What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated the clinical safety and efficacy of daily transdermal fentanyl patch application in two patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
What They Found
Both patients, a 47-year-old female with diabetes and chronic pain and a 70-year-old female with paralysis and a stage IV pressure ulcer, were successfully managed. Daily application of transdermal fentanyl patches maintained pain control and safety for these two individuals during their hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that daily fentanyl patch changes might be a viable option for Canadian patients requiring both pain management and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This could potentially allow patients to continue essential pain relief while undergoing HBOT, which typically requires patch removal.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A major limitation of this study is its very small sample size, involving only two patients, which limits the generalizability of the findings.