Short-term, Low-dose Morphine Therapy May Help Severe Dyspnea in COPD Patients

According to data published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a low-dose, sustained-release morphine therapy aided COPD patients with severe breathlessness.

From the study:

• A total of 111 of 124 included participants were analyzed (mean [SD] age, 65.4 [8.0] years; 60 men [54%]).
• Difference in CAT score was 2.18 points lower in the morphine group (95% CI, –4.14 to –0.22 points; P = .03).
• Difference in Paco₂ was 1.19 mm Hg higher in the morphine group (95% CI, –2.70 to 5.07 mm Hg; P = .55).
• Breathlessness remained unchanged.
• Worst breathlessness improved in participants with mMRC grades 3 to 4 (1.33 points lower in the morphine group; 95% CI, –2.50 to –0.16 points; P = .03). 

Read more at www.jamanetwork.com