RESUMEN
Prostacyclin analogues such as epoprostenol (Flolan®) are commonly used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, their complex administration and significant cost may limit the access that patients with PAH have to palliative and hospice care. We herein report our experience using epoprostenol in a dedicated palliative care unit and present our inpatient protocol for the drug's administration.
Asunto(s)
Epoprostenol/uso terapéutico , Hipertensión Pulmonar/tratamiento farmacológico , Cuidados Paliativos , Hipertensión Pulmonar Primaria Familiar , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Abstract Dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that can produce sedation and analgesia without causing respiratory depression. Its use has been described in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, sedation for surgical and nonsurgical procedures, and prevention of withdrawal. We describe its use as an adjuvant analgesic in a patient with cancer pain refractory to multiple treatment modalities.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos no Narcóticos/uso terapéutico , Dexmedetomidina/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias/fisiopatología , Dolor Intratable/tratamiento farmacológico , Analgésicos no Narcóticos/administración & dosificación , Quimioterapia Adyuvante , Dexmedetomidina/administración & dosificación , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Intractable pain continues to pose problems for patients with life-limiting disease. The authors review the potential role of dexmedetomidine (Precedex), an α(2)-adrenergic agonist, as a bridge to obtaining effective analgesia. The authors offer criteria to consider in utilizing this medication within the context of palliative care.