Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans. Certain patients with chronic pain are candidates for intrathecal (IT) therapy, which can mitigate some of the risks associated with systemic opioids. Following appropriate patient selection based on medical and psychiatric history and a physical exam, a patient can begin a trial with morphine or ziconotide, the 2 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved IT therapies. Monitoring for adverse events should continue after IT pump implantation, as should monitoring for catheter- or pump-related complications. This CME/CE-accredited Point of Care 201™ 2-part series discusses identification of candidates for IT therapy, available IT therapies, optimal treatment initiation and management, and both surgical implantation and pump refill techniques.
This activity has been supported by an independent educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Jointly provided by the Elsevier Office of Continuing Medical Education and Integritas Communications
Intrathecal Therapy for Severe Chronic Pain: Evidence-Based Recommendations
