Prevalence and clinical features of opioid-induced constipation in the general population: A French study of 15,000 individuals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Constipation is common during opioid therapy and can compromise analgesia.

Aim

The aim of this article is to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in France.

Methods

A questionnaire study was conducted in a representative sample of the French general population. Participants completed a 31-item questionnaire covering opioid use during the previous six months, and the occurrence of constipation (defined as <3 bowel movements per week, straining during defaecation, or both) during opioid treatment.

Results

Data were obtained from 15,213 participants, of whom 4753 (31.2%) reported opioid use. Most analgesics (96.5%) were classified as World Health Organization step II analgesics, and the remainder wer

SUBMITTER: Ducrotte P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5446135 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature