RESUMEN
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common genetic kidney disease affecting adults. Approximately 60% of patients develop kidney failure by 60 years of age due to slowly expanding kidney cysts. A healthy lifestyle and rigorous control of blood pressure slow kidney cyst growth. These interventions can be effective in reducing progression to kidney failure and cardiovascular disease, especially if started in early adulthood. Tolvaptan, a vasopressin receptor antagonist, slows kidney cyst growth and the decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate by 1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 per year. It is indicated in patients with chronic kidney disease who are at high risk of progression to kidney failure. Chronic kidney pain is common and can be managed with analgesics, and input from pain specialists if refractory.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a major health issue, adversely affecting millions of Australians and costing billions of dollars annually. Current pharmaceutical treatments may be limiting, and in some cases ineffective, while carrying substantial liabilities. Medicinal cannabis is an increasingly popular, albeit controversial, alternative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to briefly review the scientific evidence related to medicinal cannabis for the treatment of chronic pain and update physicians on relevant issues and optimal prescribing practices. DISCUSSION: To date, >130,000 medicinal cannabis approvals have been issued in Australia, mostly by general practitioners, with approximately 65% of these to treat chronic non-cancer pain. Available products deliver Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). Despite robust supportive data from animal models, current clinical trial evidence for THC and CBD efficacy in chronic pain is incomplete. In their prescribing decisions, doctors must balance patient demand and curiosity with caution regarding potential risks and limited efficacy.