ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain represents a significant and costly healthcare problem especially in the older patient. Transdermal opioid therapy is easy to apply and ensures constant supply of active ingredients. However, skin irritation, poor adhesion and systemic side effects complicate transdermal pain therapy. METHODS: In the Relief study, comprising 54 centers, all in Germany, 252 patients were recruited and data about the general care situation as well as the characteristics, effects and side effects of the Aloe vera fentanyl patch were collected. 92 patients had a prior treatment with fentanyl patch without Aloe vera, allowing a comparative analysis. RESULTS: Compared to patches without Aloe vera, the new fentanyl patch showed better adhesion. Systemic and local tolerance and pain reduction were also significantly better. Patients also reported improvements in side effects and central parameters of quality of life. The data regarding the care situation in Germany showed remarkably low use of coanalgetics and laxatives in pain patients. DISCUSSION: Aloe vera in transdermal pain treatment improves adhesion and local tolerance of the patch. Pain control and quality of life were also improved. Regional care data concerning cotreatment in pain therapy from this study indicate a lack of penetration of existing guidelines in general practitioners' pain therapy.
