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Hurtado I, Robles C, García-Sempere A, Llopis-Cardona F, Sánchez-Sáez F, Rodríguez-Bernal C, Peiró S, Sanfélix-Gimeno G. Long-term use of prescription opioids for non-cancer pain and mortality: a population-based, propensity-weighted cohort study. Public Health 2024; 232:4-13. [PMID: 38718737 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with long-term opioid use and to assess the association between long-term use and death. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study combining several population-wide databases and covering a population of five million inhabitants, including all adults who were initiated on opioid treatment from 2014 to 2018 for non-cancer pain. METHODS We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with chronic opioid use and carried out survival analyses using multivariable Cox regression modelling for all-cause mortality during follow-up using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity scores based on the probability of using opioids chronically. RESULTS Among 760,006 patients, 82,423 (10.85%) used opioids for 90 days or more after initiation. Initial therapy characteristics associated with higher risk for long-term use were initiating with long- and short-acting opioids (when compared to tramadol, odds ratio [OR]: 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.57, 2.69 and OR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.46, 1.76, respectively), using higher daily doses (when compared to 50 morphine milligramme equivalent [MME] or less, prescribing 50 to 89 daily MME, OR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.65, 1.87; 90 to 119 daily MME, OR: 2.44, 95%CI: 1.99, 3.01; and more than 120 daily MME, OR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.64, 1.91), and overlapping with gabapentinoids (OR: 2.26, 95%CI: 2.20, 2.32), benzodiazepines (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.30, 1.35), and antipsychotics (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.16, 1.26). After IPTW, chronic opioid use was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality when compared to short-term use (Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.37, 95%CI: 1.32, 1.42). Sensitivity analyses provided similar results. CONCLUSION These findings may help healthcare managers to identify and address patients at higher risk of long-term use and riskier prescription patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Hurtado
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - C Robles
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - A García-Sempere
- Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain.
| | - F Llopis-Cardona
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - F Sánchez-Sáez
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - C Rodríguez-Bernal
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - S Peiró
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - G Sanfélix-Gimeno
- Health Services Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, Fisabio, Spain; Spanish Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
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Minhas D, Kheirabadi D, Ghaderpanah R, Clauw DJ. Response to kollas. Letter to the editor, "problems with opioids beyond misuse". Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2024:101946. [PMID: 38616455 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Deeba Minhas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, 300 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5422, USA.
| | - Dorna Kheirabadi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rezvan Ghaderpanah
- Department of Physiology and Aging, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine (Rheumatology), And Psychiatry, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Peene L, Cohen SP, Kallewaard JW, Wolff A, Huygen F, Gaag AVD, Monique S, Vissers K, Gilligan C, Van Zundert J, Van Boxem K. 1. Lumbosacral radicular pain. Pain Pract 2024; 24:525-552. [PMID: 37985718 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients suffering lumbosacral radicular pain report radiating pain in one or more lumbar or sacral dermatomes. In the general population, low back pain with leg pain extending below the knee has an annual prevalence that varies from 9.9% to 25%. METHODS The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain was reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Although a patient's history, the pain distribution pattern, and clinical examination may yield a presumptive diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain, additional clinical tests may be required. Medical imaging studies can demonstrate or exclude specific underlying pathologies and identify nerve root irritation, while selective diagnostic nerve root blocks can be used to confirm the affected level(s). In subacute lumbosacral radicular pain, transforaminal corticosteroid administration provides short-term pain relief and improves mobility. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment adjacent to the spinal ganglion (DRG) can provide pain relief for a longer period in well-selected patients. In cases of refractory pain, epidural adhesiolysis and spinal cord stimulation can be considered in experienced centers. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain is based on a combination of history, clinical examination, and additional investigations. Epidural steroids can be considered for subacute lumbosacral radicular pain. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, PRF adjacent to the DRG is recommended. SCS and epidural adhesiolysis can be considered for cases of refractory pain in specialized centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens Peene
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk/Lanaken, Belgium
| | - Steven P Cohen
- Pain Medicine Division, Department of Anesthesiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jan Willem Kallewaard
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Velp, The Netherlands
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Wolff
- Department of Anesthesiology UMCG Pain Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Huygen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmusmc, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antal van de Gaag
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Steegers Monique
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kris Vissers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Gilligan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Spine Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan Van Zundert
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk/Lanaken, Belgium
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Van Boxem
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk/Lanaken, Belgium
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Curatolo M. Central Sensitization and Pain: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Insights. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:15-22. [PMID: 36237158 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666221012112725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Central sensitization is an increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to their normal or subthreshold afferent input. AIM To explain how the notion of central sensitization has changed our understanding of pain conditions, discuss how this knowledge can be used to improve the management of pain, and highlight knowledge gaps that future research needs to address. METHODS Overview of definitions, assessment methods, and clinical implications. RESULTS Human pain models, and functional and molecular imaging have provided converging evidence that central sensitization occurs and is clinically relevant. Measures to assess central sensitization in patients are available; however, their ability to discriminate sensitization of central from peripheral neurons is unclear. Treatments that attenuate central sensitization are available, but the limited understanding of molecular and functional mechanisms hampers the development of target-specific treatments. The origin of central sensitization in human pain conditions that are not associated with tissue damage remains unclear. CONCLUSION The knowledge of central sensitization has revolutionized our neurobiological understanding of pain. Despite the limitations of clinical assessment in identifying central sensitization, it is appropriate to use the available tools to guide clinical decisions towards treatments that attenuate central sensitization. Future research that elucidates the causes, molecular and functional mechanisms of central sensitization would provide crucial progress towards the development of treatments that target specific mechanisms of central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The University of Washington Clinical Learning, Evidence and Research (CLEAR), University of Washington, WAI, USA
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Manhapra A, MacLean RR, Rosenheck R, Becker WC. Are opioids effective analgesics and is physiological opioid dependence benign? Revising current assumptions to effectively manage long-term opioid therapy and its deprescribing. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 37990580 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A re-examination of clinical principles of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain is long overdue amid the ongoing opioid crisis. Most patients on LTOT report ineffectiveness (poor pain control, function and health) but still find deprescribing challenging. Although prescribed as analgesics, opioids more likely provide pain relief primarily through reward system actions (enhanced relief and motivation) and placebo effect and less through antinociceptive effects. The unavoidable physiologic LTOT dependence can automatically lead to a paradoxical worsening of pain, disability and medical instability (maladaptive opioid dependence) without addiction due to allostatic opponent neuroadaptations involving reward/antireward and nociceptive/antinociceptive systems. This opioid-induced chronic pain syndrome (OICP) can persist/progress whether LTOT dose is maintained at the same level, increased, decreased or discontinued. Current conceptualization of LTOT as a straightforward long-term analgesic therapy appears incongruous in view of the complex mechanisms of opioid action, LTOT dependence and OICP. LTOT can be more appropriately conceptualized as therapeutic induction and maintenance of an adaptive LTOT dependence for functional improvement irrespective of analgesic benefits. Adaptive LTOT dependence should be ideally used for a limited time to achieve maximum functional recovery and deprescribed while maintaining functional gains. Patients on LTOT should be regularly re-evaluated to identify if maladaptive LTOT dependence with OICP has diminished any functional gains or leads to ineffectiveness. Ineffective LTOT (with maladaptive LTOT dependence) should be modified to make it safer and more effective. An adequately functional life without opioids is the ideal healthy long-term goal for both LTOT initiation and LTOT modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Manhapra
- Section of Pain Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences, Hampton VA Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia, USA
- New England Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Psychiatry, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - R Ross MacLean
- New England Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert Rosenheck
- New England Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - William C Becker
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities & Education Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Schnitzer TJ, Robinson RL, Viktrup L, Cappelleri JC, Bushmakin AG, Tive L, Berry M, Walker C, Jackson J. Opioids for Osteoarthritis: Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient Perspectives and Satisfaction. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072733. [PMID: 37048816 PMCID: PMC10095440 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients often take opioids to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) pain despite limited benefits and potential harms. This study aimed to compare cross-sectional perspectives of patients that were taking prescription opioid (N = 471) or nonopioid medications (N = 185) for OA in terms of satisfaction, expectations of effectiveness, and concerns. Patients prescribed opioids (>7 days) reported more prior treatments (2.47 vs. 1.74), greater mean pain intensity (5.47 vs. 4.11), and worse quality of life (EQ-5D-5L index value mean 0.45 vs. 0.71) than patients prescribed nonopioid medications (all p < 0.0001). Based on linear regression models adjusting for demographics and pain intensity, patients prescribed opioids were less satisfied with overall regimen (3.40 vs. 3.67, p = 0.0322), had less belief that medications were meeting effectiveness expectations (2.72 vs. 3.13, p < 0.0001), and had more concerns about treatments being "not very good" (3.66 vs. 3.22, p = 0.0026) and addiction (3.30 vs. 2.65, p < 0.0001) than patients prescribed nonopioid regimens. When the models were replicated for subgroups with ≥30 days' medication regimen duration, the findings were consistent with the main analyses. Patients have concerns about the risk of opioid addiction, but those with greater disease burden and more prior treatments continue taking opioid regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Schnitzer
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rebecca L Robinson
- Value, Evidence and Outcomes, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Lars Viktrup
- Neuroscience, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Joseph C Cappelleri
- Statistical Research and Data Science Center, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Andrew G Bushmakin
- Statistical Research and Data Science Center, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Leslie Tive
- Internal Medicine, Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Mia Berry
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
| | - Chloe Walker
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
| | - James Jackson
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
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Schnitzer TJ, Robinson RL, Viktrup L, Cappelleri JC, Bushmakin AG, Tive L, Berry M, Walker C, Jackson J. Opioid Prescribing for Osteoarthritis: Cross-Sectional Survey among Primary Care Physicians, Rheumatologists, and Orthopaedic Surgeons. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020589. [PMID: 36675516 PMCID: PMC9864807 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are often prescribed for osteoarthritis (OA) pain, despite recommendations to limit use due to minimal benefits and associated harms. This study aimed to assess physicians' practice patterns and perceptions regarding opioids by specialty one year following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance on opioid prescribing. The 139/153 (90.8%) physicians who reported prescribing opioids in the previous year reported decreased prescribing for mild OA (51.3%, 26.5% and 33.3% of primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and orthopaedic surgeons, respectively), moderate OA (50.0%, 47.1% and 48.1%) and severe OA (43.6%, 41.2% and 44.4%). Prescribing changes were attributed to the CDC guidelines for 58.9% of primary care physicians, 59.1% of rheumatologists, and 73.3% of orthopaedic surgeons. Strong opioids were mostly reserved as third-line treatment. Although treatment effectiveness post-CDC guidelines was not assessed, perceptions of efficacy and quality of life with opioids significantly differed across specialties, whereas perceptions of safety, convenience/acceptability and costs did not. Physicians generally agreed on the barriers to opioid prescribing, with fear of addiction and drug abuse being the most important. Across specialties, physicians reported decreased opioid prescribing for OA, irrespective of OA severity, and in most cases attributed changes in prescribing to the CDC guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Schnitzer
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Robinson
- Value, Evidence and Outcomes, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-317-224-5833
| | - Lars Viktrup
- Neuroscience, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Joseph C. Cappelleri
- Statistical Research and Data Science Center, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Andrew G. Bushmakin
- Statistical Research and Data Science Center, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Leslie Tive
- Internal Medicine, Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Mia Berry
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
| | - Chloe Walker
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
| | - James Jackson
- Real World Research, Adelphi Real World, Bollington SK10 5JB, UK
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Yoo Y, Oh JH, Lee H, Choi H, Joo S, Han AH, Moon JY. Myth and Truth in Opioid Consumption with Intrathecal Morphine Pump Implantation in Chronic Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Claims Database in South Korea. PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 24:79-88. [PMID: 35881702 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the opioid consumption and the healthcare resource utilization in patients with the intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) therapy and the comprehensive medical management (CMM) alone. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study with a customized claims database. SETTING In a university-based hospital. SUBJECTS Patients with complex regional pain syndrome, post-laminectomy syndrome, and fibromyalgia. METHODS Using propensity score matching (1:3), we selected patients with morphine infusion through IDDS (IDDS group) and CMM alone (CMM group). The primary endpoints were comparisons of average morphine equivalents daily dosages (MEDD, mg/day) for 6 and 12 months from an index date. The number of emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations and the total medical expenditures were compared as secondary outcomes. RESULTS In total, 82 patients (N = 23 in the IDDS group and N = 59 in the CMM group) were analyzed. Although a 6-month average MEDD did not reach statistical significance, a 12-month average MEDD was significantly decreased in the IDDS group compared to the CMM group (53.2 ± 46.3 vs 123.9 ± 176.4, respectively; P = 0.008). ER visits were more frequent in the IDDS group than the CMM group at baseline (5.4 vs 0.5, respectively; P = .002), which was maintained for 12 months (P < 0.001). Otherwise, the number of hospitalization and the medical expenditures for pain management were not different between the groups for 12 months. CONCLUSIONS The combined IDDS therapy had some benefits in reducing opioid consumption for 1-year follow-up compared to the CMM alone in chronic noncancer pain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjae Yoo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hyeon Oh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Haine Lee
- Healthcare Economics and Government Affairs, Medtronic Korea, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsook Choi
- Healthcare Economics and Government Affairs, Medtronic Korea, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Convergence, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Somin Joo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Effect of Opioids on Survival in Patients with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225720. [PMID: 36428812 PMCID: PMC9688536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are commonly used for pain management in patients with cancer. They have a range of unwanted effects, including some that potentially influence cancer growth. This article reviews the data assessing the effects of opioids on survival in patients with cancer. Many studies assessing this show an association between opioids and decreased survival. This effect is present even at very low doses of opioids. These studies do not assess causality, so it is not known if it is a direct effect of opioids on survival. As the control groups are not matched to the opioid group it might be that opioids are being used to control pain and patients receiving opioids have more aggressive cancers and it is the underlying cancer which is causing the decreased survival. Furthermore, although some studies allude to different opioids having different effects on survival, often all opioids are pooled in analysis. Future work needs to try to ascertain causality and differentiate between different opioids, pain, and cancer-mediated effects on survival in specific cancer types. Until then, opioids should continue to be used in patients with cancer as part of measures to optimise comfort and quality of life.
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Population-Based Study on the All-Cause and Cause-Specific Risks of Mortality among Long-Term Opioid Analgesics Users without Cancer in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111402. [PMID: 34828449 PMCID: PMC8625753 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The prevalence of opioid use in Taiwan increased by 41% between 2002 and 2014. However, little is known regarding the risk of mortality among long-term opioid analgesics users who do not have cancer. This study investigated this mortality risk with an emphasis on the calendar year and patients’ age and sex. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 12,990 adult individuals without cancer who were long-term users of opioid analgesics and were randomly selected from the data set of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program from 2000 to 2012. They were then followed up through 2013. Information on the underlying causes of death was retrieved from the Taiwan Death Registry. Age, sex, and calendar year-standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of all-cause and cause-specific mortality were calculated with reference to those of the general population. (3) Results: With up to 14 years of follow-up, 558 individuals had all-cause mortality in 48,020 person-years (cumulative mortality: 4.3%, mortality rate: 11.62 per 1000 person-years). Compared with the general population, the all-cause SMR of 4.30 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 3.95–4.66) was significantly higher: it was higher in men than in women, declined with calendar year and age, and was significantly higher for both natural (4.15, 95% CI: 3.78–4.53) and unnatural (5.04, 95% CI: 3.88–6.45) causes. (4) Conclusions: Long-term opioid analgesics use among individuals without cancer in Taiwan was associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality. The notably increased mortality in younger adults warrants attention. Strategies to reduce long-term opioid analgesics use, especially their overuse or misuse, are in an urgent need.
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