Abstract
ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of neuropathic pain among terminally ill patients with cancer admitted to a general ward, using the International Association for the Study of Pain algorithm.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center. We enrolled terminally ill patients with cancer admitted to the general ward between September 2018 and September 2019. On the day of consultation with our palliative care team, pain management clinicians examined and diagnosed neuropathic pain using the International Association for the Study of Pain diagnostic criteria.ResultsA total of 108 patients were enrolled during the study period. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range [IQR] 58.3–76.8 years), 72 patients (66.7%) were men, and the median survival time was 33 days (IQR 14.3–62 days). Of the 108 patients, 33 (30.6%) had neuropathic pain. Patients with neuropathic pain had more severe pain than those without neuropathic pain.ConclusionsThe prevalence of neuropathic pain in terminally ill patients with cancer admitted to a Japanese general ward was 30.6%. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether the accurate diagnosis of neuropathic pain can improve pain control and/or patient conditions.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.