Abstract

CASALS, M  and  SAMPER, D. Effectiveness, tolerability and quality of life in the management of chronic pain unrelated to cancer with sustained-release tramadol administered in a single daily dose. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2004, vol.11, n.3, pp.129-140. ISSN 1134-8046.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of the management of chronic pain unrelated to cancer with controlled and sustained-release tramadol administered in a single daily dose. Material and methods: Prospective, observational, multicentric pharmacoepidemiological study. A total of 100 Pain Units in our country were involved. Patients with chronic pain unrelated to cancer that had initiated treatment with sustained and controlled-release tramadol were included. In order to assess the effectiveness of the drug, anthropometric characteristics, type of pain, severity and effect on sleep and quality of life were recorded. Two follow-up visits were performed at one week and at one month after the beginning of the treatment and variations in the following pain scores were recorded: visual analogical scale and Lattinen test, quality of life, side effects and changes in the treatment. Results: Nine hundred and seven patients, 66.03% women and 33.97% men were included in the study. Of these, 52.92% had lumbalgia and 33,96% osteoarthritis. A significant decrease in all the pain scores was observed since the first week of treatment. The incidence of side effects was 16.8%, with a mean length of 6.3 ± 4 days. Nausea and vomiting were the side effects with the highest incidence (18.3%), followed by constipation and somnolence (10.5 and 10.3%, respectively). The highest impact of the analgesic response to controlled and sustained-release tramadol was seen in the physical condition score of the quality of life. Treatment compliance was adequate in 93.22% of the patients, while 66.38% reported satisfaction or high satisfaction with the treatment at the end of the study. Conclusions: Controlled and sustained-release tramadol was highly effective for the relief of pain since the first week of treatment. Tolerability was good, with a low rate of mild side effects. Nausea and vomiting were the side effects with the highest incidence.

Keywords : Chronic pain; Controlled-release tramadol; Analgesics; Tolerability.

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