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Strong C, Burns SP, Arewasikporn A, Suri P, Hawkins EJ, Leipertz S, Haselkorn J, Turner AP. Chronic opioid prescription in veterans with spinal cord injury: Prevalence and associated factors. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39051861 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2378556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic opioid use presents long-term health risks for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of the study was to characterize patterns and correlates of the chronic prescription of opioids among individuals with SCI in a population of Veterans receiving care though the Veteran's Health Administration. DESIGN A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study examined the US Department of Veterans Affairs electronic medical record data of veterans with SCI. The annual prevalence of prescription opioid use by type (any, acute, chronic, incident chronic) was calculated for each study year (2015-2017). Multivariable models examined associations with demographics and pre-existing medical comorbidities. SETTING US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran's Health Administration. PARTICIPANTS National sample of Veterans with SCI (N = 10,811). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Chronic prescription opioid use (≥90 days). RESULTS All types of prescription opioid use declined across the three study years (chronic opioid use prevalence = 33.2%, 31.7%, and 29.7%, respectively). Past history of depression, COPD, diabetes, pain condition, opioid use and tobacco use disorders were associated with a greater likelihood of current chronic prescription opioid use. Non-white race, hyperlipidemia, dementia, and tetraplegia were associated with a lower likelihood of current chronic prescription opioid use. When added to the multivariable model, prior chronic opioid prescription use was robustly associated with current chronic prescription opioid use, but most other factors were no longer significantly associated with current opioid use. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates opioid reduction over time from 2015 to 2017, however, chronic prescription opioid use remains common among a substantial minority of Veterans with SCI. Several demographics and comorbidities may provide clinicians with important insights into factors associated with chronic prescription opioid use, with past chronic prescription opioid use being the most important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Strong
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen P Burns
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anne Arewasikporn
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pradeep Suri
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Clinical Learning, Evidence, and Research (CLEAR) Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eric J Hawkins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Steve Leipertz
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jodie Haselkorn
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aaron P Turner
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Krause JS, DiPiro ND, Dismuke-Greer CE, Laursen-Roesler J. Relationships of self-reported opioid and benzodiazepine use with health-related quality of life among adults with spinal cord injury. Disabil Health J 2024:101668. [PMID: 38987087 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2024.101668] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited understanding of the relationships between prescription opioid and benzodiazepine use and indices of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). OBJECTIVE To identify the relationships between self-reported prescription opioid and benzodiazepine use and two indicators of HRQOL, number of days in poor physical health and poor mental health in the past 30 days among adults with SCI. METHODS A cross-sectional cohort study of 918 adults with chronic (>1 year), traumatic SCI living in the Southeastern United States was conducted. Participants completed a self-report assessment (SRA). RESULTS In the preliminary model, both opioid and benzodiazepine use were associated with a greater number of days in poor physical health and poor mental health in the past month. After controlling for health conditions (pain intensity, spasticity, anxiety and perceived sleep insufficiency), opioid use was associated with 2.04 (CI = 0.69; 3.39) additional poor physical health days in the past 30 days, and benzodiazepine use was associated with 2.18 (CI = 0.70; 3.64) additional days of poor mental health. Age was associated with greater number of poor physical health days and fewer poor mental health days. Lower income was associated with poor mental health days. Most of the health conditions were significantly related to the number of past month poor physical and mental health days. CONCLUSIONS Opioid and benzodiazepine use are associated with poor physical and mental HRQOL, even after controlling for health conditions. Treatment strategies should consider potential unanticipated negative consequences of pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Krause
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Nicole D DiPiro
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Krause JS, DiPiro ND, Dismuke-Greer CE, Cao Y. Relations Between Self-Reported Prescription Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Tramadol Use and Unintentional Injuries Among Those With Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024:S0003-9993(24)01002-5. [PMID: 38762197 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.05.013] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the relations of 3 frequently used prescription opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol) with unintentional injuries, including fall-related and non-fall-related injuries among adults with chronic, traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING Community setting; Southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS Adult participants (N=918) with chronic traumatic SCI were identified from a specialty hospital and state population-based registry and completed a self-report assessment. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported fall-related and non-fall-related unintentional injuries serious enough to receive medical care in a clinic, emergency room, or hospital within the previous 12 months. RESULTS Just over 20% of participants reported ≥1 unintentional injury in the past year, with an average of 2.16 among those with ≥1. Overall, 9.6% reported fall-related injuries. Only hydrocodone was associated with any past-year unintentional injuries. Hydrocodone taken occasionally (no more than monthly) or regularly (weekly or daily) was related to 2.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-4.56) or 2.03 (95% CI, 1.15-3.60) greater odds of having ≥1 unintentional injury in the past year, respectively. Hydrocodone taken occasionally was also associated with past-year non-fall-related injuries (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.31). Each of the 3 opioids was significantly related to fall-related injuries. Taking hydrocodone occasionally was associated with 2.39 greater odds of fall-related injuries, and regular use was associated with 2.31 greater odds. Regular use of oxycodone was associated with 2.44 odds of a fall-related injury (95% CI, 1.20-4.98), and regular use of tramadol was associated with 2.59 greater odds of fall-related injury (95% CI, 1.13-5.90). CONCLUSIONS Injury prevention efforts must consider the potential effect of opioid use, particularly hydrocodone. For preventing fall-related injuries, each of the 3 opioids must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Krause
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - Nicole D DiPiro
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Yue Cao
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Borg SJ, Cameron CM, Luetsch K, Rolley A, Geraghty T, McPhail S, McCreanor V. Prevalence of opioid use in adults with spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38466869 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2319384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, reported harms and factors associated with opioid use among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus for articles published between 2000 and 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using a prevalence-specific tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool prevalence data for any context of opioids. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study protocol was registered via Prospero (CRD42022350768). RESULTS Of the 4969 potential studies, 38 were included in the review. Fifty-three percent of studies had a low risk of bias, with a high risk of bias in 5% of studies. The pooled prevalence for the 38 studies included in the meta-analysis (total cohort size of 50,473) across any opioid context was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32-47). High heterogeneity was evident, with a prediction interval twice as wide as the 95% CI (prediction interval, 7-84%). Mean or median opioid dose was unreported in 95% of studies. Opioid dose and factors related to opioids were also rarely explored in the SCI populations. CONCLUSIONS Results should be interpreted with caution based on the high heterogeneity and imprecise pooled prevalence of opioids. Contextual details including pain, cohort-specific injury characteristics and opioid dosage were inconsistently reported, indicating a clear need for additional studies in a population at greater risk of experiencing opioid-related adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Borg
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, Australia
| | - Cate M Cameron
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, Australia
| | - Karen Luetsch
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Adam Rolley
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, Australia
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Government Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Timothy Geraghty
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
- Department of Rehabilitation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Steven McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Victoria McCreanor
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Krause JS, DiPiro ND, Dismuke-Greer CE. Self-Reported Prescription Opioid Use Among Participants with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2024; 30:131-139. [PMID: 38433739 PMCID: PMC10906374 DOI: 10.46292/sci23-00050] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience high rates of prescription opioid use, yet there is limited data on frequency of opioid use and specific medications being taken. Objectives To examine the frequency of self-reported prescription opioid use among participants with SCI and the relationship with demographic, injury, and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods A cohort study of 918 adults with SCI of at least 1-year duration completed a self-report assessment (SRA) that indicated frequency of specific prescription opioid use based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Results Forty-seven percent of the participants used at least one prescription opioid over the last year; the most frequently used was hydrocodone (22.1%). Nearly 30% used a minimum of one opioid at least weekly. Lower odds of use of at least one opioid over the past year was observed for Veterans (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.96) and those with a bachelor's degree or higher (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.91). When restricting the analysis to use of at least one substance daily or weekly, lower odds of use was observed for those with a bachelor's degree or higher and those with income ranging from $25,000 to $75,000+. None of the demographic or SCI variables were significantly related to prescription opioid use. Conclusion Despite the widely established risks, prescription opioids were used daily or weekly by more than 28% of the participants. Usage was only related to Veteran status and socioeconomic status indicators, which were protective of use. Alternative treatments are needed for those with the heaviest, most regular usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Krause
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Nicole D DiPiro
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Clara E Dismuke-Greer
- Health Economics Resource Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto, Menlo Park, California
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DiPiro ND, Murday D, Krause JS. Assessment of high-risk opioid use metrics among individuals with spinal cord injury: A brief report. J Spinal Cord Med 2023; 46:687-691. [PMID: 37318872 PMCID: PMC10274556 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2084931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine high-risk opioid prescription metrics among individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) living in South Carolina. DESIGN Cohort Study. SETTING Two statewide population-based databases, an SCI Surveillance Registry and state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). PARTICIPANTS Linked data was obtained for 503 individuals with chronic (>1year-post injury) SCI who were injured in 2013 or 2014 and who survived at least 3 years post-injury. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Opioid prescription metrics were obtained from the PDMP. Fill data during the period between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017 were analyzed to assess high-risk opioid use. Outcomes included: percentage of individuals prescribed chronic opioids, high-dose chronic opioid therapy (daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME) ≥50 and ≥90), and chronic concurrent opioids and benzodiazepines, sedatives, or hypnotics (BSH). RESULTS Over half (53%) of the individuals filled an opioid in years 2-3 after injury. Of those, 38% had a concurrent BSH fill during the study period, 76% of which were for benzodiazepines. In any given quarter over the two-year timeframe, over half of the opioid prescriptions were for 60 days or more (chronic opioid prescriptions). Of those, roughly 40% of the individuals had high-dose chronic opioid prescriptions ≥50 MME/d and 25% were ≥90 MME/d. Over 33% had a concurrent BSH prescription for ≥60 days. CONCLUSIONS While the number of individuals receiving high-risk opioid prescriptions may not be large, it is a concerning number of prescriptions. The findings suggest a need for more cautious opioid prescribing and monitoring of high-risk use in adults with chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole D. DiPiro
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - David Murday
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, ColumbiaSouth Carolina, USA
| | - James S. Krause
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Wilkinson RL, Castillo C, Herrity A, Wang D, Sharma M, Dietz N, Adams S, Khattar N, Nuno M, Drazin D, Boakye M, Ugiliweneza B. Opioid Dependence and Associated Health Care Utilization and Cost in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Population: Analysis Using Marketscan Database. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2023; 29:118-130. [PMID: 36819927 PMCID: PMC9936895 DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Postinjury pain is a well-known debilitating complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), often resulting in long-term, high-dose opioid use with the potential for dependence. There is a gap in knowledge about the risk of opioid dependence and the associated health care utilization and cost in SCI. Objectives To evaluate the association of SCI with postinjury opioid use and dependence and evaluate the effect of this opioid dependence on postinjury health care utilization. Methods Using the MarketScan Database, health care utilization claims data were queried to extract 7187 adults with traumatic SCI from 2000 to 2019. Factors associated with post-SCI opioid use and dependence, postinjury health care utilization, and payments were analyzed with generalized linear regression models. Results After SCI, individuals were more likely to become opioid users or transition from nondependent to dependent users (negative change: 31%) than become nonusers or transition from dependent to nondependent users (positive change: 14%, p < .0001). Individuals who were opioid-dependent users pre-SCI had more than 30 times greater odds of becoming dependent after versus not (OR 34; 95% CI, 26-43). Dependent users after injury (regardless of prior use status) had 2 times higher utilization payments and 1.2 to 6 times more health care utilization than nonusers. Conclusion Opioid use and dependence were associated with high health care utilization and cost after SCI. Pre-SCI opioid users were more likely to remain users post-SCI and were heavier consumers of health care. Pre- and postopioid use history should be considered for treatment decision-making in all individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilo Castillo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - April Herrity
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Lousville, Kentucky
| | - Dengzhi Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Lousville, Kentucky
| | - Mayur Sharma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Nick Dietz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Shawn Adams
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Nicholas Khattar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Miriam Nuno
- Department of Public Health Science, University of California, Davis
| | - Doniel Drazin
- College of Medicine Pacific Northwest, Yamika, Washington
| | - Maxwell Boakye
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Lousville, Kentucky
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Lousville, Kentucky
- Department of Health Management and Systems Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Tilhou AS, Glass JE, Hetzel SJ, Shana OE, Borza T, Baltes A, Deyo BMF, Agarwal S, O'Rourke A, Brown RT. Association between spine injury and opioid misuse in a prospective cohort of Level I trauma patients. OTA Int 2022; 5:e205.1-6. [PMID: 36275837 PMCID: PMC9575565 DOI: 10.1097/oi9.0000000000000205] [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: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore patient and treatment factors explaining the association between spine injury and opioid misuse. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Level I trauma center in a Midwestern city. Participants English speaking patients aged 18 to 75 on Trauma and Orthopedic Surgical Services receiving opioids during hospitalization and prescribed at discharge. Exposure Spine injury on the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Main outcome measures Opioid misuse was defined by using opioids: in a larger dose, more often, or longer than prescribed; via a non-prescribed route; from someone other than a prescriber; and/or use of heroin or opium. Exploratory factor groups included demographic, psychiatric, pain, and treatment factors. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between spine injury and opioid misuse when adjusting for each factor group. Results Two hundred eighty-five eligible participants consented of which 258 had baseline injury location data and 224 had follow up opioid misuse data. Most participants were male (67.8%), white (85.3%) and on average 43.1 years old. One-quarter had a spine injury (25.2%). Of those completing follow-up measures, 14 (6.3%) developed misuse. Treatment factors (injury severity, intubation, and hospital length of stay) were significantly associated with spine injury. Spine injury significantly predicted opioid misuse [odds ratio [OR] 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.05, 9.78)]. In multivariable models, adjusting for treatment factors attenuated the association between spine injury and opioid misuse, primarily explained by length of stay. Conclusion Spine injury exhibits a complex association with opioid misuse that predominantly operates through treatment factors. Spine injury patients may represent a subpopulation requiring early intervention to prevent opioid misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Shell Tilhou
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph E Glass
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Group, Seattle, WA
| | - Scott J Hetzel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | | | - Tudor Borza
- Departments of Urology and Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Amelia Baltes
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Bri M F Deyo
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | | - Ann O'Rourke
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Randall T Brown
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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Prevalence of prescribed opioid claims among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction in Ontario, Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:512-519. [PMID: 33495578 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00605-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cohort study. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and to identify predictors of prescription opioid use among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction within 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. SETTING Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data to determine predictors of receiving prescription opioids during the 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation among persons with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2015. We modeled the outcome using a Poisson multivariable regression and reported relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We identified 3468 individuals with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction (50% male) with 67% who were aged ≥66. Over half of the cohort (60%) received opioids during the observation period. Older adults (≥66 years old) were significantly more likely to experience comorbidities (p < 0.05) but less likely to be dispensed opioids following rehabilitation discharge. Being female, previous opioid use before rehabilitation, experiencing lower continuity of care, increasing comorbidity level, low functional status, and having a previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis or mental illness were significant risk factors for receiving opioids after discharge, as shown in a multivariable analysis. Increasing length of rehabilitation stay and higher income were protective against opioid receipt after discharge. CONCLUSION Many individuals with nontraumatic spinal cord dysfunction in Ontario are prescribed opioids after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. This may be problematic due to the number of severe complications that may arise from opioid use and their use in this population warrants future research.
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