Assessing age and gender in studies of breakthrough pain medications

Abstract

Objective:

The present review was performed to identify possible differences observed between adults and elderly patients and between males and females in randomized clinical trials of breakthrough pain (BTP).

Methods:

A systematic search of the existing literature from 1998 to September 2013 was performed. Randomized clinical trials reporting data on older patients were selected.

Results:

Sixteen comparative studies were selected. The age range of inclusion criteria patients was mainly between 18–80 or ≥18 years. In some cases this data was unreported. The mean age of patients was 48–64 years, but information regarding the number of elderly patients was present in three studies only. Gender distribution was more or less 50%:50%. No subgroup analysis of efficacy or adverse effects of BTP medications for age and gender was reported.

Conclusion:

There is a need for more information regarding the use of opioids for BTP according to age and gender.

Keywords::

• Age
• Breakthrough pain
• Cancer pain
• Fentanyl
• Gender

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This review was not funded.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

S.M. and A.G. have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article.

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.