The AGS published its first pain guideline in 1998. For the 2009 recommendations, a panel of experts conducted a systematic review of 2,400 abstracts and 240 data-based, full-text articles. It focused on pharmacotherapy because it is the most common strategy used for pain management among elderly people, as well as the area of greatest risk, said panel chair Dr. Bruce Ferrell of the University of California, Los Angeles. The 2009 update is to be published in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Dr. Katz disclosed that he has served as a paid consultant for the American Academy of CME Inc. and for UCB Pharma Inc. Dr. Fine said he is as a paid consultant or speaker for numerous pharmaceutical companies and has commercial interests in Johnson & Johnson and Cephalon Inc. Dr. Ferrell disclosed no relevant conflict of interest.