Intrathecal narcotic infusion pumps for intractable pain of chronic pancreatitis: a pilot series

Efficacy and safety of islet autotransplantation after total pancreatectomy in chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including 17 studies

AIMS

Islet autotransplantation (IAT), in conjunction with total pancreatectomy (TP), is used to relieve pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), while reducing the incidence of brittle diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IAT after TP (TPIAT) in this setting.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials since 1977. Data were extracted from published papers. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression models were built to assess the outcomes and effect of different factors. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the between-study heterogeneity, which was assessed using Cochrane's Q and I² statistic.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies, including 1024 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The median cohort size was 21 patients (range: 5-409). The pooled incidence rates of insulin independence, narcotic independence and mortality at last follow-up were 11.47 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 6.79-21.60, I²=91.0%), 18.11 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 5.29-62.04, I²=98.8%) and 2.88 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 1.75-4.74, I²=46.8%), respectively. However, the heterogeneity level of our results was high, which was due to differences in research methods and definitions of outcomes between studies. Therefore, our results should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

TPIAT can effectively relieve pain and reduce the risk of surgical diabetes with no increase in mortality or morbidity. Prospective, randomized, clinical trials are required to further evaluate selection of patients and the timing of TPIAT.

Managing Chronic Non-Malignant Pain in the Elderly: Intrathecal Therapy

Intrathecal drug delivery (IDD) was first described in 1981 by Onofrio, who used a pump for continuous and intrathecal delivery of morphine to treat cancer pain. Over the following four decades, many reports supported this treatment method with implanted pumps for cancer and non-cancer pain. To date, more than 300,000 pumps for pain therapy and spasticity have been implanted worldwide. This article reviews current knowledge regarding intrathecal opioid therapy, focusing particularly on the use of IDD in elderly patients. Current literature is presented, and the arguments in favor of and against this therapy in elderly patients are discussed.

Primary Hydromorphone-Related Intrathecal Catheter Tip Granulomas: Is There a Role for Dose and Concentration?

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal drug delivery therapy has been used effectively in treating patients with intractable chronic pain. The development of an intrathecal catheter tip granuloma (ICTG) related to delivery of intrathecal opiates is a relatively infrequent, but potentially devastating complication. While there are many morphine-related ICTG cases described, reports of hydromorphone-related ICTG are limited. In addition, studies suggest a strong correlation between the use of higher doses and concentrations of intrathecal opiates and ICTG formation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and the association of intrathecal hydromorphone dose, concentration, duration of treatment and concomitant agents with ICTG formation.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective analysis of 101 consecutive patients implanted with intrathecal infusion delivery devices. Data were collected from chart review, and records of pump refills from the division of Pain Medicine of University Hospitals or outsourced to a home pump refill service.

RESULTS

From a cohort of 101 consecutively implanted patients, 69 were treated with intrathecal hydromorphone and followed up postimplant for an average of 33.5 ± 24 months (range 0-93 months; 95% CI of 27-39 months). The incidence of ICTG in our patient population was 8.7% during this period of time postimplant with mean time to granuloma detection 35.1 ± 7.9 months. Patients developing granuloma (n = 6) were treated with a combination of intrathecal hydromorphone and bupivacaine infusion. Exposure time to intrathecal agents was not different between the granuloma and nongranuloma group. Monthly dose increase of hydromorphone was higher in granuloma group vs. non-granuloma group (58 ± 34 mcg/month n = 6 vs. 25 ± 8 mcg/month n = 63). Four out of six granuloma cases occurred with low dose and concentration of IT hydromorphone (160-370 mcg/day; 0.75-1.0 mg/mL concentration). Intrathecal bupivacaine dose was not different between groups. A subset of patients was treated with intrathecal fentanyl and bupivacaine. No intrathecal granulomas occurred in this patient cohort.

CONCLUSION

This is the first clinical report demonstrating an association of hydromorphone with intrathecal granulomas, particularly at low doses and concentrations of hydromorphone. This study supports the notion that using low dose of IT opioids might not protect against ICTG development but that the level of exposure and type of opioid used in IT space might be highly correlated with ICTG development. Further research and recommendations related to chronic intrathecal opioid infusions are necessary to raise awareness of significant incidence of ICTG and development of tests to isolate patient populations at high risk.

Total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation vs intrathecal narcotic pump infusion for pain control in chronic pancreatitis

AIM: To evaluate pain control in chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation or intrathecal narcotic pump infusion.

METHODS: We recognized 13 patients who underwent intrathecal narcotic pump (ITNP) infusion and 57 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TP + ICT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) pain control between 1998 and 2008 at Indiana University Hospital. All patients had already failed multiple other modalities for pain control and the decision to proceed with either intervention was made at the discretion of the patients and their treating physicians. All patients were evaluated retrospectively using a questionnaire inquiring about their pain control (using a 0-10 pain scale), daily narcotic dose usage, and hospital admission days for pain control before each intervention and during their last follow-up.

RESULTS: All 13 ITNP patients and 30 available TP + ICT patients were evaluated. The mean age was approximately 40 years in both groups. The median duration of pain before intervention was 6 years and 7 years in the ITNP and TP + ICT groups, respectively. The median pain score dropped from 8 to 2.5 (on a scale of 0-10) in both groups on their last follow up. The median daily dose of narcotics also decreased from 393 mg equivalent of morphine sulfate to 8 mg in the ITNP group and from 300 mg to 40 mg in the TP + ICT group. No patient had diabetes mellitus (DM) before either procedure whereas 85% of those who underwent pancreatectomy were insulin dependent on their last evaluation despite ICT.

CONCLUSION: ITNP and TP + ICT are comparable for pain control in patients with CP however with high incidence of DM among those who underwent TP + ICT. Prospective comparative studies and longer follow up are needed to better define treatment outcomes.

The Spanish Pancreatic Club's recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis: part 2 (treatment)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. This range comprises from asymptomatic patients to patients with disabling symptoms or complications. The management of CP is frequently different between geographic areas and even medical centers. This is due to the paucity of high quality studies and clinical practice guidelines regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the Spanish Pancreatic Club was to give current evidence-based recommendations for the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. These experts were selected according to clinical and research experience in CP. A list of questions was made and two experts reviewed each question. A draft was later produced and discussed with the entire panel of experts in a face-to-face meeting. The level of evidence was based on the ratings given by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. In the second part of the consensus, recommendations were given regarding the management of pain, pseudocysts, duodenal and biliary stenosis, pancreatic fistula and ascites, left portal hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and nutritional support in CP.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference--2012: recommendations to reduce morbidity and mortality in intrathecal drug delivery in the treatment of chronic pain

INTRODUCTION

Targeted intrathecal drug infusion to treat moderate to severe chronic pain has become a standard part of treatment algorithms when more conservative options fail. This therapy is well established in the literature, has shown efficacy, and is an important tool for the treatment of both cancer and noncancer pain; however, it has become clear in recent years that intrathecal drug delivery is associated with risks for serious morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference is a meeting of experienced implanting physicians who strive to improve care in those receiving implantable devices. Employing data generated through an extensive literature search combined with clinical experience, this work group formulated recommendations regarding awareness, education, and mitigation of the morbidity and mortality associated with intrathecal therapy to establish best practices for targeted intrathecal drug delivery systems.

RESULTS

Best practices for improved patient care and outcomes with targeted intrathecal infusion are recommended to minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality. Areas of focus include respiratory depression, infection, granuloma, device-related complications, endocrinopathies, and human error. Specific guidance is given with each of these issues and the general use of the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted intrathecal drug delivery systems are associated with risks for morbidity and mortality that can be devastating. The panel has given guidance to treating physicians and healthcare providers to reduce the incidence of these problems and to improve outcomes when problems occur.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference 2012: recommendations for the management of pain by intrathecal (intraspinal) drug delivery: report of an interdisciplinary expert panel

INTRODUCTION

The use of intrathecal (IT) infusion of analgesic medications to treat patients with chronic refractory pain has increased since its inception in the 1980s, and the need for clinical research in IT therapy is ongoing. The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) panel of experts convened in 2000, 2003, and 2007 to make recommendations on the rational use of IT analgesics based on preclinical and clinical literature and clinical experiences.

METHODS

The PACC panel convened again in 2011 to update the standard of care for IT therapies to reflect current knowledge gleaned from literature and clinical experience. A thorough literature search was performed, and information from this search was provided to panel members. Analysis of published literature was coupled with the clinical experience of panel members to form recommendations regarding the use of IT analgesics to treat chronic pain.

RESULTS

After a review of literature published from 2007 to 2011 and discussions of clinical experience, the panel created updated algorithms for the rational use of IT medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The advent of new algorithmic tracks for neuropathic and nociceptive pain is an important step in improving patient care. The panel encourages continued research and development, including the development of new drugs, devices, and safety recommendations to improve the care of patients with chronic pain.

Modern treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis

CP remains a challenging disease. Endoscopic and surgical management, along with antioxidants, have helped in reducing chronic pain. Management of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency forms the cornerstone for improving nutrition in these patients. Newer therapeutic targets that will transcend the management of CP beyond just pain control and enzyme supplementation are required in the future.

Age-dependent intrathecal opioid escalation in chronic noncancer pain patients

BACKGROUND

Age and gender may exert important influences on opioid responsiveness and chronic pain. These effects have not been explored in the setting of chronic intrathecal (IT) opioid therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age and sex on IT opioid requirements during the first year after implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) in chronic noncancer pain patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective study. METHODS AND PATIENT POPULATION: In this retrospective study, 135 chronic noncancer pain patients consecutively implanted with IDDSs for opioid therapy had their first year postimplant records examined.

RESULTS

Similar pain relief was achieved at 12 months after implant in both age groups. Relative to the dose at implant, younger patients had significantly higher rates of IT opioid dose escalation compared with older patients at 12 months (750 ± 450% in patients ≤50 years old vs 195 ± 120% in patients >50 years old, P < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption was significantly decreased at 12 months in the older patient population (140 ± 89 to 62 ± 35 mg/day at 12 months, P < 0.001, n = 85), while in the younger patient group, there was no change in oral opioid consumption (128 ± 81 mg/day to 105 ± 140 mg/day at 12 months, P = 0.65, n = 50). Gender-based analysis (55% males and 45% females) revealed similar reductions in pain scores during the first year postimplant. Oral opioid consumption was significantly higher in females (126 ± 138 mg) vs males (79 ± 89 mg) at 12 months postimplant; however, IT opioid dose escalation at 12 months postimplant was not statistically different between males and females.

CONCLUSION

IT opioid dose escalation occurs more steeply in the younger (under 50 years old) IDDS patient population without a concomitant significant decrease in oral consumption of opioids. Age-dependent changes may have important clinical implications on the effectiveness of IT opioid therapy in noncancer pain and its potential complications.

Permanent percutaneous splanchnic nerve neuromodulation for management of pain due to chronic pancreatitis: a case report

INTRODUCTION

  The management of pain in chronic benign pancreatitis is complex. Celiac plexus neurolysis provides pain relief of variable duration. Neuromodulation of splanchnic nerves with electrodes and an implantable pulse generator system is an alternative to producing long-term pain relief with minimal complications in selected cases.

METHODS

  A 36-year-old lady with intractable abdominal pain for five years from chronic benign pancreatitis presented to our pain clinic. Multiple pharmacotherapy regimens, surgery, and interventions produced temporary pain relief of variable duration and intensity. Following a successful trial of celiac plexus stimulation, neuromodulation of the splanchnic nerves was achieved with two permanently implanted octopolar leads at the T11/T12 area connected to an implantable pulse generator.

RESULTS

  Eighteen months following the implant, the patient continues to derive satisfactory pain relief without any device related complications. Her opiate use is significantly reduced from 225 (486 mg morphine per day) to 12.5 (27 mg morphine per day) micrograms/h fentanyl patches and the fentanyl lozenges were stopped with an increase in appetite and of more than 8 kg in weight gain. The initial pain score visual analogue scale (VAS) 8-9/10 was reduced to VAS 0/10 since implantation.

DISCUSSION

  The pain of chronic pancreatitis has both visceral and somatic components as evidenced by the lack of complete pain relief from celiac plexus block alone and the knowledge that in chronic disease, the pathology extends to extra pancreatic somatic tissues, particularly the retro-peritoneum. We postulate that the electrical field generated by the dual octrode system extends to include splanchnic nerves and other somatic innervation of the pancreas.

CONCLUSION

  In our opinion, this is the first case of a successful long-term neuromodulation of splanchnic nerves with a permanently implanted device. The potential exists for its use in visceral abdominal pain of varied etiology, once more experience is obtained with this technique.

Chronic pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review important new clinical observations in chronic pancreatitis made in the past year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cigarette smoking is a dose-dependent risk factor for acute pancreatitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis. A minority of chronic alcohol consumers develop recurrent acute pancreatitis but very heavy drinking associates with chronic pancreatitis. More patients with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis have cirrhosis than patients with cirrhosis have chronic pancreatitis (39 vs. 18%). Most patients with asymptomatic hyperenzymemia have no pancreatic lesions. Pancreatic calcifications are most frequently due to chronic pancreatitis, followed by cystic neoplasms and other disorders. The new Rosemont consensus classification of endoscopic ultrasonography criteria for chronic pancreatitis is unvalidated. Zinc deficiency correlates only with severe chronic pancreatitis and the fecal elastase test is an inaccurate marker of pancreatic steatorrhea. Patients commonly receive insufficient lipase to abolish pancreatic steatorrhea. Ultrastructural neuropathies are common to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and correlate with pain severity.

SUMMARY

Results of this year's investigations further elucidated risk factors for pancreatic disease, the natural history of alcoholic pancreatitis, the differential diagnosis of pancreatic calcifications, the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with the Rosemont criteria, the limited diagnostic utility of fecal elastate test and zinc measurements, the proper dosing of pancreatic enzyme supplements, and treatment of pancreatic pain.

Serum leptin, but not adiponectin and receptor for advanced glycation end products, is able to distinguish autoimmune pancreatitis from both chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

Serum leptin and adiponectin determinations have been proposed as markers for distinguishing pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis from autoimmune pancreatitis; however, no studies exist in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and in those with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), leptin and adiponectin in patients with chronic pancreatic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive patients with chronic pancreatic diseases (47 males, 28 females; mean age 67.0 +/- 13.2 years; range 37-97 years) were studied: six (8.0%) had autoimmune pancreatitis, 23 (30.7%) had chronic pancreatitis, 34 (45.3%) had pancreatic cancer and the remaining 12 (16.0%) had intraductal papillary mutinous tumors of the pancreas. Leptin, adiponectin and RAGE were determined in serum using commercially available kits. The leptin concentrations were normalized to the lower and upper reference limits because of the different gender reference ranges.

RESULTS

Normalized leptin concentrations were significantly lower in chronic pancreatitis patients (0.53 +/- 1.28; p = 0.008) and in those with pancreatic cancer (0.12 +/- 0.33; p < 0.001) compared to the overall population (0.58 +/- 1.23), whereas autoimmune pancreatitis patients had significantly higher concentrations of this protein (2.18 +/- 2.56; p = 0.004) compared to the overall population. RAGE and adiponectin concentrations were similar among the four groups of patients studied. Among the clinical variables considered, only pain was significantly related to leptin concentrations (patients with pain 0.18 +/- 0.54, patients without pain 1.07 +/- 1.64; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum leptin seems to be a good serum marker for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis patients from those with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Alcoholic pancreatitis: pathogenesis, incidence and treatment with special reference to the associated pain

Alcoholic pancreatitis continues to stir up controversy. One of the most debated points is whether from onset it is a chronic disease or whether it progresses to a chronic form after repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Histological studies on patients with alcoholic pancreatitis have shown that the disease is chronic from onset and that alcoholic acute pancreatitis occurs in a pancreas already damaged by chronic lesions. Genetic factors may also play a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic disease. The incidence of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis seems to have decreased in the last twenty years. Finally, recent therapeutic studies which have shown medical or surgical approaches capable of reducing the pain episodes in chronic pancreatitis patients will be described.