Opioid use in the elderly

Time trends in opioid use for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery in 1997-2018: A Danish population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although opioids are a mainstay for perioperative pain management in hip fracture patients, no studies have described changes in opioid use over the last two decades. The aim of this study was to describe time trends in opioid use in a population-based cohort of patients undergoing a first-time hip fracture surgery during 1997-2018.

METHODS

Opioid-naïve hip fracture patients >55 years old were identified in Danish medical databases (n = 115,962). By 2-year calendar periods, we calculated prevalence rates (PR) of opioid use in the four quarters after surgery (Q1-Q4). Corresponding prevalence rate ratios (PRR) with 1997-1998 as a reference were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Further, we calculated the median morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for each quarter.

RESULTS

For Q1, the PR of opioid use increased from 29% in 1997-1998 to 78% in 2017-2018 corresponding to a PRR of 2.7 (2.6-2.8). For Q4, the PR was 15% in 1997-1998, peaked in 2003-2004 and then decreased, but stayed high at 13% in 2017-2018. The median MME did not increase when comparing 2017-2018 with 1997-1998, irrespective of the quarter. Tramadol was most frequently used in 1997-1998 shifting to oxycodone in 2017-2018.

CONCLUSION

The PRs of opioid use in Q1 after surgery increased substantially from 1997 to 2018, but this did not translate into increased opioid use up to 1 year after hip fracture surgery or higher dosage. Our findings underline the importance of sustained focus on opioid tapering, dosage and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Overall, opioid use in Q1 after hip fracture surgery increased 2.7 times from 1997 to 2018, but the doses and opioid use up to 1 year after surgery remained stable. Compared to elderly, younger patients were more likely to use opioid in Q1, while the tendency was opposite in Q2-Q4. The most used opioid type changed from tramadol to oxycodone. Our findings underline the importance of personalized opioid tapering and doses, and use of opioids with the lowest potential for addiction and other adverse events.

Associations between Clinicopathological Characteristics and Intraoperative Opioid Requirements during Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection with Monitored Anesthesia Care: A Retrospective Study

Background and study aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is used to treat early gastric neoplasms. Compared with other endoscopic procedures, it requires higher doses of opioids, leading to adverse events during monitored anesthesia care. We investigated the correlations between clinicopathological characteristics and intraprocedural opioid requirements in patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection under monitored anesthesia care. Patients and methods: The medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection under monitored anesthesia care were retrospectively reviewed. The dependent variable was the total dose of fentanyl administered during the dissection, while independent variables were patient demographics, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, preoperative vital sign data, and the pathological characteristics of the neoplasm. Correlations between variables were examined using multiple regression analysis. Results: The study included 743 patients. The median total fentanyl dose was 100 mcg. Younger age (coefficient -1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.78 to -0.95), male sex (16.12; 95% CI 6.99-25.24), baseline diastolic blood pressure (0.44; 95% CI 0.04-0.85), neoplasm length (1.63; 95% CI 0.90-2.36), and fibrosis (28.59; 95% CI 17.77-39.42) were positively correlated with the total fentanyl dose. Total fentanyl dose was higher in the differentiated (16.37; 95% CI 6.40-26.35) and undifferentiated cancers group (32.53; 95% CI 16.95-48.11) than in the dysplasia group; no significant differences were observed among the others. The mid-anterior wall (22.69; 95% CI 1.25-44.13), mid-posterior wall (29.65; 95% CI 14.39-44.91), mid-greater curvature (28.77; 95% CI 8.56-48.98), and upper groups (30.06; 95% CI 5.01-55.12) had higher total fentanyl doses than the lower group, whereas doses did not significantly differ for the mid-lesser curvature group. Conclusions: We identified variables that influenced opioid requirements during monitored anesthesia care for endoscopic submucosal dissection. These may help predict the needed opioid doses and identify factors affecting intraprocedural opioid requirements.

Short-Term Opioid Treatment of Acute Locomotor Pain in Older Adults: Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety between Tramadol and Oxycodone: A Randomized Trial

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a head-to-head comparison of step 2 (tramadol) and step 3 (oxycodone) of the WHO pain ladder in older adults with moderate to severe acute locomotor pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multi-center prospective randomized study. Patients were 70 years or older, admitted to the acute geriatric ward of three hospitals, suffering from acute moderate to severe locomotor pain, and opioid-naive. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups: tramadol versus oxycodone. The Consort reporting guidelines were used.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were included. Mean numeric rating scale (NRS) decreased significantly between day 0 and 2 of the inclusion in both groups. A sustained significant decrease in mean NRS was seen at day 7 in both groups. Nausea was significantly more prevalent in the tramadol group, with a trend towards a higher prevalence of delirium and falls and three serious adverse events in the same group.

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term effective treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults. Oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for geriatric practice, showing that opioids for treatment of acute moderate to severe locomotor pain in older patients are effective and safe if carefully monitored for side effects. Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults, if carefully monitored for (side) effects, while oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for daily practice in geriatric, orthopedic, and orthogeriatric wards, as well as in terminal care, more precisely for the treatment of moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults.

Older adult drug overdose: an application of latent class analysis to identify prevention opportunities

BACKGROUND

Older adult overdose death rates have increased significantly in recent years. However, research for prevention of drug overdose death specific to older adults is limited. Our objective is to identify profiles based on missed intervention points (touchpoints) to inform prevention of future older adult unintentional overdose deaths.

METHODS

We used latent class analysis methods to identify profiles of decedents aged 55 + years in the Illinois Statewide Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. This system collects data on 92.6% of all unintentional overdose deaths in Illinois and includes data from death certificates, coroner/medical examiner, toxicology, and autopsy reports. Data include decedent demographics, circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fatal overdose and details regarding the overdose. Variables in the latent class analysis model included sex, race, alcohol test result, social isolation, recent emergency department (ED) visit, chronic pain, and pain treatment.

RESULTS

We identified three distinct decent profiles. Class 1 (13% of decedents) included female decedents who were in pain treatment, had physical health problems, and had greater likelihood of a recent ED visit before their death. Class 2 (35% of decedents) decedents were most likely to be socially connected (live with others, employed, had social or family relationships) but less likely to have recent healthcare visits. Class 3 (52% of decedents) decedents had higher social isolation (lived alone, unemployed, unpartnered), were mostly male, had fewer known physical health conditions, and more alcohol positivity at time of death. White decedents are clustered in class 1 while Black decedents are predominant in classes 2 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

These profiles link to potential touchpoint opportunities for substance use disorder screening harm reduction and treatment. Class 1 members were most likely to be reachable in healthcare settings. However, most decedents were members of Classes 2 and 3 with less engagement in the healthcare system, suggesting a need for screening and intervention in different contexts. For Class 2, intervention touchpoints might include education and screening in work or social settings such as senior centers given the higher degree of social connectivity. For Class 3, the most isolated group, touchpoints may occur in the context of harm reduction outreach and social service delivery.

Guideline No. 443a: Opioid Use Throughout Women's Lifespan: Fertility, Contraception, Chronic Pain, and Menopause

OBJECTIVE

To provide health care providers with the best evidence on opioid use and women's health. Areas of focus include general patterns of opioid use and safety of use; care of women who use opioids; stigma, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; hormonal regulation; reproductive health, including contraception and fertility; sexual function; perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms; and chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

TARGET POPULATION

The target population includes all women currently using or contemplating using opioids.

OUTCOMES

Open, evidence-informed dialogue about opioid use will lead to improvements in patient care and overall health.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Exploring opioid use through a trauma-informed approach offers the health care provider and patient with an opportunity to build a strong, collaborative, and therapeutic alliance. This alliance empowers women to make informed choices about their own care. It also allows for the diagnosis and possible treatment of opioid use disorders. Use should not be stigmatized, as stigma leads to poor "partnered care" (i.e., the partnership between the patient and care provider). Therefore, health care providers and patients must understand the potential role of opioids in women's health (both positive and negative) to ensure informed decision-making.

EVIDENCE

A literature search was designed and carried out in PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases from August 2018 until March 2023 using following MeSH terms and keywords (and variants): opioids, illicit drugs, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

All health care providers who care for women.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Opioid use can affect female reproductive function; health care providers and patients must understand the potential role of opioids in women's health to ensure informed decision-making.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Adverse Drug Reactions to Opioids: A Study in a National Pharmacovigilance Database

INTRODUCTION

Opioids are commonly used as analgesics; however, like any medicine, they can produce adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including nausea, constipation, dependence, and respiratory depression, that result in harmful and fatal events. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the safety of these drugs in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize the safety profile of opioids by conducting a descriptive study based on a spontaneous reporting system (SRS) for ADRs in The Netherlands, focusing on abuse, misuse, medication errors, and differences between sexes.

METHODS

Reports submitted to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb from January 2003 to December 2021 with an opioid drug as the suspected/interacting medicine were analyzed. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) for drug-ADR combinations were calculated, analyzed, and corrected for sex and drug utilization (expenditure) for the Dutch population.

RESULTS

A total of 8769 reports were analyzed. Tramadol was the opioid with the most reports during the period (n = 2746), while oxycodone or tramadol had the highest number of reports per year in the study period. The most reported ADRs from opioid use were nausea, followed by dizziness and vomiting, independent of sex, and all of them were more often reported in women. Vomiting associated with tramadol (ROR females/males = 2.17) was significantly higher in women. Buprenorphine was responsible for most ADRs when corrected for expenditure, with high RORs observed with application site hypersensitivity, application site reaction, and application site rash. Fentanyl gave rise to most of the reports of ADRs concerning abuse, misuse, and medication errors.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with opioids experienced ADRs, primarily nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. For those groups of drugs, no significant differences were found between the sexes, except for the vomiting associated with tramadol. In general, ADRs related to opioids presented higher RORs when uncorrected and corrected for sexes and expenditure than other drugs. There was more disproportionate reporting for ADRs concerning abuse, misuse, and medication errors for opioids than other drugs in the Dutch SRS.

[Use of regional anesthesia for preoperative analgesia for proximal femoral fractures in the emergency department : A survey on current practice in German-speaking countries and the United Kingdom]

BACKGROUND

Regional anesthesia (RA) techniques such as femoral nerve block (FNB) or fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) are effective analgesia techniques in the treatment of pain from proximal femoral fractures (PFF). While in Great Britain (GB) these are already frequently used in the emergency department for preoperative analgesia, in the German-speaking D‑A-CH area (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) this seems to occur much less frequently. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey the type and frequency of RA procedures used and to compare international practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the D‑A-CH area as well as in GB, registered emergency departments were contacted and invited to participate in an online survey. The survey included questions on the frequency and type of RA procedures, reasons for non-use, equipment used, person performing the procedure and medications used.

RESULTS

The participation rate was 17.4% (142/818 emergency departments). RA procedures for preoperative analgesia in PFF were used in 18.3% (21/115) of hospitals in the D‑A-CH region and in 96.3% (26/27) in GB. The most commonly used block was the FICB in GB at 96.2% (25/26) and the FNB in Germany at 66.7% (14/21). In the D‑A-CH area, RA procedures are primarily performed by anesthesiology specialists 71.4% (15/21), and in GB by emergency department residents 65.4% (17/26).

DISCUSSION

RA procedures are still performed too rarely following PFF in emergency departments in the D‑A-CH area. In international comparison with GB there is potential for improvement.

Barriers Facing Physicians in Opioids Prescribing for the Management of Moderate to Severe Pain in a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

Background: Although several interventions are utilized for pain management, opioids remain the most effective intervention for moderate to severe pain. Despite opioids being the most potent analgesics used in different pain settings, several factors impede the optimal prescribing of opioids.Objectives: The study seeks to identify and address the barriers physicians face to prescribing opioids in managing pain.Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It involved distributing questionnaires to the participants. The questionnaires sought to identify prescribers' knowledge and current practices as well as obstacles that they face when prescribing opioids. A total of 109 questionnaires were completed by participants.Results: More than half [59.6%] of the respondents thought that opioid use was an optimal way to treat moderate to severe pain. About 33% chose "never" when asked if they fear legal sanctions when prescribing opioids. Fear of side effects limited almost 90% of the respondents from prescribing opioids.Conclusion: The study confirmed the perception that opioids are the most potent pharmacological intervention in treating pain. Several barriers were identified and discussed in this study. Further studies from different settings to understand these barriers are highly recommended.

Analgesic efficacy of inter-semispinal fascial plane block in Patients undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery through Posterior Approach: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Posterior cervical spine surgery is commonly performed in elderly patients with significant comorbidities and is considered one of the most painful surgical procedures. Accordingly, perioperative pain management during posterior cervical spine surgery represents a unique challenge for anesthesiologists. Inter-semispinal plane block (ISPB) represents a promising analgesic technique for spine surgery through the blockade of the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves. The present study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of bilateral ISPB as an opioid-sparing nerve block technique for posterior cervical spine surgeries.

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled 52 patients planned for cervical spine surgery via the posterior approach. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups in a one-to-one ratio, with 26 patients allocated to the block group (ISPB) who received general anesthesia preceded by bilateral ISP using 20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine on each side and the remaining 26 patients allocated to the control group who received general anesthesia only. The primary outcome was total perioperative opioid consumption through two co-primary outcomes, i.e. total amount of fentanyl administered intraoperatively and total morphine consumption during the first 24 hours postoperatively. The secondary outcomes included intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, assessment of numerical rating scores (NRS) during the first 24 hours postoperatively, time to first rescue analgesia and opioid-related side effects.

RESULTS

A significantly lower amount of intraoperative fentanyl was administered in the ISPB group (median, 175 μg; range, 110-220 μg] compared to the control group [median, 290 μg; range 110-350 μg). Patients in the ISPB group consumed significantly lower doses of morphine (median, 7 mg; range, 5-12 mg]) within the first 24 h postoperatively compared to the control group (median, 12 mg; range, 8-21 mg). In addition, NRS values were significantly lower in the ISPB group during the first 12 h postoperatively than in the control group. No significant differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) or heart rate (HR) were observed between intraoperative time points in the ISPB group. However, a significant increase in MAP was observed during surgery in the control group (p < 0.001). The incidence of opioid side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and sedation was significantly greater in the control group compared to the ISPB group.

CONCLUSIONS

Inter-semispinal plane block (ISPB) represents an effective analgesic technique and reduces opioid consumption in both intra- and postoperative settings. Moreover, the ISPB could significantly decrease opioid-associated side effects.

Opioid prescribing practices in trauma patients at discharge: An exploratory retrospective chart analysis

This study examined the opioid prescribing patterns at discharge in the trauma center of a major Canadian hospital and compared them to the guidelines provided by the Illinois surgical quality improvement collaborative (ISQIC), a framework that has been recognized as being associated with reduced risk. This was a retrospective chart review of patient data from the trauma registry between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2019. A total of 268 discharge charts of naïve opioid patients were included in the analysis. A Morphine Milligram Equivalents per day (MME/day) was computed for each patient who was prescribed opioids and compared with standard practice guidelines. About 75% of patients were prescribed opioids. More males (75%) than females (25%) were prescribed opioids to patients below 65 years old (91%). Best practice guidelines were followed in most cases. Only 16.6% of patients were prescribed over 50 mg MME/day, the majority (80.9%) were prescribed opioids for =<3 days and only 1% for >7 days. Only 7.5% were prescribed extended-release opioids and none were strong like fentanyl. Patients received a multimodal approach with alternatives to opioids in 88.9% of cases and 82.9% had a plan for opioid discontinuation. However, only 23.6% received an acute pain service referral. The majority of the prescriptions provided adhered to the best practice guidelines outlined by the ISQIC framework. These results are encouraging with respect to the feasibility of implementing opioid prescription guidelines effectively. However, routine monitoring is necessary to ensure that adherence is maintained.

Pharmacotherapy for Spine-Related Pain in Older Adults

As the population ages, spine-related pain is increasingly common in older adults. While medications play an important role in pain management, their use has limitations in geriatric patients due to reduced liver and renal function, comorbid medical problems, and polypharmacy. This review will assess the evidence basis for medications used for spine-related pain in older adults, with a focus on drug metabolism and adverse drug reactions. A PubMed/OVID search crossing common spine, neck, and back pain terms with key words for older adults and geriatrics was combined with common drug classes and common drug names and limited to clinical trials and age over 65 years. The results were then reviewed with identification of commonly used drugs and drug categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, corticosteroids, gabapentin and pregabalin, antispastic and antispasmodic muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tramadol, and opioids. Collectively, 138 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were the focus of the review. The review found a variable contribution of high-quality studies examining the efficacy of medications for spine pain primarily in the geriatric population. There was strong evidence for NSAID use with adjustments for gastrointestinal and renal risk factors. Gabapentin and pregabalin had mixed evidence for neuropathic pain. SNRIs had good evidence for neuropathic pain and a more favorable safety profile than TCAs. Tramadol had some evidence in older patients, but more so in persons aged < 65 years. Rational therapeutic choices based on geriatric spine pain diagnosis are helpful, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen for arthritic and myofascial-based pain, gabapentinoids or duloxetine for neuropathic and radicular pain, antispastic agents for myofascial-based pain, and combination therapy for mixed etiologies. Tramadol can be well tolerated in older patients, but has risks of cognitive and classic opioid side effects. Otherwise, opioids are typically avoided in the treatment of spine-related pain in older adults due to their morbidity and mortality risk and are reserved for refractory severe pain. Whenever possible, beneficial geriatric spine pain pharmacotherapy should employ the lowest therapeutic doses with consideration of polypharmacy, potentially decreased renal and hepatic metabolism, and co-morbid medical disorders.

The effect of opioids on the cognitive function of older adults: results from the Personality and Total Health through life study

BACKGROUND

chronic pain, a common complaint among older adults, affects physical and mental well-being. While opioid use for pain management has increased over the years, pain management in older adults remains challenging, due to potential severe adverse effects of opioids in this population.

OBJECTIVE

we examined the association between opioid use, and changes in cognitive function of older adults.

DESIGN

prospective study.

SETTING

community dwelling older adults.

SUBJECTS

study population consisted of 2,222 individuals aged 65-69 years at baseline from the Personality and Total Health Through Life Study in Australia.

METHODS

medication data were obtained from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Cognitive measures were obtained from neuropsychological battery assessment. Opioid exposure was quantified as Total Morphine Equivalent Dose (MED). The association between change in cognitive function between Wave 2 and Wave 3, and cumulative opioid use was assessed through generalized linear models.

RESULTS

cumulative opioid exposure exceeding total MED of 2,940 was significantly associated with poorer performance in the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Compared with those not on opioids, individuals exposed to opioids resulting in cumulative total MED of greater than 2,940 had significantly lower scores in the MMSE (Model 1: β = -0.34, Model 2: β = -0.35 and Model 3: β = -0.39, P < 0.01). Performance in other cognitive assessments was not associated with opioid use.

CONCLUSION

prolonged opioid use in older adults can affect cognitive function, further encouraging the need for alternative pain management strategies in this population. Pain management options should not adversely affect healthy ageing trajectories and cognitive health.

Predictors of Opioid Prescribing for Non-Malignant Low Back Pain in an Italian Primary Care Setting

This study explores which patient characteristics could affect the likelihood of starting low back pain (LBP) treatment with opioid analgesics vs. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in an Italian primary care setting. Through the computerized medical records of 65 General Practitioners, non-malignant LBP subjects who received the first pain intensity measurement and an NSAID or opioid prescription, during 2015–2016, were identified. Patients with an opioid prescription 1-year before the first pain intensity measurement were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictive factors of opioid prescribing. Results were reported as Odds Ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. A total of 505 individuals with LBP were included: of those, 72.7% received an NSAID prescription and 27.3% an opioid one (64% of subjects started with strong opioid). Compared to patients receiving an NSAID, those with opioid prescriptions were younger, reported the highest pain intensity (moderate pain OR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.48–3.96 and severe pain OR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.04–3.88) and were more likely to have asthma (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.99–7.84). Despite clinical guidelines, a large proportion of LBP patients started with strong opioid therapy. Asthma, younger age and pain intensity were predictors of opioid prescribing when compared to NSAIDs for LBP treatment.

Predictors of intentional fentanyl use: Market availability vs consumer demand

BACKGROUND

Attempts to reduce opioid overdoses have been complicated by the dramatic rise in fentanyl use. While market forces contributing to fentanyl proliferation in the illicit drug supply have increased inadvertent exposure to the drug, rising fentanyl use may also be driven by growing consumer demand. Interventions to reduce the spread of fentanyl must be based on an understanding of the motivations underlying its use.

METHODS

Data for this cross-sectional study were derived from a computerized self-administered survey completed by a convenience sample of 432 people who use illicit opioids (PWUO) recruited from methadone and detoxification programs in NJ. The anonymous survey was based on a prior qualitative study of attitudes and behaviors surrounding opioid use. Multivariate analysis identified correlates of intentional fentanyl use in the full sample and among sub-populations of white and non-white PWUO.

RESULTS

In the full sample, intentional fentanyl use was associated with white race/ethnicity, younger age, polydrug use, and a preference for the drug effects of fentanyl, which more than tripled the probability of intentional use (AOR=3.02; 95% CI=1.86-4.89; p=.000). Among whites, a preference for the fentanyl drug effects was also the strongest predictor of intentional use (AOR=5.34; 95% CI=2.78-10.28; p=.000). Among non-whites, however, exposure, not preference, was the primary driver of use, with intentional use more than doubling (AOR=2.48; 95% CI=1.04-5.91; p<.05) among those living in high fentanyl dispersion counties.

CONCLUSION

The motivations underlying fentanyl use are multifactorial and vary across populations of PWUO, indicating a need for targeted interventions to counter the increasing spread and adverse consequences of fentanyl use. In order to counteract the increasing spread and adverse consequences of fentanyl use, these findings indicate a need for harm-reduction interventions, like drug testing or supervised injection sites, that address the differing motivations for fentanyl use among PWUO.

Post-injury benzodiazepine and opioid use among older adults involved in road traffic crashes: A Swedish register-based longitudinal study

AIM

Psychotropic drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines are prescribed for traumas resulting from road traffic crashes and the risk of developing an addiction deserves consideration. This study aims to shed light on how the consumption of those drugs evolves over time among older road traffic injury (RTI) victims.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide Swedish register-based longitudinal study to identify trajectories of post-RTI psychotropic drug use. All individuals aged 50 years and older who had a hospital visit for an RTI from 2007 to 2015 were followed up during a 2-year period; those who used the drugs prior to the RTI were excluded. Trajectories were identified by performing latent class trajectory analysis on drug dispensation data for opioids and benzodiazepines separately (66 034 and 66 859 adults, respectively, in total).

RESULTS

Three trajectories were identified for opioids and four for benzodiazepines. The largest group in both instances included people with no-use/minimal use throughout the follow-up (81.3% and 92.8%). "Sporadic users" were more frequent among users of opioids (16.7%) than benzodiazepines (4.3%), whereas "chronic users" were found in similar proportions (2.0% and 1.8%). "Delayed chronic use" characterized the fourth group of benzodiazepine users (1.0%).

CONCLUSION

Several trajectories of psychotropic drug use were identified after RTI, from limited to chronic. Although chronic use was uncommon, a better understanding of the factors likely to increase that risk is warranted given the seriousness of the problem.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Perineural Catheters in Major Lower Limb Amputations

OBJECTIVE

Controlling pain after major lower limb amputation (MLLA) is of critical importance to patients and clinicians. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of perineural catheters (PNCs) on post-operative pain, post-operative morphine requirement, in-hospital mortality, long term phantom limb pain, and chronic stump pain.

METHODS

A systematic review using PubMed, EMBASE via OVID and the Cochrane library from database inception (1946) to 20 October 2020 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies involving patients undergoing MLLA which reported on post-operative morphine requirement, pain scores, in-hospital mortality, phantom limb pain (PLP), and chronic stump pain were included. Studies comparing PNC use with epidural or wound site local anaesthetic infusions were excluded. Outcome data were extracted from individual studies and meta-analysis was performed using a random effects (Mantel-Haenszel) model for dichotomous data using an odds ratio (OR) summary statistic with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and with an inverse variance random effects model for continuous data using a standardised mean difference (SMD) summary statistic with 95% CIs. Sensitivity analyses were performed for post-operative pain scores and post-operative morphine requirement. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black score, and outcomes were assessed using the GRADE tool.

RESULTS

Ten studies reporting on 731 patients were included, with 350 patients receiving a PNC and 381 receiving standard care. PNC use is associated with a reduction in post-operative pain (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.58 - -0.01, p = .040, I² = 54%, GRADE quality of evidence: low) and post-operative morphine requirements (SMD -0.63, 95% CI -1.03 - -0.23, p = .002, I² = 75%, GRADE quality of evidence: moderate), although the effect of PNC on reduced post-operative morphine requirements is lost on sensitivity analysis of randomised trials only (p = .40). No demonstrable effect was found on in-hospital mortality, PLP, or chronic stump pain (GRADE quality of evidence: low).

CONCLUSION

PNC use in amputees is associated with a significant reduction in post-operative pain scores and post-operative morphine requirements, although this latter finding is lost on sensitivity analysis of randomised trials only.

Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Disorders and Co-Morbidities in the Care of the Older Person

Sleep complaints can be both common and complex in the older patient. Their consideration is an important aspect of holistic care, and may have an impact on quality of life, mortality, falls and disease risk. Sleep assessment should form part of the comprehensive geriatric assessment. If sleep disturbance is brought to light, consideration of sleep disorders, co-morbidity and medication management should form part of a multifaceted approach. Appreciation of the bi-directional relationship and complex interplay between co-morbidity and sleep in older patients is an important element of patient care. This article provides a brief overview of sleep disturbance and sleep disorders in older patients, in addition to their association with specific co-morbidities including depression, heart failure, respiratory disorders, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, nocturia, pain, Parkinson's disease, dementia, polypharmacy and falls. A potential systematic multidomain approach to assessment and management is outlined, with an emphasis on non-pharmacological treatment where possible.

Enhanced Post-Operative Recovery with Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block After Lower Extremity Amputation

BACKGROUND

Despite progress in perioperative care standards, there has not been a significant risk reduction in morbidity and mortality rates of lower extremity amputations, an intermediate risk surgery performed on high risk patients. The single-shot peripheral nerve block has shown equivocal impact on postoperative course following lower extremity amputation. Hence, we assessed the potential of preemptive use of continuous catheter-based peripheral nerve block in lower extremity amputations for reduction in pulmonary complications, acute post-operative pain scores, and opioid use in post-operative period.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a quality improvement project initiated in 2018 was conducted to compare outcomes amongst general anesthesia in combination with a catheter-based peripheral nerve block (catheter group) and general anesthesia alone in patients receiving lower extremity amputation. The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications was identified as a primary endpoint. The secondary outcomes assessed were acute post-operative pain scores and opioid consumption up to 48 hours. Our analysis was adjusted for potential confounding variables inclusive of demographics, medical comorbidities, type of surgical procedure and smoking status.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients were included in the study (61 in the general anesthesia group, 35 in the catheter group). After adjusting for baseline demographics, comorbidities, surgical technique and smoking status, the odds of postoperative pulmonary complications were significantly lower with catheter-based peripheral nerve block in comparison to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.11 [95% CI, 0.01- 0.88] (P = 0.048). The decrease in acute pain scores was also observed in the catheter group when compared to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.72 [95% CI, 0.56 - 0.93] (P = 0.012). Similarly, the opioid consumption was also lower in the catheter group in comparison to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95 - 0.99] (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

Preemptive use of continuous peripheral nerve block in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation reduces the incidence of pulmonary complications, acute postoperative pain scores and narcotic use in post-operative period.

Frailty status as a potential factor in increased postoperative opioid use in older adults

BACKGROUND

Prescription opioids are commonly used for postoperative pain relief in older adults, but have the potential for misuse. Both opioid side effects and uncontrolled pain have detrimental impacts. Frailty syndrome (reduced reserve in response to stressors), pain, and chronic opioid consumption are all complex phenomena that impair function, nutrition, psychologic well-being, and increase mortality, but links among these conditions in the acute postoperative setting have not been described. This study seeks to understand the relationship between frailty and patterns of postoperative opioid consumption in older adults.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 65 years undergoing elective surgery with a planned hospital stay of at least one postoperative day were recruited for this cohort study at pre-anesthesia clinic visits. Preoperatively, frailty was assessed by Edmonton Frailty and Clinical Frailty Scales, pain was assessed by Visual Analog and Pain Catastrophizing Scales, and opioid consumption was recorded. On the day of surgery and subsequent hospitalization days, average pain ratings and total opioid consumption were recorded daily. Seven days after hospital discharge, patients were interviewed using uniform questionnaires to measure opioid prescription use and pain rating.

RESULTS

One hundred seventeen patients (age 73.0 (IQR 67.0, 77.0), 64 % male), were evaluated preoperatively and 90 completed one-week post discharge follow-up. Preoperatively, patients with frailty were more likely than patients without frailty to use opioids (46.2 % vs. 20.9 %, p = 0.01). Doses of opioids prescribed at hospital discharge and the prescribed morphine milligram equivalents (MME) at discharge did not differ between groups. Seven days after discharge, the cumulative MME used were similar between cohorts. However, patients with frailty used a larger fraction of opioids prescribed to them (96.7 % (31.3, 100.0) vs. 25.0 % (0.0, 83.3), p = 0.007) and were more likely (OR 3.7, 95 % CI 1.13-12.13) to use 50 % and greater of opioids prescribed to them. Patients with frailty had higher pain scores before surgery and seven days after discharge compared to patients without frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of postoperative opioid use after discharge were different between patients with and without frailty. Patients with frailty tended to use almost all the opioids prescribed while patients without frailty tended to use almost none of the opioids prescribed.

Potential opioid-related adverse events following spine surgery in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the clinical and economic impact of opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) within spine surgery may guide both the clinician's and hospital administration's approach to treating perioperative pain, thus improving patient care and reducing hospital costs. The objective of this analysis is to understand how potential ORADEs after spine surgery in elderly patients affect length of stay, hospital revenue and their association with comorbid conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study utilizing the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services Administrative Database to analyze Medicare discharges between April 2016 and March 2017 involving 14 spine surgery DRGs for major spine procedures in order to identify potential ORADEs. An analysis was conducted using this database to identify the incidence of potential ORADEs as well as their impact on mean hospital length of stay and hospital revenue.

RESULTS

There were 177,432 discharges during the study period. The ORADE rate in patients undergoing spine surgery was 13.9% (24,642/177,432). The mean length of stay (LOS) for discharges with an ORADE was 3.13 days longer than without an ORADE (6.29 days with an ORADE vs 3.16 days without an ORADE). The adverse post-operative outcomes most strongly associated with potential ORADEs included shock, pneumonia, and septicemia. The mean hospital revenue per day with an ORADE was $3,076 less than without an ORADE ($7,263 with an ORADE vs $10,339 without an ORADE).

CONCLUSION

Potential ORADEs in spine surgery in elderly patients are common and are associated with longer hospitalizations and decreased hospital revenue. Perioperative pain management strategies that reduce ORADEs may improve patient care and increase hospital revenue.

The Association Between Potential Opioid-Related Adverse Drug Events and Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery

Introduction: Major colorectal surgery procedures are complex operations that can result in significant postoperative pain and complications. More evidence is needed to demonstrate how opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) after colorectal surgery can affect hospital length of stay (LOS), hospital revenue, and what their association is with clinical conditions. By understanding the clinical and economic impact of potential ORADEs within colorectal surgery, we hope to further guide approaches to perioperative pain management in an effort to improve patient care and reduce hospital costs. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study utilizing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrative Database to analyze Medicare discharges involving three colorectal surgery diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) to identify potential ORADEs. The impact of potential ORADEs on mean hospital LOS and hospital revenue was analyzed. Results: The potential ORADE rate in patients undergoing colorectal surgery was 23.92%. The mean LOS for discharges with a potential ORADE was 5.35 days longer than without an ORADE. The mean hospital revenue per day with a potential ORADE was $418 less than without an ORADE. Any type of open surgery had a statistically significant higher potential ORADE rate than the matched laparoscopic case (P < .001). Clinical conditions most strongly associated with ORADEs in colorectal surgery included septicemia, pneumonia, shock, and fluid and electrolyte disorders. Conclusion: The incidence of ORADEs in colorectal surgery is high and is associated with longer hospital stays and reduced hospital revenue. Reducing the use of opioids in the perioperative setting, such as using multimodal analgesia strategies, may lead to positive outcomes with shorter hospital stays, increased hospital revenue, and improved patient care.

Patterns and predictors of chronic opioid use in older adults: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Given the controversy around the effectiveness of opioid treatment for chronic pain and the lack of detailed guidance for prescribing opioids in older adults, the objectives of this study were to estimate the trajectories and predictors of opioid use in older adults.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (2005–2017). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify the patterns of opioid use (any or strong) among participants age 65+. We used multivariable logistic regression with backward selection to evaluate demographics and comorbidities as potential predictors of trajectory membership.

Results

Among 13,059 participants, four trajectories were identified for the use of both any opioids and strong opioids (minimal-users, incident chronic-users, discontinuing-users, and prevalent chronic-users). For any opioids, female sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.46), black vs. white (1.47; 1.18–1.82), year of education (0.96; 0.94–0.99), type of residence (independent group vs. private: 1.77; 1.38–2.26, care facility vs. private: 1.89; 1.20–2.97), hypertension (1.44; 1.20–1.72), cardiovascular disease (1.30; 1.09–1.55), urinary incontinence (1.45; 1.19–1.78), dementia (0.73; 0.57–0.92), number of medications (1 to 4 vs. none: 0.48; 0.36–0.64, 5 or more vs. none: 0.67; 0.50–0.88), and antidepressant agent (1.38; 1.14–1.67) were associated with incident chronic-use vs. non-use. For strong opioids, female sex (1.27; 1.04–1.56), type of residence (independent group vs. private: 1.90; 1.43–2.53, care facility vs. private: 2.37; 1.44–3.90), current smoking (1.68; 1.09–2.60), hypertension (1.49; 1.21–1.83), urinary incontinence (1.45; 1.14–1.84), dementia (0.73; 0.55–0.97), number of medications (1 to 4 vs. none: 0.46; 0.32–0.65, 5 or more vs. none: 0.59; 0.42–0.83), and antidepressant agent (1.55; 1.24–1.93) were associated with incident chronic-use vs. non-use.

Conclusion

Given that chronic opioid use was more prevalent in participants who were more vulnerable (i.e., older age, with multiple comorbidities, and polypharmacy), further studies should evaluate the safety and efficacy of using opioids in this population.

Comparison of sevoflurane and desflurane on effect-site concentration of remifentanil for preventing anesthetic emergence cough in elderly female patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Purpose

Among inhalational anesthetics, desflurane is widely believed to provoke upper airway irritation including coughing and laryngospasm. Remifentanil has been generally used to prevent cough due to its unique pharmacodynamics. However, there was no study that compared optimal remifentanil effect-site concentration (Ce) to prevent emergence cough according to the type of inhalational agent in elderly female patients. Thus, we investigated the Ce of remifentanil for preventing cough during emergence from sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia in elderly female patients.

Methods

Forty-three female patients between 60 and 75 years of age undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to sevoflurane group (n=22) or desflurane group (n=21). The optimal remifentanil Ce using target-controlled infusion for 50% of patients (EC₅₀) and 95% of patients (EC₉₅) was assessed by Dixon’s up-and-down method or isotonic regression method with a bootstrapping approach.

Results

By Dixon’s up-and-down method, the EC₅₀ of remifentanil in sevoflurane group (2.08±0.47 ng/mL) was comparable with that in desflurane group (2.25±0.40 ng/mL) (P=0.385). The EC₅₀ (83% CIs) and EC₉₅ (95% CIs) by isotonic regression also did not show significant difference between two groups [2.06 (1.45–2.23) and 2.46 (2.35–2.48) ng/mL in sevoflurane group and 2.14 (1.45–2.56) and 2.88 (2.47–2.98) ng/mL in desflurane group, respectively].

Conclusion

There was no difference in the remifentanil Ce to prevent emergence cough between sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia. Therefore, the clinicians may not need to adjust the remifentanil Ce to prevent emergence cough according to inhalational agents in elderly female patients.

Preventing Opioid Overdose in the Clinic and Hospital: Analgesia and Opioid Antagonists

Drawing from existing opioid prescribing guidelines, this article describes how medical providers can reduce the risk of overdose. Through primary prevention, providers can prevent initial exposure and associated risks by educating patients, using risk stratification, minimizing opioid dose and duration, and avoiding coprescribing with sedatives. Secondary prevention efforts include monitoring patients with urine toxicology and prescription monitoring programs, and screening for opioid use disorders. Tertiary prevention includes treating opioid use disorders and providing naloxone to prevent overdose death. Specific preventive strategies may be required for those with psychiatric disorders or substance use disorders, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Effects of age on effect-site concentration of remifentanil for suppressing anesthetic emergence cough in male patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Remifentanil infusion during emergence lowers cough. Effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil using target-controlled infusion (TCI) has been evaluated in previous studies. Recent studies revealed the existence of sex-related differences in remifentanil Ce in young and elderly patients. Thus, there was the need to re-evaluate the effect of age in single sex. We investigated the remifentanil Ce for suppressing emergence cough in young and elderly male patients and evaluated the age-related differences.

Patients and methods

In total, 25 young (ages between 20 and 50 years) and 24 elderly (ages between 65 and 75 years) male patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. Anesthesia was implemented with remifentanil using TCI and sevoflurane. The remifentanil Ce for suppressing emergence cough was estimated for each group using Dixon’s up-and-down method and isotonic regression method with a bootstrapping approach.

Results

The remifentanil Ce for suppressing emergence cough in 50% (EC₅₀) and 95% (EC₉₅) of the patients was comparable between the young and elderly patients. Isotonic regression demonstrated that the EC₅₀ (83% confidence interval [CI]) of remifentanil was 2.56 (2.39−2.75) ng/mL in the young patients and 2.15 (1.92−2.5) ng/mL in the elderly patients. The EC₉₅ (95% CI) of remifentanil was 3.33 (2.94−3.46) ng/mL in the young patients and 3.41 (3.18−3.48) ng/mL in the elderly patients. Dixon’s up-and-down method also demonstrated that the EC₅₀ was comparable between the two groups (2.69±0.32 ng/mL vs 2.39±0.38 ng/mL, P=0.132).

Conclusion

The remifentanil Ce for suppressing emergence cough following extubation during general anesthesia was comparable between young and elderly male patients. It indicates that age-related differences in remifentanil requirement for suppressing emergence cough did not exist in male sex.

Sex-related differences in effect-site concentration of remifentanil for preventing anesthetic emergence cough in elderly patients

Purpose

Cough on anesthetic emergence should be prevented considering its dangerous complications. Target-controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil can reduce emergence cough effectively, and sex-related differences in effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil have been evaluated in young patients. In this study, we determined the Ce of remifentanil for preventing emergence cough following extubation in male and female elderly patients and evaluated the sex-related difference.

Patients and methods

Twenty-three male and 22 female elderly patients aged between 60 and 75 years were enrolled. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil TCI. The Ce of remifentanil for preventing emergence cough was determined for each sex using isotonic regression method with a bootstrapping approach, following Dixon’s up-and-down method.

Results

The Ce of remifentanil for preventing emergence cough in 50% (EC₅₀) and 95% (EC₉₅) of the population was significantly lower in females than in males. Isotonic regression revealed the EC₅₀ (83% confidence interval [CI]) of remifentanil was 1.67 (1.55–1.83) ng/mL in females and 2.60 (2.29–2.91) ng/mL in males. The EC₉₅ (95% CI) of remifentanil was 2.30 (2.02–2.62) ng/mL in females and 3.41 (3.27–3.58) ng/mL in males. Dixon’s up-and-down method indicated that the mean EC₅₀ in females was lower than in males (1.56±0.26 ng/mL vs 2.56±0.37 ng/mL, P<0.001).

Conclusion

The remifentanil requirement for preventing emergence cough was lower in female than in male elderly patients, indicative of sex-related differences in Ce of remifentanil. Sex should be considered when using remifentanil TCI for preventing emergence cough in elderly patients.

Perineural local anaesthetic catheter after major lower limb amputation trial (PLACEMENT): study protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study

Background

Pain after major lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant problem. A perineural catheter (PNC) can be placed adjacent to the major nerve at the time of amputation with a continuous local anaesthetic infusion given postoperatively to try and reduce pain. Although low-quality observational data suggest that PNC usage reduces postoperative opioid requirements, there are limited data regarding its effect on pain. The aim of PLACEMENT is to explore the feasibility of running an effectiveness trial to assess the impact of a PNC with continuous local anaesthetic infusion, inserted at the time of amputation, on short and medium-term postoperative outcomes.

Methods/design

Fifty patients undergoing a major lower limb amputation (below or above the knee) for PAD will be recruited from two centres. Patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard postoperative analgesia, with or without insertion of a PNC and local anaesthetic infusion for the first 5 postoperative days. Outcome data will be captured for the first 5 days, including pain scores (primary outcome, captured three times a day), opioid use, nausea or vomiting, itching, dizziness and complications. Patients will be contacted 2 and 6 months after surgery to assess quality of life, phantom limb pain, chronic stump pain and total healthcare costs. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with at least 10 patients (dependent on saturation of analytic themes on preliminary coding) purposefully sampled to achieve variation in site and study arm. Interviews will explore patients’ perception of post-amputation pain and its treatment, and experience of study processes. Semi-structured interviews with 5–10 health professionals will explore feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability of the study. Data from this pilot will be used to assess feasibility of, and estimate parameters to calculate the sample size for an effectiveness trial. Full ethical approval has been granted (Wales Research Ethics Committee 3 reference number 16/WA/0353).

Discussion

PLACEMENT will be the first study to explore the feasibility of running an effectiveness trial on PNC usage for postoperative pain in amputees, and provide parameters to calculate the appropriate sample size for this study.

Trial registration

ISRCTN.com, ISRCTN85710690. Registered on 21 October 2016.

European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT), 2016-003544-37. Registered on 24 August 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2357-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Pain measurement in cognitively impaired patients with the Doloshort scale]

BACKGROUND

Until recently the measurement of pain in cognitively impaired patients represented a neglected field in the diagnostics and treatment of pain. Investigations indicate a prevalence of pain in nursing home residents of between 45 % and 80 %.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study investigated the reliability of the German translation of the Doloshort scale and compared it with the visual analog scale (VS). The aim of this study was to determine the practical applicability of this scale in the clinical routine and to calculate the intrarater reliability (retest) and interrater reliability.

RESULTS

The interrater and intrarater reliability of the Doloshort scale was between 0.949 and 0.970. There was a highly significant correlation between the values of the Doloshort scale and the VAS.

CONCLUSION

The Doloshort scale is a well suited measurement instrument for the evaluation of pain in cognitively impaired patients. Because of the short form only simple instructions are necessary and it has a high acceptance with users.

Comparison of the Tolerability Profile of Controlled-Release Oral Morphine and Oxycodone for Cancer Pain Treatment. An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Oxycodone and morphine are recommended as first-choice opioids for moderate/severe cancer pain, but evidence about their relative tolerability has significant methodological limitations.

OBJECTIVES

This study was mainly aimed at comparing the risk of developing adverse events (AEs) with controlled-release oral morphine vs. oxycodone; secondary aims were comparing their analgesic efficacy and testing heterogeneity in tolerability across different age and renal function subgroups.

METHODS

An open-label multicenter RCT (EudraCT number: 2006-003151-21) was carried out in patients with moderate/severe cancer pain. At baseline, 7 and 14 days, patients scored on 0-10 rating scales (0-10 numerical rating scale) the intensity of pain and of a list of common opioid side effects. The primary end point was the percentage of patients reporting an AE (a worsening ≥ 2 points on any of the listed side effects); tolerability by subgroups and average follow-up pain intensity were compared through regression models.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-seven patients were enrolled (47% of originally planned). Intention to treat (ITT) analysis (N = 185, morphine 94, oxycodone 91) did not show any difference in the risk of developing AEs (risk difference -0.6%, 95% CI -11.0% to 9.9%) nor in analgesia (0-10 numerical rating scale pain intensity difference -0.28, 95% CI -0.83 to 0.27). No evidence of heterogeneity of tolerability across age and renal function patient subgroups emerged.

CONCLUSION

This trial failed to show any difference in tolerability and analgesic efficacy of morphine and oxycodone as first-line treatment for moderate/severe cancer pain but results interpretation is difficult due to lack of power, potential bias from open-label design, and concerns about assay sensitivity. These data, however, can significantly contribute to future meta-analyses comparing WHO Step-III opioids and are relevant in designing future randomized studies.

Pharmacotherapy of Pain in the Older Population: The Place of Opioids

Pain is a common symptom in older people. It is possible that pain is underreported in older persons due to an incorrect belief that it is an inevitable part of aging. Opioid analgesics are potent medications, with confirmed efficacy for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. These drugs are commonly used in older persons. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding safety of opioids in older patients. One of the reasons for this is the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials. People of advanced age often have comorbidites and use other prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) compounds, thus making them more suceptible to the risk of interactions with opioids. Significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that occur with advancing age increase the risk of adverse effects of opioids. There are also some discrepancies between guidelines, which recommend the use of lower doses of opioids in older patients, and the findings in the literature which suggest that pain is often undertreated in this age group. It seems that there are significant variations in the tolerability of different opioid analgesics in older people. Morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and buprenorphine are still the preferred evidence-based choices for add-on opioid therapy for these patients. However, the safety and efficacy of other opioids in older patients, especially if comorbidities and polypharmacy are present, is still questionable. This review addresses the most important aspects of the use of opioids in older persons, focusing on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, and interactions.

Does Fentanyl Lead to Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia in Healthy Volunteers?

Background

Although opioids in general and remifentanil in particular have been shown to induce hyperalgesia, data regarding fentanyl are scarce. Thus, the authors investigated the effect of fentanyl dosing on pain perception and central sensitization in healthy volunteers using established pain models.

Methods

Twenty-one healthy, male volunteers were included in this randomized, double-blind, crossover study and received either intravenous low-dose (1 μg/kg) or high-dose (10 μg/kg) fentanyl. Pain intensities and hyperalgesia were assessed by intracutaneous electrical stimulation, and cold pressor pain was used as an additional measure of acute pain. The primary outcome was hyperalgesia from 4.5 to 6.5 h after fentanyl administration.

Results

A higher dose of fentanyl led to significantly decreased pain scores as measured by the numeric rating scale (0.83 units lower [95% CI, 0.63 to 1.02]; P &lt; 0.001) but increased areas of hyperalgesia (+30.5% [95% CI, 16.6 to 44.4%]; P &lt; 0.001) from 4.5 to 6.5 h after fentanyl administration. Allodynia did not differ between groups (+4.0% [95% CI, −15.4 to 23.5%]; P = 0.682).The high dose also led to both increased cold pressor pain threshold (+43.0% [95% CI, 29.7 to 56.3%]; P &lt; 0.001) and tolerance (+32.5% [95% CI, 21.7 to 43.4%]; P &lt; 0.001) at 4.5 to 6.5h. In the high-dose group, 19 volunteers (90%) required reminders to breathe, 8 (38%) required supplemental oxygen, and 12 (57%) experienced nausea.

Conclusions

A higher dose of fentanyl increased hyperalgesia from 4.5 to 6.5 h in healthy volunteers while simultaneously decreasing pain scores.

Safety profile of extended-release morphine sulfate with sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride in older patients: pooled analysis of three clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Clinical trial safety data following chronic administration of extended-release opioids within an older population is limited. Embeda * is an extended-release formulation of morphine sulfate surrounding sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride (MSN) and is designed to deter opioid misuse and abuse. The present analysis compared pooled safety outcomes among patients aged ≥65 years and those aged <65 years from three phase 2/3 studies (ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months) in patients treated with MSN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subgroup analysis of patients aged ≥65 years and <65 years was performed on pooled data for adverse events (AEs), potentially clinically significant laboratory values (hematology/chemistry), and signs/symptoms of opioid withdrawal using the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) (phase 3 trials only) for patients who received at least one dose (short-term studies, maximum dose was 160 mg/d or 320 mg/d depending on study; long-term study, no maximum dose) of study medication during titration and maintenance phases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00420992, NCT00415597.

RESULTS

During titration, 173 (17.1%) of 1012 patients treated with MSN were aged ≥65 years, while during maintenance 76/564 (13.5%) patients were aged ≥65 years. Treatment-emergent AEs were similar in frequency and type between the two cohorts, with the most common being constipation, nausea, and somnolence; no consistent patterns relating to age and only one possibly treatment-related serious AE in patients ≥65 years was noted. No clinically significant differences in laboratory values or COWS scores (average maximum score ≤2.5) were observed between age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety outcomes following daily administration of MSN (2 weeks-12 months) were similar between patients aged ≥65 years and <65 years. Key limitations include the variable study designs and length of treatment (2 weeks-12 months), small sample size, and the inclusion of only those patients who were otherwise in relatively good health with restrictions on concomitant medications.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of perineural local anaesthetic catheters after major lower limb amputation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of using an intraoperatively placed perineural catheter (PNC) with a postoperative local anaesthetic infusion on immediate and long-term outcomes after lower limb amputation.

METHODS

A systematic review of key electronic journal databases was undertaken from inception to January 2015. Studies comparing PNC use with either a control, or no PNC, were included. Meta-analysis was performed for postoperative opioid use, pain scores, mortality, and long-term incidence of stump and phantom limb pain. Sensitivity analysis was performed for opioid use. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

RESULTS

Seven studies reporting on 416 patients undergoing lower limb amputation with PNC usage (n = 199) or not (n = 217) were included. Approximately 60% were transtibial amputations PNC use reduced postoperative opioid consumption (standardised mean difference: -0.59, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.07, p = .03), maintained on sensitivity analysis for large (p = .03) and high-quality (p = .003) studies, but was marginally lost (p = .06) on studies enrolling patients with peripheral arterial disease only. PNC treatment did not affect postoperative pain scores (p = .48), in-hospital mortality (p = .77), phantom limb pain (p = .28) or stump pain (p = .37). GRADE quality of evidence for all outcomes was very low.

CONCLUSION

There is poor-quality evidence that PNC usage significantly reduces opioid consumption following lower limb amputation, without affecting other short- or long-term outcomes. Well-performed randomised studies are required.

Traumatic deaths at hospital: analysis of preventability and lessons learned

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to characterize traumatic deaths of major trauma patients occurring in a university trauma centre and to assess retrospectively the quality of given care by evaluating whether any of the deaths could be identified as potentially preventable.

METHODS

All consecutive deaths of trauma patients between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 in the Töölö Hospital Trauma Centre were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion was death of a trauma patient occurring during stay at hospital. Patients aged >65 years with an isolated proximal femoral fracture, burn patients, patients with isolated limb fracture other than femoral or tibial shaft fracture, and patients with isolated traumatic brain injuries were excluded as well as patients admitted more than 24 h after injury.

RESULT

A total of 130 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The autopsy reports were obtained for 103 of the cases (80.4 %). The majority of the patients were male, and the median age was 58 years (range 1-95 years). Blunt trauma was the most common type of injury. The most common injury mechanisms were fall from a higher level (31 %), fall from the level of the patient (21 %), and motor vehicle accident (17 %). Of the injuries not diagnosed before autopsy, the most common were liver lacerations, rib fractures, pulmonary contusions, sternum fractures, and blunt cardiac injuries. In our study population 12.5 % of the cases were considered potentially preventable. The reasons for preventability were inadequate treatment of coagulopathy, overuse of opioid medication, and loss of airway as well as failing to treat impending pneumonia and DVT. Trauma resuscitation was inadequate in 7.8 % of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common error made was not recognising and treating traumatic coagulopathy adequately.

Thermal sensitivity across ages and during chronic fentanyl administration in rats

RATIONALE

Chronic pain is becoming a more common medical diagnosis and is especially prevalent in older individuals. As such, prescribed use of opioids is on the rise, even though the efficacy for pain management in older individuals is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Thus, the present preclinical study assessed the effectiveness of chronic fentanyl administration to produce antinociception in aging rats (16, 20, and 24 months).

METHODS

Animals were tested in a thermal sensitivity procedure known to involve neural circuits implicated in chronic pain in humans. Sensitivity to heat and cold thermal stimulation was assessed during 28 days of fentanyl administration (1.0 mg/kg/day), and 28 days of withdrawal.

RESULTS

Fentanyl resulted in decreased thermal sensitivity to heat but not cold stimulation indicated by more time spent in the hot compartment relative to time spent in the cold or neutral compartments. Unlike previous findings using a hot-water tail withdrawal procedure, tolerance did not develop to the antinociceptive effects of fentanyl over a 28-day period of drug administration. The oldest animals were least sensitive, and the youngest animals most sensitive to the locomotor-stimulating effects of fentanyl. The effect on the antinociceptive response to fentanyl in the oldest group of rats was difficult to interpret due to profound changes in the behavior of saline-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, aging modifies the behavioral effects of opioids, a finding that may inform future studies for devising appropriate treatment strategies.

Effects of three therapeutic doses of codeine/paracetamol on driving performance, a psychomotor vigilance test, and subjective feelings

RATIONALE

Some recent pharmacoepidemiological studies revealed an elevated risk of driving accidents after opioid analgesics uses. Among analgesics, codeine is often associated with paracetamol in numerous pharmaceutical specialties.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dose-effect relationship of three usual therapeutic doses of codeine/paracetamol on driving ability, psychomotor performance, subjective alertness, in link with blood concentrations in healthy young volunteers.

METHODS

Driving performance, responses to psychomotor vigilance tests, and scales reflecting alertness were evaluated during the morning after drug intake in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Sixteen healthy volunteers (23.4 ± 2.7 years old, 8 men and 8 women) participated in this balanced, cross-over study. Three doses of codeine/paracetamol (20/400, 40/800, 60/1200 mg) were evaluated against placebo. Two blood samples were collected, 1 and 4 h after drug intake. In serum, codeine and morphine concentrations were determined in serum using high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry, and paracetamol concentrations using fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

RESULTS

Driving and psychomotor performance were not affected by any of the three codeine/paracetamol doses. However, significant, though modest, correlations were observed between the driving parameters and both morphine and codeine blood concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not reveal any significant impairment in performance due to the three therapeutic doses used in healthy young volunteers. However, the relationships between drug blood concentration and behavioral measures suggest that an inter-subject variability in blood concentration may influence the power of the observed drug effect.

Chronological age affects the permeation of fentanyl through human skin in vitro

AIM

To study the influence of chronological age on fentanyl permeation through human skin in vitro using static diffusion cells. Elderly individuals are known to be more sensitive to opioids and obtain higher plasma concentrations following dermal application of fentanyl compared to younger individuals. The influence of age - as an isolated pharmacokinetic term - on the absorption of fentanyl has not been previously studied.

METHOD

Human skin from 30 female donors was mounted in static diffusion cells, and samples were collected during 48 h. Donors were divided into three age groups: <30 years of age (n = 6), ≥30 and <60 years of age (n = 18) and ≥60 years of age (n = 6).

RESULTS

The youngest group had a significantly higher mean absorption (3,100 ng/cm(2)) than the two other groups (2,000 and 1,475 ng/cm(2), respectively) and a significant larger AUC (young age group: 9,393 ng; middle and old age groups: 5,922 and 4,050 ng, respectively). Furthermore, the lag time and absorption rate were different between the three groups, with a significantly higher rate in the young participants versus the oldest participants.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that fentanyl permeates the skin of young individuals in greater amounts and at a higher absorption rate than in middle-aged and old individuals in vitro.

Challenges in the management of acute postsurgical pain

The majority of patients who undergo surgery will require drug therapy for the management of acute postsurgical pain. Effective control of acute postsurgical pain is essential for the patient not only in the short term but also in the long term to prevent the development of chronic pain, which can occur if early acute pain is prolonged. Currently, opioid analgesics are widely used for the management of acute postsurgical pain. Although opioids provide effective postsurgical pain relief, their use is associated with a number of risks, including the development of opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs). This review investigates the prevalence of opioid use in the postsurgical setting, the incidence of ORADEs, and the impact of these ORADEs on patient outcomes, length of stay, and costs after common surgeries. According to a national analysis of ORADE incidence, almost 20% of patients treated with opioids experienced an ORADE, with the most common being gastrointestinal effects, central nervous system effects, pruritus, or urinary retention. Studies show that the risk of developing an ORADE is higher in patients receiving higher doses of opioids and in patients undergoing orthopedic or gynecologic surgery compared with patients undergoing general surgery. Elderly patients and those with comorbidities (e.g., obesity, sleep apnea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders) may be particularly vulnerable to ORADE development. Both hospital costs and length of stay are increased in patients with an ORADE versus those without an ORADE. Strategies to reduce the use of opioids after surgery are likely to result in positive outcomes by reducing the incidence of ORADEs and, as a result, reducing treatment costs associated with surgery and improving patient care.

Can intravenous paracetamol reduce opioid use in preoperative hip fracture patients?

Pain due to intra- and extracapsular hip fractures is usually treated with opioid medication. Paracetamol (acetaminophen in North America) has better bioavailability when given intravenously than orally and has been successfully used in the postoperative care of orthopedic patients. However, no study has evaluated its use in the preoperative trauma patient. Our unit conducted a prospective, consecutive cohort study to investigate the opioid-sparing effect of regularly administered intravenous paracetamol compared with oral paracetamol in preoperative hip fracture patients. The total opioid dose given, based on conversion to intravenous morphine, and the reported pain score were evaluated in 75 patients. There were 28 patients in the control group who were give routine oral paracetamol and oral opioids, with morphine for breakthrough pain. There were 47 patients in the study group who received only routine intravenous paracetamol, with opioids reserved for breakthrough pain. The patients in the 2 groups had similar characteristics. The mean preoperative oral paracetamol dose for the control group was 7.2 g compared with 6.3 g in the study group. There was a significant reduction (P<.005) in the mean total intravenous morphine with intravenous paracetamol (6.5 mg) compared with oral paracetamol (21.8 mg). There was no difference in the mean pain score between the groups, 2.1 vs 1.8 (P=.3). Intravenous paracetamol had a significant opioid-sparing effect and satisfactory pain relief in preoperative hip fracture patients.

Prescribing opioids in older people

People are living to older age. Demographic pressures are driving change. Opiate analgesics are the most powerful known pain relievers. Persistent pain, both cancer and non-cancer types is frequent in older adults. The use of opioid analgesics is appropriate in the treatment of moderate to severe persistent pain. The challenge of prescribing opioids in older adults is to understand the factors involved in making appropriate choices and monitoring the beneficial effects of pain relief while managing the side-effects. This article will review the current concepts, evidence and controversies surrounding opiate use in the elderly. An approach is outlined which involves: pain assessment, screening for substance abuse potential, deciding whether you are able to treat your patient without help, starting treatment, monitoring effectiveness of pain control and managing opioid-associated side-effects. The goal of pain management using opioids is the attainment of improved function and quality of life.

Effects of morphine on thermal sensitivity in adult and aged rats

There are contradictory data regarding older individuals' sensitivity to pain stimulation and opioid administration. Adult (12-16 months; n = 10) and aged (27-31 months; n = 7) male F344xBN rats were tested in a thermal sensitivity procedure where the animal chooses to remain in one of two compartments with floors maintained at various temperatures ranging from hot (45°C) through neutral (30°C) to cold (15°C). Effects of morphine were determined for three temperature comparisons (ie, hot/neutral, cold/neutral, and hot/cold). Aged rats were more sensitive to cold stimulation during baseline. Morphine produced antinociception during hot thermal stimulation, but had no effect on cold stimulation. The antinociceptive (and locomotor-altering) effects of morphine were attenuated in aged rats. These data demonstrate age-related differences in baseline thermal sensitivity and responsiveness to opioids. Based on behavioral and physiological requirements of this procedure, it is suggested that thermal sensitivity may provide a relevant animal model for the assessment of pain and antinociception.

Clinical pharmacology of analgesic medicines in older people: impact of frailty and cognitive impairment

Pain is highly prevalent in frail older people who often have multiple co-morbidities and multiple medicines. Rational prescribing of analgesics in frail older people is complex due to heterogeneity in drug disposition, comorbid medical conditions, polypharmacy and variability in analgesic response in this population. A critical issue in managing older people with pain is the need for judicious choice of analgesics based on a comprehensive medical and medication history. Care is needed in the selection of analgesic medicine to avoid drug-drug or drug-disease interactions. People living with dementia and cognitive impairment have suboptimal pain relief which in part may be related to altered pharmacodynamics of analgesics and challenges in the systematic assessment of pain intensity in this patient group. In the absence of rigorously controlled trials in frail older people and those with cognitive impairment a pharmacologically-guided approach can be used to optimize pain management which requires a systematic understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of analgesics in frail older people with or without changes in cognition.

Cancer breakthrough pain in the presence of cancer-related chronic pain: fact versus perceptions of health-care providers and patients

Cancer breakthrough pain is a flare in pain that "breaks through" well-controlled persistent cancer pain. Although the condition is highly prevalent, the concept of cancer breakthrough pain is not well understood and is therefore underdiagnosed and undertreated. The purpose of this review is to examine the roles the health-care practitioner and patient/family caregiver play in the undertreatment of breakthrough pain. A lack of technical knowledge about pain management and pain assessment, attitudes about opioid addiction, and regulatory guidelines influence the manner in which opioids are prescribed. Patients harbor a variety of fears and misconceptions, such as opioid addiction, tolerance, side effects, and the meaning of pain, which can create a barrier to effective communication with their health-care provider regarding their cancer pain management and specifically their breakthrough pain. Identifying these issues gives health-care professionals and patients an opportunity to develop strategies that can improve the treatment of cancer breakthrough pain.

Effects of chronic fentanyl administration on physical performance of aged rats

There is growing concern over the increasing use of opioids to treat chronic pain in the elderly primarily because of the potential increased sensitivity to the adverse side effects. Here, we use a preclinical model (male Brown Norway X F344 rats aged 12, 18, 24, and 30 months) to describe the outcome of chronic fentanyl administration (1.0mg/kg/day) on various physiological and behavioral measures. Continuous fentanyl administration resulted in an initial decrease in food consumption, followed by the development of tolerance to this effect over a 4-week period and a subsequent increase in food consumption during withdrawal. This change in food consumption was associated with decreases in body weight (predominantly due to a loss of fat mass) that was maintained through early withdrawal. After 1 month of withdrawal, only the 12-month old animals had fully regained body weight. Fentanyl administration resulted in a decrease in grip strength and an increase in locomotor activity that did not differ across age groups. There was no effect of fentanyl administration on rotarod performance. These results demonstrate that while there is a delayed recovery of body mass with age, the observed changes in behavioral responses are uniform across ages.