Constipation in palliative care patients – preliminary results of a cohort study

Constipation is one of the most frequent symptoms in palliative care patients. This study was aimed to assess frequency of constipation in palliative care patients, particularly in a subgroup of patients taking strong opioids, as well as to test the correlation between frequency of constipation and opioid dose. The use of laxatives was assessed in this population too. There were 205 patients included to the analysis. Constipation was recognized in 65% of all patients and in 76% of those taking strong opioids. Risk of constipation associated with the use of strong opioids was increased 1,5 times, and of severe constipation was two-fold. There was no significant difference in frequency of constipation depending on the route of administration of opioids. In 77% patients, constipation was present in spite of using laxatives. No prevention against constipation was administered in 20% of patients with opioid-induced constipation. The results of this study provide significant arguments for early prevention against constipation.