10.1080/00498250110119090
The study focused on the isolation and identification of hydromorphone metabolites from the urine samples of a cancer patient undergoing hydromorphone therapy for pain management. Hydromorphone, a potent semisynthetic opioid, was the primary compound of interest, and its metabolites were analyzed to understand its metabolic fate in the human body. The researchers used various chemicals in the study, including hydromorphone hydrochloride, morphine sulfate, Amberlite XAD-2 resin for urine sample processing, and reagents like palladium on activated carbon for synthesis. They also employed LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) for the detection and identification of metabolites. The purpose of these chemicals was to synthesize known metabolites for comparison with those found in the patient's urine and to develop a method for isolating and identifying hydromorphone and its metabolites. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive profile of hydromorphone metabolism, which is crucial for understanding its efficacy and safety in clinical use.