Effects of opioids on cognitive function of patients with chronic non-cancer pain

• Grant number: 07/05736-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: December 01, 2008
• End date: November 30, 2010
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Cibele Andrucioli de Mattos Pimenta
• Grantee: Geana Paula Kurita
• Host Institution: Escola de Enfermagem (EE). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Opioids are drugs traditionally recommended for acute and cancer pain control. Nowadays, their indication on chronic non-cancer pain has been more frequent. There is a high concern regarding opioid usage in Denmark, due to opioid increased prescription during the last years and we can predict the same tendency in Brazil. However, there is little evidence about opioids effects on chronic non-cancer pain patients. It is believed that opioids can interfere with the cognitive function, compromising the emotional state of patients and their performance at work, social and leisure activities. For this reason, a partnership with the University of Copenhagen is being considered to develop an open randomized clinical trial whose aim is to analyze the opioids effects on cognitive function of patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The study will be developed partially in Denmark, where four groups will be assessed: 50 patients in pain treatment who will have the long-acting opioids dose stabilized, 50 patients in pain treatment with scheduled wean off opioids, 50 patients in pain treatment without opioids and 50 healthy people. Three assessments will be done over a period of three months. Social-demographic, pain characteristics, functional performance and analgesic therapy data will be collected. Cognitive function and humor status will be evaluated by Continuous Reaction Time, Finger Tapping Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task, Digit Span Test, Clock Drawing Test, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Each instrument will be clearly explained to the participants and conducted in a calm and private room, following the sequence presented. Data will be analyzed using statistical programs. (AU)