Does Tramadol Have a Role in Pain Control in Palliative Care?. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonçalves, José António Ferraz; Silva, Paula; Araújo, Patrícia
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 32:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 633
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: palliative care -- pain -- pain control -- tramadol -- analgesic ladder -- opioids for mild to moderate pain; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909114539036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of the step II of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder including tramadol has been questioned recently. Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated with tramadol admitted as inpatients to one palliative care unit between November 1, 2009, and October 30, 2012. Results: In the study period, 730 patients were admitted and 66 (9%) of them met the criteria for inclusion; 45 (68%) continued medication with tramadol until discharge from the unit, while 21 (32%) had to switch to an opioid for moderate to severe pain. The reason for switching was uncontrolled pain in 16 (76%) patients, and for 5 (24%) patients, the switch was made for other reasons. Conclusion: The data suggest that tramadol may have a role to play in the treatment of pain in palliative care.