Bowel function during pain therapy with oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets in patients with advanced cancer.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) step-III opioids are often required right from the start of pain therapy in order to achieve sufficient symptom control. Bowel dysfunction, particularly constipation, is one of the most frequent and persistent side effects of opioid therapy, and it is known to cause considerable distress in many patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether patients with advanced cancer and moderate to severe cancer pain will benefit from treatment with oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets (OXN), with particular regard to constipation.

Dyspnoea associated with anxiety--symptomatic therapy with opioids in combination with lorazepam and its effect on ventilation in palliative care patients.

Purpose: Opioids are used for symptomatic therapy of dyspnoea, and benzodiazepines if dyspnoea is associated with anxiety. When given at the same time, the risk of respiratory depression will increase. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of this treatment regimen in palliative care patients.

Impact of cafedrine/theodrenaline (Akrinor® ) on therapy of maternal hypotension during spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery: a retrospective study.

Aim: Maternal hypotension is the most frequent complication in spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery. Malperfusion of the foetus and nausea and vomiting of the mother are hallmarks of maternal hypotension. In this retrospective data analysis and anesthesia protocols we have investigated to explore the effects of therapeutic interventions for hypotension with cafedrine/theodrenaline (Akrinor® ) during spinal anesthesia for elective Cesarean section.

Managing opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness: focus on methylnaltrexone bromide.

Constipation is a common symptom in palliative care patients which can generate considerable suffering. There is uncertainty about the choice of treatment options from varying recommendations for management of constipation and a varying clinical practice in palliative care settings. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the current recommendations of therapy guidelines for the management of opioid-induced constipation in palliative care patients with a focus on methylnaltrexone bromide.