Effect of Prophylactic Fentanyl Buccal Tablet on Episodic Exertional Dyspnea: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Episodic dyspnea is one of the most common, debilitating, and difficult-to-treat symptoms.

Objective

We conducted a pilot study to examine the effect of prophylactic fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) on exercise-induced dyspnea.

Methods

In this parallel, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, opioid-tolerant patients were asked to complete a six-minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline and then a second 6MWT 30 minutes after a single dose of FBT (equivalent to 20-50% of their total opioid dose) or matching placebo. We compared dyspnea Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, 0-10, primary outcome), walk distance, vital signs, neurocognitive function, and adverse events between the two 6MWTs.

Results

Among 22 patients enrolled, 20 (91%) completed the study. FBT was a

SUBMITTER: Hui D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5705410 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature