| Theme |
The management of the end of life in hemodialysis patients |
| Title |
Palliative drug therapy for terminal cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis |
| Author |
Yoshiyuki Kizawa |
Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Akihiro Sakashita |
Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Asami Shimada |
Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Ryo Matsunuma |
Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hana Takatsu |
Department of Palliative Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
In this article, we describe palliative drug therapy for terminal cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis. One of the most important aspects of pain treatment is diagnosing the cause of pain accurately, as 20 % of pain in cancer patients is caused by factors other than cancer. In chronic pain cases such as these, administration of opioids is prohibited because of the high possibility of opioid misuse and/or dependence. Administration of opioids for cancer pain is performed according to World Health Organization (WHO) cancer pain management guidelines, but it is important to note that morphine and codeine are contraindicated in hemodialysis patients. Moreover, duloxetine is contraindicated as an adjuvant analgesic. |