Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of hydromorphone and morphine in the treatment of dyspnea in patients with advanced malignant tumors.

Methods A total of 75 dyspnea patients with advanced malignant tumors were selected as study objects. According to the treatment therapies for dyspnea, they were divided into three groups. Group A (n=25) received subcutaneous injection of hydromorphone hydrochloride combined with intravenous infusion of doxofylline, group B (n=25) received subcutaneous injection of morphine injection combined with intravenous infusion of doxofylline, while group C (n=25)was treated with intravenous infusion of doxofylline alone. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to compare the dyspnea of three groups after 30 and 60 min of medication. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were compared, and the occurrence of adverse reactions among the three groups were compared.

Results Before treatment, there were no significant differences in dyspnea degree (VAS score), RR, HR, MAP and SpO₂ among three groups (P>0.05). VAS score and RR at 30 min and 60 min of treatment were lower than before treatment, and VAS score and RR at 60 min of treatment were lower than 30 min of treatment (P < 0.05). VAS score and RR in the group A and group B were lower than those in group C, and VAS score and RR in the group A were lower than those in group B (P < 0.05). After 30 and 60 min of treatment, there were no significant differences in HR, MAP and SpO₂ among three groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions among the three groups (P>0.05), and no serious adverse reactions occurred.

Conclusion Compared with doxofylline regimen alone and morphine combined with doxofylline regimen, hydromorphone combined with doxofylline regimen is more effective and rapid in alleviating dyspnea in patients with advanced malignant tumors, and the adverse reactions are tolerable.