Abstract 3433
Background
As opioid therapy is the mainstay treatment for moderate-to-severe cancer pain, a thorough investigation of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is important due to high prevalence in cancer pain patients undergoing opioid therapy. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and management of opioid-induced constipation among cancer pain patients in Korea.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis of cancer patients with pain from 30 teaching hospitals was performed, with data extracted from patient charts and questionnaires. Clinical characteristics, prevalence and management for AEs were assessed.
Results
Among 2,395 patients, the most common opioid-related AE was constipation (29.69%). The impact of overall AEs on patients’ daily activities was the highest for constipation (69.80%, ≥3). Route of opioid administration was not associated with increased opioid-induced constipation. However, OIC occurrence was dependent to opioid dose. Although approximately half of patients used laxatives prophylactically, 18.50% of those patients experienced constipation. In particular, opioid-use duration, use of laxatives, dose and GI surgery history were significantly associated with constipation.
Conclusions
This study evaluated opioid-induced constipation in cancer pain patients in Korea. As evidenced by the negative impact on patients’ daily activities, proper management of OIC is critical as OIC persists although with the use of laxatives. Use of prophylactic laxatives was an important effector as the occurrence of constipation was lower in patients using laxatives prophylactically compared with those using laxatives for constipation treatment. Patients may also benefit from more specific and innovative therapy such as agonist/antagonist combination as stated in EFIC guideline.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Mundipharma Korea Ltd.
Funding
Mundipharma Korea Ltd.
Editorial Acknowledgement
Medical writing and editorial support was provided by Geraldine Toh of Tech Observer Asia Pacific. This support was funded by Mundipharma Korea Ltd.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.