P458-1: Preventing gastrointestinal damage by monitoring patients with high risk medication

Abstract

Materials and Methods: This prospective study analyzed the data of 53 older patients naive to strong opioids, and presenting with chronic pain of moderate to severe intensity. Patients were prescribed a 28-day treatment with PR OXN. In case of insufficient analgesia, the initial daily dose of PR OXN (10/5mg) could be gradually increased. The primary efficacy measure was the change in pain intensity, assessed by a 10-point NRS, from baseline to 28 days (T28). Changes in cognitive state, daily functioning, quality of life and constipation were also analyzed. Tolerability was assessed by recording adverse events (AEs). Results: 52 enrolled patients, whose median age was 81.7±6.2 years, completed the 28-day treatment. PR OXN significantly relieved pain symptoms, with a clinically relevant decrease of the mean NRS score from 6.68 to 3.41. PR OXN was also associated with significant improvements in daily functioning, mood and quality of life. No changes were observed in cognitive status and bowel function. Conclusions: Low-dose PR OXN appears as an effective and welltolerated alternative to traditional analgesics for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic pain, even in geriatric patients. Besides its effectiveness, PR OXN should be intended a safe treatment in the elderly.