[Treatment of persistent opioid-induced constipation in patients with hematological malignancies: case report]

Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction wich comprises several other gastrointestinal complaints; could be highly debilitating, thus significantly deteriorating patients' quality of life. In particular, opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most frequent symptom. Therefore patients with haematological malignances need special attention of these disabling symptoms, which should be prevented by a correct evaluation of diet, age, intestinal habits, history of prior bowel disorders as well as constipating effects of other concomitant medication. However the occurrence of OIC during treatment with opioids requires pharmacological interventions. If these measures are not sufficient to regulate intestinal functions, required to pharmacological interventions, can be used osmotic laxatives. New emerging approved agents such as naloxone pegylate (naloxegol) indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to osmotic laxatives for more than 3 days in patients on opioids for at least 2 weeks. Here we report the case of patient treated with this new molecule both to test its efficacy and to dispel any doubt about the possibility of worsening of pain control linked to the use of this new molecule.