Use of cannabis and its derivates in chronic pain management: systematic review / Uso de cannabis e seus derivados no manejo da dor crônica: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain is a clinical condition that affects an important part of the Brazilian and world population, significantly affecting their lives. The medicinal properties of Cannabis have been explored for millennia, but recently its use for the relief of chronic pain symptoms has increased. CONTENTS: A systematic review was carried out with the objective of evaluating the use of cannabis and its derivatives in the management of chronic pain, analyzing its potential side effects and safety. For this, the following databases were used: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and BVS, searching for studies published in the last 5 years, in Portuguese, Spanish or English, using MeSH descriptors and relevant free terms. Randomized, double-blind clinical trials with at least 10 participants in each comparison arm and with at least 2 weeks of intervention were included. After screening the authors, a quantitative analysis of 4 clinical trials (586 patients) was performed, which were analyzed for the outcomes of: patients with 50% or 30% reduction in pain intensity compared to baseline, improvement in pain intensity average pain, discontinuation due to adverse effects, serious adverse effects, and any adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The analysis did not yield high-quality evidence pertaining to the evaluation of efficacy, safety, or adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis-derived treatments in the management of chronic pain. Consequently, the formulation of recommendations or restrictions in these regards is not feasible, leaving the utilization of these therapeutic modalities subject to individual assessment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica é uma condição clínica que atinge parte importante da população brasileira e mundial, afetando significativamente a vida dessas pessoas. As propriedades medicinais da Cannabis vêm sendo exploradas por milênios, mas recentemente seu uso para alívio dos sintomas da dor crônica tem aumentado. CONTEÚDO: Foi conduzida uma revisão sistemática com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de cannabis e seus derivados no manejo da dor crônica, analisando seus potenciais efeitos adversos e sua segurança. Para isso, foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library e BVS, buscando estudos publicados nos últimos 5 anos, nos idiomas português, espanhol ou inglês, utilizando os descritores MeSH e termos livres relevantes. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados, duplos-cegos, com pelo menos 10 participantes em cada braço de comparação e com no mínimo 2 semanas de intervenção. Após a triagem dos autores, foi procedida a análise quantitativa de 4 ensaios clínicos (586 pacientes), que foram analisados para os desfechos de: pacientes com redução da intensidade da dor 50% ou 30% em relação à linha de base, melhora na intensidade média da dor, descontinuidade devido a efeitos adversos, efeitos adversos graves e qualquer efeito adverso. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram encontradas evidências de alta qualidade quanto à avaliação dos desfechos de eficácia, segurança ou de efeitos adversos relacionados ao uso de tratamentos derivados da cannabis no manejo de dor crônica, não podendo ser produzidas recomendações ou restrições nesses aspectos, ficando o uso dessas modalidades terapêuticas sujeito a análise individual.

Unexpected improvement of hyperhidrosis with cannabidiol

ABSTRACT Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating and it affects almost 5% of the population. The affected age group is wide, and it can affect from children to elderlies. There are two types of hyperhidrosis: generalized and focal. Treatment depends on the symptoms presented. In more severe cases, radiofrequency sympatholysis and bilateral thoracic sympathectomy are the options. However, recurrence is possible or the postoperative appearance of conditions called compensatory hyperhidrosis or reflex hyperhidrosis. We describe two cases of patients treated with Cannabidiol who had significant and unexpected improvement of hyperhidrosis. The first patient received Cannabidiol specific for public presentations at work, and the second patient had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The hyperhidrosis improved in both patients immediately after using Cannabidiol.

Efficacy of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia: a literature review / Eficacia de los cannabinoides en la fibromialgia: revisión de la literatura

Abstract Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease of unclear etiology, involving a neural oversensitization and impaired pain modulation, in addition to a clinical deficiency of the endocannabinoid system. Fibromyalgia is associated with a number of somatic and psychological disorders and hence multiple pharmacological approaches have been used, including opioids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and more recently medical cannabis. This narrative review comprises a review of the current literature on the efficacy of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia. The studies describe a possible influence of cannabis on pain control in patients with fibromyalgia, with positive effects on quality of life and sleep. The use of cannabis seems to be beneficial in patients with fibromyalgia; however, more robust studies are still needed to establish is actual efficacy in pain management, quality of life and improvement of associated symptoms.

Resumen La fibromialgia es una enfermedad crónica, cuya etiología no es clara, en la que se involucra una sobresensibilización neural y disminución de la modulación del dolor, así como una deficiencia clínica del sistema endocannabinoide. Está asociada a una variedad de trastornos somáticos y psicológicos, por lo cual se han utilizado múltiples abordajes farmacológicos, entre ellos opioides, antidepresivos, antiepilépticos y, recientemente, cannabis medicinal. En esta revisión narrativa se hace una reseña de la literatura actual relacionada con la eficacia de los cannabinoides en la fibromialgia. Los estudios describen una posible influencia del cannabis sobre el control del dolor en pacientes con fibromialgia, con efectos positivos sobre la calidad de vida y el sueño. El uso del cannabis parece tener beneficios en los pacientes con fibromialgia; sin embargo, aún se requieren estudios más robustos para establecer su verdadera eficacia en el manejo del dolor, calidad de vida y mejoría de los síntomas asociados.

Dronabinol en manejo de apetito y pérdida de peso en pacientes con cáncer terminal, VIH, cuidados paliativos y vejez. Revisión de la literatura / Dronabinol in appetite management and weight loss in patients with terminal cancer, HIV, palliative care and old age. Literature review

Resumen: Introducción: La caquexia es un síndrome asociado al cáncer avanzado, VIH, pacientes en quimioterapia y quienes tienen seguimiento en cuidados paliativos. La prevalencia es de 25% de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer, 26% en quienes reciben quimioterapia y de 14 a 38% de pacientes con VIH. Un pilar para el manejo es el cannabis debido al efecto del delta-9-tetrahidrocanabinol (THC), del cual se derivó el dronabinol, un fármaco desarrollado para estimular apetito y ganancia de peso. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es obtener la información sobre los cannabinoides y la evidencia más sólida existente con respecto al uso del dronabinol en pacientes que han presentado pérdida de peso y apetito. Material y métodos: Revisión de la bibliografía con buscador PubMed con las palabras clave Palliative care (cuidados paliativos), Cannabinoids (cannabinoides), cachexia (caquexia), Dronabinol (dronabinol), Appetite (apetito), de 1990 a 2018, limitado a humanos, obteniendo 259 artículos, eliminando 222 por repetirse o tener poca relevancia, dejando 37 artículos para análisis. Resultados: De 37 artículos revisados, nueve fueron estudios experimentales, 10 revisiones sistematizadas, un metaanálisis y 16 artículos de recomendaciones y sugerencias de manejo. Conclusión: El manejo del apetito y pérdida de peso en pacientes en cuidados paliativos, VIH, ancianos o en quimioterapia debe ser multidisciplinario, involucrando nutriólogos, psicólogos y médicos, ajustando el manejo a las características individuales que manifiesten. El dronabinol es un fármaco de primera elección para el manejo de dichos síntomas cuando la historia natural de la enfermedad se acompaña de náusea, vómito o dolor.

Abstract: Introduction: Cachexia is a syndrome associated with advanced cancer, HIV, patients on chemotherapy and those who are followed in palliative care. The prevalence is 25% of patients diagnosed with cancer, 26% in those receiving chemotherapy and 14 to 38% of patients with HIV. A mainstay for management is cannabis, due to the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from which dronabinol, a drug developed to stimulate appetite and weight gain, was derived. The aim of this literature review is to obtain information on cannabinoids and the strongest existing evidence regarding the use of dronabinol in patients who have presented weight and appetite loss. Material and methods: Literature review with PubMed search engine with the keywords Palliative care, Cannabinoids, cachexia, Dronabinol, Appetite, from 1990 to 2018, limited to humans, obtaining 259 articles, eliminating 222 for repetition or low relevance, leaving 37 articles for analysis. Results: Out of 37 articles reviewed 9 were experimental studies, 10 systematized reviews, 1 meta-analysis and 16 articles of recommendations and management suggestions. Conclusion: The management of appetite and weight loss in palliative care, HIV, elderly or chemotherapy patients should be multidisciplinary, involving nutritionists, psychologists and physicians, adjusting the management to the individual characteristics manifested. Dronabinol is a drug of first choice for the management of these symptoms when the natural history of the disease is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or pain.

Cannabis Medicinal: Afrontando los avances de la investigación científica / Medicinal Cannabis: Facing the advances of scientific research

El consumo de cannabis es una realidad con la que el profesional de salud debe estar familiarizado. En la actualidad, son muchos los pacientes que declaran un uso medicinal de la sustancia, y es importante conocer cuáles son los aspectos científicos que avalan estos efectos terapéuticos. En este artículo se exponen algunas generalidades sobre el sistema endocannabinoide, la investigación científica y clínica que se ha desarrollado en el área de la medicina cannabinoide, y algunas consideraciones básicas sobre los riesgos asociados al consumo perjudicial.

Cannabis consumption is a reality to which the health care provider must be familiarized with. At the moment, many patients declare a medicinal use of the substance, and it is important to know the scientific aspects that support these therapeutic effects. In this article, we present an overview about the endocannabinoid system, the scientific and clinical investigations that have been developed in cannabinoid medicine, as well as a few basic considerations about the associated risks with risky cannabis consumption.

Efectividad y efectos secundarios del tratamiento con canabinoides en dolor neuropático de tipo central en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Eficácia e efeitos secundários do tratamento com canabinóides em dor neuropática tipo central en pacientes con esclerose múltipla / Effectivity and side effects of central neuropathic pain treatment with cannabinoids in patients with multiple sclerosis

La Esclerosis Múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad neurodesmielinizante de origen inmunológico que afecta a personas entre los 16 a los 35 años de edad y en la cual del 36% al 82% de los pacientes manifiestan dolor como síntoma común. La EM tiene una prevalencia mundial de 4,41 por cada 100.000 habitantes, afectando alrededor de 2,5 millones de personas en todo el mundo y cerca de 400.000 en Estados Unidos; en Colombia es de 4,3 por cada 100.000 habitantes, presentándose la mayoría de los casos en Risaralda seguido por Bogotá. Los síndromes de dolor neuropático de tipo central se presentan por lesión o disfunción del sistema nervioso central, causando discapacidad y deterioro de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En este artículo se hace una revisión sobre la efectividad analgésica y efectos secundarios de los canabinoides en el tratamiento de dolor neuropático de tipo central en pacientes con EM. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda identificando ensayos clínicos aleatorizados sobre tratamientos de dolor neuropático de tipo central en EM con canabinoides y se seleccionaron seis estudios que compararon canabinoides vs placebo. Basados en los artículos revisados se puede concluir, que hay una disminución significativa del dolor neuropático de tipo central en pacientes que padecen EM con la administración de canabinoides y los efectos secundarios son leves, siendo los más frecuentes vértigo, xerostomía, somnolencia y alteraciones en el equilibrio los cuales no alteran la calidad de vida del paciente...

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immunological neuro-demyelinating disease that affects population between 16 to 35 years. Pain is the most common symptom with 36% to 82% of patients reporting pain. MS has a worldwide prevalence of 4.41 per 100,000 people, affecting about 2.5 million people around the world and 400,000 in the United States; in Colombia 4.3 per 100,000 inhabitants suffer from this disease where most of the cases have been reported in the region of Risaralda and the capital city Bogotá. Central neuropathic pain syndrome is due to injury and dysfunction of the central nervous system, causing disability and impairing quality of life of patients. In this article, a review of the analgesic effectiveness and side effects of cannabinoids in the treatment of central neuropathic pain in patients with MS is conducted. A search strategy was performed to identify randomized clinical trials on the treatment of central neuropathic pain in MS with cannabinoids; six selected studies comparing cannabinoids versus placebo were selected and after analyzing them, it was found a significant decrease in pain with dronabinol (cannabinoid) treatment and low side effects. The most common side effects were drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and impaired balance, which did not compromise the quality of life of patients. Based on the review of articles it is concluded that there is a significant reduction in central neuropathic pain in patients with MS in therapy with cannabinoids and that side effects of treatment are very low...

Esclerose Múltipla (EM) éumadoençaneurodesmielinizante de origemimune que afetapessoas entre 16 e 35 anos, onde 36% a 82% dos pacientes relatamdor como umsintomacomum. MS temumaprevalência mundial de 4,41 por 100.000 pessoas, afetando cerca de 2,5 milhões de pessoas no mundo e cerca de 400.000 nos Estados Unidos; naColômbia é de 4,3 por 100.000 habitantes, apresentando-se a maioria dos casos em Risaralda seguida por Bogotá. Síndromes de dorneuropática do tipo central sãoapresentadas por umalesãooudisfunção do sistema nervoso central, causando incapacidade e redução da qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Nestetrabalho, umaanálise da eficácia analgésica e efeitoscolaterais dos canabinóides no tratamento do tipo de dorneuropática central em pacientes com EM. Realizamos umaestratégia de pesquisa para identificar estudos clínicos randomizados sobre o tratamento da dorneuropáticaem MS tipo central comcanabinóides, furam seis estudosselecionados comparando canabinóides versus placebo. Com base nos artigosconcluem que háumaredução significativa da dorneuropática da tipo central em pacientes com EM com a administração de canabinóides e os efeitoscolateraissão leves, os maiscomunssão tontura, sonolência, xerostomia e distúrbios do equilíbrio que nãoalterou a qualidade de vida dos pacientes...