general population of similar age. The risk of DDIs with AEDs and other CNS-active drugs should be taken into consideration and individual clinical evaluations are assessed in this population.
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9
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Hatano Y, Moroni M, Wilcock A, Quinn S, Csikós Á, Allan SG, Agar M, Clark K, Clayton JM, Currow DC. Pharmacovigilance in hospice/palliative care: the net immediate and short-term effects of dexamethasone for anorexia. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2016; 6:331-7. [PMID: 27288400 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Hatano
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan Discipline, Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matteo Moroni
- MariaTeresa Chiantore Seràgnoli Hospice Foundation, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrew Wilcock
- Palliative Medicine and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen Quinn
- School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ágnes Csikós
- Hospice-Palliative Department, UP MS Family Medicine Institute, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Simon G Allan
- Director of Palliative Care, Arohanui Hospice, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Meera Agar
- Discipline, Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Braeside Hospital, HammondCare, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Clark
- Department of Palliative Care, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Josephine M Clayton
- HammondCare Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Greenwich Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David C Currow
- Discipline, Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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