Do Patient Demographics and Performance Status Influence Opioid Dose in Cancer Pain?

Context: There is limited evidence on the role of objective parameters in influencing analgesic use in cancer pain management. Objective: To investigate the significance of objective parameters (age, male/female and performance status) in influencing opioid dose. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional audit of adult inpatients with metastatic cancer at a major cancer centre from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018, who were prescribed slow release opioids for cancer pain on discharge. Main outcome measures were demographics (age, male/female and performance status), oral morphine equivalent daily dose (oMEDD) and adjuvant analgesic use. Results: Of the 7,747 eligible records, 215 patient records fulfilled inclusion criteria. Older patients (≥75 years) received half of the median oMEDD dose (30 mg) compared to their youngest counterparts (60 mg oMEDD in age ≤50 years) ( P = .003). No significant differences were observed between oMEDD and male/female and performance status. Conclusion: Older patients are prescribed half the opioid dose compared to their younger counterparts. This highlights the importance of vigilance in opioid prescribing in the elderly in order to balance side effects with under treatment. Although no other significant relationships were observed, future studies comparing objective patient parameters with opioid prescription may uncover other at risk populations.