Intentional intrathecal opioid detoxification in 3 patients: characterization of the intrathecal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems for patients with chronic non-malignant pain are intended to improve pain and quality of life and reduce side effects of systemic use. A subset of patients may have escalating pain, functional decline, and/or intolerable side effects even as IT opioid doses are increased. Discontinuation of IT medications may represent a viable treatment option but strategies to accomplish this are needed. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Three patients with intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS), inadequate pain control, and declining functionality underwent abrupt IT opioid cessation. This was accomplished through a standardized protocol with symptom-triggered administration of clonidine and buprenorphine, monitored using the clinical opiate withdrawal scale. RESULTS: Symptoms of IT withdrawal were similar in all patients and included diuresis, agitation, hyperalgesia, mild diarrhea, yawning, and taste and smell aversion. Hypertension and tachycardia were effectively controlled by clonidine administration. Classic symptoms of withdrawal, such as piloerection, chills, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, myoclonus, and mydriasis, were not noted. At 2 to 3 months follow-up, patients reported decreased, but ongoing pain, with improvements in functional capacity and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary work demonstrates the safety of abrupt IT opioid cessation utilizing standardized inpatient withdrawal protocols. To our knowledge, these are among the first reported cases of intentional, controlled IT opioid cessation without initiation of an opioid bridge: self-reported pain scores, functional capacity, and quality of life improved. The IT opioid withdrawal syndrome is characterized based upon our observations and a review of the literature.

Incidence and predictors of appendiceal tumors in elderly males presenting with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with appendiceal tumors (AT) frequently present with the same signs and symptoms as acute appendicitis (AA). The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of AT in a population of patients greater than 60 years of age thought to have AA, and to identify presenting factors that can help differentiate the 2 disease processes. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review was performed identifying all patients greater than 60 years old who underwent either appendectomy or colectomy after presenting with signs and symptoms of AA from Janaury 1997 to April 2004. Patient records were examined for demographic variables, presenting signs and symptoms, and pathology. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients fit the entry criteria; 8 (24%) had AT. Average duration of symptoms was significantly longer (4.9 +/- 1.9 versus 2.3 +/- 0.3 days; P = 0.01) and hematocrit lower (36.5 +/- 2.3 versus 42.4 +/- 1.0%; P = 0.01) for patients with AT compared with patients with AP. No other significant differences in presenting signs and symptoms were noted. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased incidence of appendiceal neoplasms among elderly patients presenting with signs and symptoms of AA. Distinction between AT and appendicitis is difficult preoperatively, but AT should be suspected when patients present with longer duration of symptoms or reduced hematocrit.