Veränderte Schmerzschwellen während und nach Opioidentzug bei Patienten mit chronischen Rückenschmerzen

Alleviation of opioid withdrawal by cannabis and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: A systematic review of observational and experimental human studies

BACKGROUND

While six U.S. states have already officially authorized cannabinoids to substitute opioids and treat opioid use disorder, the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids remain unclear, especially when weighted against their adverse effects.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of studies examining the association between opioid withdrawal and cannabis use or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration. We searched multiple databases from inception to July 30, 2022, and assessed study quality.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were identified, with a total of 5330 participants, of whom 64 % were male. Nine observational studies examined the association between cannabis use and opioid withdrawal. Two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) investigated the withdrawal-alleviating effects of dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC. Four observational studies found an association between cannabis use and the alleviation of opioid withdrawal; one reported exacerbation of opioid withdrawal symptoms; and four reported no association. RCTs reported that THC alleviated opioid withdrawal, albeit with dose-dependent increases in measures of abuse liability, dysphoria, and tachycardia. There was high heterogeneity in measurements of opioid withdrawal and the type and dose of opioid at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is preliminary evidence that cannabis and its main psychoactive constituent, THC, may alleviate opioid withdrawal, these effects are likely to have a narrow therapeutic window. Further, the potential of cannabinoids to alleviate opioid withdrawal is determined by complex interactions between patient characteristics and pharmacological factors. Collectively, these findings have clinical, methodological, and mechanistic implications for treating opioid withdrawal during cannabinoid use, and for efforts to alleviate opioid withdrawal using non-opioid therapeutics.

Changes in peripheral and central sensitization in patients undergoing occipital nerve stimulation

Introduction

Central sensitization and impaired conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response have been reported to contribute to migraine progression. Migraine patients can present with allodynia possibly attributed to increased sensitivity of peripheral ends of nociceptors with both peripheral and central sensitization. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) works by stimulating the distal branches of C1, C2 and C3 possibly altering the nociceptive traffic to the trigemino-cervical complex, brainstem and supranuclear connections.

Aims

This observational study explores peripheral and central sensitization in patients undergoing percutaneous ONS.

Methods

Following local regulatory approval, 13 patients undergoing ONS with dual Octrode 90 cm leads and rechargeable implantable pulse generator (IPG) (St Jude) were recruited to have quantitative sensory testing (QST) pre- and post-procedure 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Patients with intractable migraine demonstrated impaired CPM (mean baseline pressure pain thresholds (PPTs): 61.98 kPa vs 48.01 kPa cuff inflated) prior to ONS, reverting to an efficient CPM response within 2 weeks following ONS implant (68.9 kPa vs 104.5 kPa cuff inflated) and continuing positively over the next 12 months. In contrast, no statistical difference was observed in PPTs.

Conclusion

This is the first reported observation highlighting the effects on central sensitization following ONS. A consistent and sustained improvement in CPM was observed in contrast to PPT's where there was no difference. Normalisation of the CPM response following ONS indicates that the treatment may reduce central sensitization in the migraine population.