AI Article Synopsis
- Methadone, a synthetic opioid, is increasingly used in palliative care to manage complex pain, but cases of peripheral oedema associated with its use have not been thoroughly documented in this setting.
- A case study discusses a patient with ependymoma who developed bilateral peripheral oedema after being prescribed methadone for difficult-to-control pain that did not respond to other opioids.
- The peripheral oedema resolved once methadone was discontinued, indicating a potential adverse effect that should be considered as methadone prescriptions for pain control rise.
Article Abstract
Introduction: Methadone is a synthetic opioid which is being used with increased frequency in the palliative care setting for management of complex pain. There have been cases published reporting the development of oedema with methadone maintenance therapy but no cases on the association with methadone and peripheral oedema in the palliative care setting. As yet, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.
Case Presentation: This case report describes a gentleman with ependymoma and difficult-to-control lower back pain and scrotal pain. This pain had failed to respond to other strong opioids. He was prescribed methadone and then subsequently developed bilateral peripheral oedema.
Case Management: Peripheral oedema resolved following cessation of methadone.
Conclusions: This highlights an important potential adverse effect of methadone in a society of increased methadone prescription for pain control. The published literature to date is reviewed and possible underlying mechanisms explored.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0036933014530057 | DOI Listing |
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