Related Experiment Videos
Transdermal fentanyl for pain relief in a paediatric palliative care population
Insights
Transdermal fentanyl patches (TTS-fentanyl) offer an effective and acceptable pain management option for children with life-threatening illnesses. This study found TTS-fentanyl improved side effects and convenience compared to oral morphine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Children with life-threatening diseases often require potent analgesics for pain management.
- Transitioning between opioid formulations can be challenging in pediatric palliative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of therapeutic transdermal fentanyl system (TTS-fentanyl) in pediatric patients with life-threatening conditions.
- To compare TTS-fentanyl with previous opioid treatments, such as oral morphine.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, observational study involving 41 children requiring opioid therapy.
- Patients were transitioned from oral morphine to TTS-fentanyl according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Outcomes assessed included pain control, adverse events, convenience, and overall treatment satisfaction over a 15-day period.
Main Results:
- 75% of patients reported fentanyl treatment as 'good' or 'very good'.
- A trend towards improved side-effects and convenience was observed with TTS-fentanyl.
- Most parents and investigators considered TTS-fentanyl superior to previous treatments.
Conclusions:
- Transdermal fentanyl is an effective and acceptable pain management option for children with life-threatening diseases.
- TTS-fentanyl demonstrates potential for improved patient and family satisfaction in pediatric palliative care settings.
Abstract:
This multicentre, observational study examined the efficacy of the therapeutic transdermal fentanyl system (TTS-fentanyl) in children requiring opioids for pain in life-threatening disease. Forty-one children receiving oral morphine (median dose 60 mg/day) transferred to transdermal fentanyl (median dose 25 micrograms/h according with the manufacturer's dose conversion guidelines). Twenty-six children completed the 15-day treatment phase, seven died due to disease progression and eight were withdrawn because of adverse events, inadequate analgesia or a change to parenteral opioids. After 15 days, the median fentanyl dose was 75 micrograms/h (range 25-250). No serious adverse events were attributed to fentanyl. There was a trend toward improved side-effects and convenience with fentanyl. Twenty-three of 26 parents (three missing) and 25 of 26 investigators considered transdermal fentanyl to be better than previous treatment. For all records available (at 15 days or on withdrawal if earlier), 75% (27/36) reported that fentanyl treatment was 'good' or 'very good'. The findings suggest that transdermal fentanyl is both effective and acceptable for children and their families.