Cognitive dysfunction in patients with cancer pain (CP): A multicenter cross-sectional study from China.

Abstract

81 Background: Pain is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients and often has a negative impact on patients’ functional status and quality of life. Cognitive dysfunction can impact the assessment and treatment of pain. Taking analgesics may worsen the cognitive dysfunction. The study of the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and the association with analgesics in the CP patients is rare in China. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in Chinese CP patients and analyze the related factors. Methods: A total of 220 Chinese CP patients in 9 first-grade hospitals received the following assessment: the functional assessment of cancer therapy-cognitive function (FACT-Cog) and numerical rating scale (NRS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the related factors. Results: A total of 220 Chinese CP patients received the assessment: The overall incidence of cognitive dysfunction in CP patients was 33.64%, with an average cognitive function score 105.93±21.39. The total cognitive function score and each dimension were negatively correlated with the pain, depression, and anxiety levels. The analgesics did not affect the cognitive function of CP patients. Sleep and smoking history were two key factors influencing the cognitive function. Conclusions: An effective management of pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, and smoking are recommended to protect the cognitive function of patients under CP stress. It is safe and reliable to regularly use the analgesics for CP patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03641820.