Questions About Chronic Diseases Related

Review Questions About Chronic Diseases related questions and content

When conventional routes of analgesia have been unsuccessful or are contraindicated for chronic pain syndromes, intrathecal drug delivery systems may be considered. Appropriate indications are likely to include:

  • A. Patients with cancer-related pain in whom life expectancy is estimated to be >3 months.
  • B. Chronic pancreatitis.
  • C. Haematuria loin pain syndrome.
  • D. Chronic low back pain.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS) treat severe, refractory pain. Cancer pain with >3 months life expectancy justifies IDDS, balancing implantation risks with prolonged benefit shorter expectancy favors simpler methods. Chronic pancreatitis may respond, but evidence is weaker; it's not a primary indication. Haematuria loin pain syndrome (loin pain haematuria syndrome) is niche, rarely managed with IDDS due to limited data. Chronic low back pain often fails conservative treatment, but IDDS is reserved for extreme cases (e.g., failed back surgery syndrome), not routine. Chronic refractory angina is cardiac, not typically IDDS-eligible. Cancer pain's prevalence, severity, and responsiveness to intrathecal opioids/ziconotide make it the clearest indication, optimizing quality of life in palliative care.