Clemens, K.E., & Klaschik, E. (2007). Symptomatic therapy of dyspnea with strong opioids and its effect on ventilation in palliative care patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33(4), 473–481.
The objective of this study was
One opioid dose of morphine (mean dose 9.4 mg [SD = 8.8 mg]) or hydromorphone (morphine equivalent dose of 10.8 mg [SD = 3.8 mg])
The sample was comprised of 11 patients with dyspnea (5 severe, 4 moderate, and 2 mild), 8 patients with lung cancer, 2 patients with breast cancer, and 1 patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. None of the patients had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Two patients were pretreated with opioids for pain control.
The study was conducted on an inpatient palliative care unit.
The study was a prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled trial.
After opioid administration
Patients’ ratings showed no significant decrease in dyspnea intensity with nasal oxygen.
Decreased respiratory rate and decreased dyspnea scores with opioid dose were evident.