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Scalise PN, Koo DC, Durgin JM, Truche BS, Staffa SJ, Greco C, Solodiuk J, Lee EJ, Demehri FR, Kim HB. Cold Therapy for Pain Control in Pediatric Appendectomy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:1304-1308. [PMID: 38570264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.02.036] [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] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Topical ice has been shown to reduce pain scores and opioid use in adults with midline abdominal incisions. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a cold therapy system in children following laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS Patients 7 years and older who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution from December 2021-September 2022 were eligible. Patients were randomized to standard pain therapy (control) or standard plus cold therapy (treatment) utilizing a modified ice machine system with cool abdominal pad postoperatively. Pain scores on the first 3 postoperative days (PODs), postoperative narcotic consumption, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients were randomized, 29 to each group. Average survey response rate was 74% in control and 89% in treatment patients. There was no significant difference in median pain scores or narcotic use between groups. Cold therapy contributed to subjective pain improvement in 71%, 74%, and 50% of respondents on PODs 1, 2, and 3 respectively. CONCLUSION A majority of patients reported cold therapy to be a helpful adjunct in pain control after appendectomy, though it did not reduce postoperative pain scores or narcotic use in our cohort - likely due to this population's naturally expedient recovery and low baseline narcotic requirement. TYPE OF STUDY Randomized Controlled Trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nina Scalise
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Donna C Koo
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan M Durgin
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brianna Slatnick Truche
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven J Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christine Greco
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean Solodiuk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eliza J Lee
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Farokh R Demehri
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heung Bae Kim
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Pace D, Mack SJ, Gong J, Sadacharam K, Lang RS, Burke B, Fishlock K, Berman L. Patient-Reported Outcomes in Pain Management After Ambulatory Pediatric General and Urologic Surgery. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1816-1823. [PMID: 36894445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.01.049] [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] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies evaluating opioid stewardship interventions' effects on postoperative pain rely on emergency department (ED) visits or readmissions, but patient-reported pain scores represent a more complete picture of the postoperative experience. This study compares patient-reported pain scores after ambulatory pediatric and urologic procedures and the effect of an opioid stewardship intervention that nearly eliminated the use of outpatient narcotics. METHODS This is a retrospective comparative study including 3173 pediatric patients who underwent ambulatory procedures from 2015 to 2019, during which there was an intervention to reduce narcotic prescriptions. Postoperative day one phone calls assessed pain levels using a four-point scale (no pain, mild pain, moderate pain controlled with medication, or severe pain uncontrolled with medication). We quantified the proportion of patients prescribed opioids pre-versus post-intervention and compared pain scores for patients receiving opioid versus non-opioid regimens. RESULTS Opioid prescription rates demonstrated a 6.5-fold reduction after opioid stewardship efforts. The majority of patients (2838) received non-opioids, with only 335 patients receiving opioids. Opioid patients reported moderate/severe pain slightly more than non-opioid patients (14.1% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.04). On by-procedure analyses, there were no subgroups in which non-opioid patients reported significantly higher pain scores. CONCLUSIONS Non-opioid postoperative pain regimens appear to be effective, with only 10.4% of patients reporting moderate/severe pain after ambulatory procedures. Future studies assessing patient-reported outcomes are necessary to optimize pain control for all patients and to determine whether there is ever an indication for opioid prescription after ambulatory general pediatric or urologic surgery. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Pace
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Shale J Mack
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julia Gong
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kesavan Sadacharam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert S Lang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Burke
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Keith Fishlock
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Loren Berman
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Unglert AK, Lehnick D, Szavay PO, Zundel S. A Novel Tool to Predict Postoperative Opioid Need after Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: A Step toward Evidence-Based Pain Management. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2022; 32:529-535. [PMID: 35263775 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing postoperative pain treatment is essential to minimize morbidity, lower costs, and ensure patient and parent satisfaction. This study aims at identifying pre- and intraoperative parameters predicting opioid needs after laparoscopic appendectomy to enable timely and adequate postoperative pain control. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis between January 2018 and March 2019 was performed. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of opioid demand. RESULTS Based on our analysis, we developed a prediction tool for opioid requirements after laparoscopic appendectomies in children. The integrated parameters are: presence of turbid fluid, age, white-blood-cell count, symptom duration, and body temperature. CONCLUSION We developed an algorithm-based predictor tool that has the potential to better anticipate postoperative pain and, thereby, optimize pain management following laparoscopic appendectomies in children. The proposed predictor tool will need validation through further prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Katrin Unglert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, Universitat Luzern Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultat, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp O Szavay
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Luzerner Kantonsspital Kinderspital, Spitalstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Zundel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Luzerner Kantonsspital Kinderspital, Spitalstrasse, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Dixit AA, Ho N, Inglis-Arkell C, Chen CL, Ferschl M, Manuel SP. Unused opioid prescription prevalence after pediatric ambulatory surgery: a survey study. ANNALS OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43159-022-00219-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Surgery is a risk factor for opioid initiation, persistent use, and subsequent misuse in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to assess the rate of postoperative opioid prescribing and extent of unused opioid prescriptions on the first postoperative day after pediatric ambulatory surgery.
Methods
A telephone survey was administered on postoperative day 1 (POD1) to guardians of all pediatric patients who underwent ambulatory surgery at a single medical center. Participants were asked whether postoperative opioids were prescribed, and, if yes, whether they were currently taking them. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with postoperative opioid prescribing and unused opioids on POD1.
Results
Of 1344 pediatric patients who underwent ambulatory surgical procedures, 849 (63.1%) guardians responded to the survey. 275 (32.4%) were prescribed postoperative opioids, and 164 (59.6%) reported not taking opioids on POD1. The highest rates of unused opioid prescriptions were from orthopedic and plastic surgery services (28% and 29%, respectively). Governmental insurance status predicted having unused opioids (OR 0.59, CI 0.35–0.97).
Conclusions
Unused opioid prescriptions were prevalent in this pediatric ambulatory surgical population. Opportunities remain to streamline opioid prescribing in pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory surgical procedures.
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Vavolizza RD, Grabski DF, Roecker Z, Levin D, Swanson JR, McGahren ED, Gander JW. Standing Intravenous Acetaminophen is Associated With a Reduction of Post-Operative Opioid Use in Infants Aged Less Than 1 Year Treated on the Acute Care Floor. J Surg Res 2022; 276:291-297. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ohe KN, Hagen E, May A, Wang M, Weinsheimer R. Surgeon feedback to decrease opioid prescriptions after pediatric appendectomy. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2022; 5:e000437. [DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2022-000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Risk factors associated with recent opioid-related hospitalizations in children: a nationwide analysis. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:843-851. [PMID: 35239012 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05088-0] [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] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identifying at-risk children can provide a crucial opportunity for preventative measures to avoid opioid addiction. This study sought to determine at-risk pediatric patients that were previously hospitalized due to other causes prior to their opioid-related admission. METHODS The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010-2014) was queried for children 1-18 years old with an opioid-related hospitalization. Previous admissions (up to 1 year prior) and associated diagnoses were compared. Results were weighted for national estimates. RESULTS 51,349 opioid-related hospitalizations were identified with an overall in-hospital mortality of 0.8%. Seventeen percent had a previous admission during the same calendar year of which 44% had > 1 and 11% had ≥ 5 prior admissions. Only 4% of prior admissions occurred at a different hospital. Males and females were equally represented, and 82% were ≥ 13 years old. Only 16% of previously admitted patients underwent a major surgical procedure during a previous hospitalization. The most common concomitant diagnoses for patients with prior hospitalizations were drug abuse (37%), chronic pulmonary disease (18%), and depression (10%). CONCLUSION Opioid-related hospitalizations often occur among children with multiple recent admissions, usually to the same hospital. Most patients do not have a history of cancer or recent surgery to account for their opioid use.
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Kelley-Quon LI, Ourshalimian S, Lee J, Russell KW, Kling K, Shew SB, Mueller C, Jensen AR, Vu L, Padilla B, Ostlie D, Smith C, Inge T, Roach J, Ignacio R, Lofberg K, Radu S, Rohan A, Wang KS. Multi-Institutional Quality Improvement Project to Minimize Opioid Prescribing in Children after Appendectomy Using NSQIP-Pediatric. J Am Coll Surg 2022; 234:290-298. [PMID: 35213491 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is wide variation in opioid prescribing after appendectomy in children and adolescents, with recent increases noted in opioid-related pediatric deaths from prescription and illicit opioids. The goal of this project was to minimize opioid prescribing at the time of discharge for children undergoing appendectomy by using Quality Improvement (QI) methodology. STUDY DESIGN Children (18 years of age or less) who underwent appendectomy were evaluated from January to December 2019 using NSQIP-Pediatric at 10 children's hospitals within the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium. Before project initiation, 5 hospitals did not routinely prescribe opioids after appendectomy (protocol). At the remaining 5 hospitals, prescribing was not standardized and varied by surgeon (no-protocol). A prospective multi-institutional QI project was used to minimize outpatient opioid prescriptions for children after appendectomy. The proportion of children at each hospital receiving an opioid prescription at discharge was compared for 6 months before and after the intervention using chi-square analysis. RESULTS Overall, 1,524 children who underwent appendectomy were evaluated from January to December 2019. After the QI intervention, overall opioid prescribing decreased from 18.2% to 4.0% (p < 0.001), with significant decreases in protocol hospitals (2.7% vs 0.8%, p = 0.038) and no-protocol hospitals (37.9% vs 8.8%, p < 0.001). The proportion of 30-day emergency room visits did not change after the QI intervention (8.9% vs 9.9%, p = 0.54) and mean postintervention pain management satisfaction scores were high. CONCLUSION Opioid prescribing can be minimized in children after appendectomy without increasing emergency room visits or decreasing patient satisfaction. Furthermore, NSQIP-Pediatric can be used as a platform for multi-institutional collaboration for successful implementation of QI projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine I Kelley-Quon
- From the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Kelley-Quon, Ourhsalimian, Wang)
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Kelley-Quon)
| | - Shadassa Ourshalimian
- From the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Kelley-Quon, Ourhsalimian, Wang)
| | - Justin Lee
- Division of Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ (Lee, Padilla, Ostlie)
| | - Katie W Russell
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Utah and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT (Russell, Rohan)
| | - Karen Kling
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA (Kling, Ignacio)
| | - Stephen B Shew
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA; Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Shew, Mueller)
| | - Claudia Mueller
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA; Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (Shew, Mueller)
| | - Aaron R Jensen
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, and Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA (Jensen, Vu)
| | - Lan Vu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, and Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA (Jensen, Vu)
| | - Benjamin Padilla
- Division of Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ (Lee, Padilla, Ostlie)
| | - Daniel Ostlie
- Division of Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ (Lee, Padilla, Ostlie)
| | - Caitlin Smith
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle WA; Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA (Smith)
| | - Thomas Inge
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO (Inge, Roach)
| | - Jonathan Roach
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO (Inge, Roach)
| | - Romeo Ignacio
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA; Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA (Kling, Ignacio)
| | - Katrine Lofberg
- the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (Lofberg, Radu)
| | - Stephanie Radu
- the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR (Lofberg, Radu)
| | - Autumn Rohan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Utah and Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT (Russell, Rohan)
| | - Kasper S Wang
- From the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Kelley-Quon, Ourhsalimian, Wang)
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Hedges EA, Livingston MH, Esce A, Browne M, Moriarty KP, Raval MV, Rothstein DH, Wakeman D. Post-Procedural Opioid Prescribing in Children: A Survey of the American Academy of Pediatrics. J Surg Res 2021; 269:1-10. [PMID: 34507081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION North America is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. The role of pediatric surgeons and other procedural specialists in this public health crisis remains unclear. There is likely considerable variation in the use of opioid and non-opioid analgesics, but the spectrum of practice is still uncertain. METHODS We performed an online survey in July 2018 of the 2086 pediatric surgeons and proceduralists who were active members in the American Academy of Pediatrics. The survey inquired about practice environment, use of opioid and non-opioid pain medications, and attitudes towards the opioid epidemic. RESULTS 178 specialists completed the survey for a response rate of 8.5%. Most respondents utilize oral acetaminophen (86%) and ibuprofen (80%) after procedures >75% of the time. Self-reported opioid prescribing increases with age after both outpatient and inpatient procedures (P < 0.001). Pediatric general surgeons prescribe opioids less frequently than other specialists, particularly after inpatient procedures. The majority of respondents (81%) believe that the opioid epidemic is a major problem but only 31% indicated that they have a major role to play. CONCLUSIONS There is significant variation in opioid prescribing patterns as reported by pediatric surgeons and proceduralists. Guidelines are needed to standardize the use of non-opioid analgesics and decrease reliance on opioids for outpatient and inpatient procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Hedges
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Michael H Livingston
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, New York
| | - Antoinette Esce
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Marybeth Browne
- Division of Pediatric Surgical Specialties, Department of Surgery, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
| | - Kevin P Moriarty
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Baystate Children's Hospital, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, Maryland
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David H Rothstein
- Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital; Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Derek Wakeman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, New York
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Theodorou CM, Jackson JE, Rajasekar G, Nuño M, Yamashiro KJ, Farmer DL, Hirose S, Brown EG. Impact of prescription drug monitoring program mandate on postoperative opioid prescriptions in children. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37:659-665. [PMID: 33433663 PMCID: PMC8026407 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been established to combat the opioid epidemic, but there is no data on their efficacy in children. We hypothesized that a statewide PDMP mandate would be associated with fewer opioid prescriptions in pediatric surgical patients. METHODS Patients < 18 undergoing inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, orchiectomy, appendectomy, or cholecystectomy at a tertiary children's hospital were included. The primary outcome, discharge opioid prescription, was compared for 10 months pre-PDMP (n = 158) to 10 months post-PDMP (n = 228). Interrupted time series analysis was performed to determine the effect of the PDMP on opioid prescribing. RESULTS Over the 20-month study period, there was an overall decrease in the rate of opioid prescriptions per month (- 3.6% change, p < 0.001). On interrupted time series analysis, PDMP implementation was not associated with a significant decrease in the monthly rate of opioid prescriptions (1.27% change post-PDMP, p = 0.4). However, PDMP implementation was associated with a reduction in opioid prescriptions of greater than 5 days' supply (- 2.7% per month, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Opioid prescriptions declined in pediatric surgical patients over the study time period. State-wide PDMP implementation was associated with a reduction in postoperative opioid prescriptions of more than 5 days' duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Theodorou
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Jordan E. Jackson
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
| | - Miriam Nuño
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
| | - Kaeli J. Yamashiro
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Diana L. Farmer
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Shinjiro Hirose
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
| | - Erin G. Brown
- Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2335 Stockton Blvd, Room 5107, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
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Hunsberger JB, Monitto CL, Hsu A, Yenokyan G, Jelin E. Pediatric surgeon opioid prescribing behavior: A survey of the American Pediatric Surgery Association membership. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:875-882. [PMID: 33039104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid crisis has led to increasing numbers of overdose fatalities in teens and young adults. Surgery, as a common cause of acute pain in children, drives much of the opioid prescribing in pediatrics. Therefore, we sought to characterize opioid prescribing practices of pediatric surgeons by surveying members of the American Pediatric Surgery Association (APSA). STUDY DESIGN After receiving approval from our institutional review board, we sent an online survey to the entire APSA membership. The survey included four vignettes of common pediatric surgical procedures with questions regarding analgesic prescribing practices, the rationale for these practices, and knowledge about opioid risk mitigation. RESULTS Of 1127 APSA members contacted, 327 (29%) provided survey responses. For all vignettes, opioid prescribing was within standard ranges for 83% of respondents. Eighty-eight percent of respondents prescribed nonopioid pain medicine. Additionally, 25% reported routinely utilizing a prescription drug monitoring program, 64% did not tell patients how to dispose of opioids, and 37% did not know themselves how to dispose of leftover opioids. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing by APSA surgeons is largely within standard ranges, but improvement is needed, particularly regarding opioid disposal. Procedure-specific consensus guidelines for opioid prescribing and opioid risk mitigation strategies are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Observational study, level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann B Hunsberger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287.
| | - Constance L Monitto
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Aaron Hsu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Biostatistics Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Eric Jelin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287
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12
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Manworren RCB, Kaduwela N, Mishra T, Cooper J. Children's Opioid Use at Home After Laparoscopic Appendectomy. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:708-715. [PMID: 33812791 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To combat the opioid epidemic, prescribers need accurate information about pediatric home opioid requirements to manage acute pain after surgery. Current opioid use estimates come from retrospective surveys; this study used medication adherence technology (eCAP) to track home opioid use. PURPOSE To describe children's pain treatment at home after laparoscopic appendectomy, and to compare self-reported opioid analgesic use to eCAP data and counts of returned pills. DESIGN Prospective exploratory and descriptive study METHODS: A convenience sample of 96 patients, 10-17 years of age, from a single urban nonprofit children's hospital consented to self-report pain treatment in 14-day diaries and use eCAP to monitor prescribed opioid use at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. RESULTS Patients were prescribed 5-45 opioid-containing pills (mean ± standard deviation 15 ± 7.2). Of 749 opioid-containing pills prescribed to 49 patients who returned data, 689 pills were dispensed, 167.5 were used for the reason prescribed, 488 were returned to families for disposal, and 53.5 were missing. The majority of the 49 patients were opioid naïve (72%), Caucasian (64%), and male (56%), with a mean age of 14 years. Patients used 6.6 ± 6.3 opioid-containing pills by pill count and 5.6 ± 5.1 by self-report, a significant difference (p = .004). Unreported eCAP-enabled pill bottle openings typically occurred on weekends. CONCLUSION Medication adherence technology (eCAP) is a more rigorous method than self-report to estimate opioid needs and detect early opioid misuse. Additional rigorously designed studies of postoperative opioid use are needed to guide opioid prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee C B Manworren
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| | | | | | - Jessica Cooper
- KaviGlobal, Barrington, Illinois; University of North Carolina Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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13
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Manworren RCB, Cooper J, Mishra T, Kaduwela N. Children's Pain at Home After Laparoscopic Appendectomy. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 22:623-630. [PMID: 33744106 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalized children experience moderate-to-severe pain after laparoscopic appendectomy, but knowledge of children's pain experiences after discharge home is limited. Accurate pain assessments are needed to guide appropriate pain treatment. AIMS To describe children's pain at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. DESIGN Prospective exploratory and descriptive METHODS: A convenience sample of 100 patients, aged 10-17 years, who spoke or wrote in English or Spanish, volunteered to complete 14-day pain diaries at home after laparoscopic appendectomy. Visual analytic techniques were used to analyze patterns of pain experiences. RESULTS Diaries were returned by 45 patients/parents, the majority of whom were White (64%), male (56%), adolescents (mean age 14 years) with no previous surgical history (70%), and whose appendix was inflamed (87%) but not perforated. More than 50% reported severe pain (4 or 5 on a 0-5 scale) on the first full day home after laparoscopic appendectomy. On day 7, 40% reported pain and on day 14, 16% were still reporting pain. Only rarely were pain scores not clinically significantly lower 1 hour after pain treatment, regardless of treatment type (e.g., nondrug, nonopioid, opioid). Reported pain intensity steadily decreased over time as did frequency of recorded pain scores. CONCLUSION Adolescents experience severe pain at home after laparoscopic appendectomy and some experience pain for 7 to 14 days after hospital discharge. Visual analytics better represent the dynamics of pain experiences than measures of central tendency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee C B Manworren
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago 60611, Illinois; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago 60611, Illinois.
| | - Jessica Cooper
- University of North Carolina Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Mansfield SA, Kimble A, Rodriguez L, Murphy AJ, Gorantla S, Huang EY, Anghelescu DL, Davidoff AM. Validating an opioid prescribing algorithm in post-operative pediatric surgical oncology patients. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 56:S0022-3468(20)30689-8. [PMID: 34756373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed an algorithm to decrease opioid prescriptions for pediatric oncology patients at discharge following surgery, based on a retrospective analysis to decrease variability and over-prescribing. The aim of this study was to prospectively test the algorithm. METHODS Opioid-naïve patients undergoing surgery for tumor resection at a single institution were included. A prescribing algorithm was developed based on surgical approach, day of discharge, and inpatient opioid use. Prospectively collected data included outpatient opioid consumption and patient/family satisfaction. Total home dose prescribed was equal to that used in the 8 or 24 h, depending on length of stay and operative approach, prior to discharge, divided into 0.15 mg/kg doses. RESULTS The algorithm was used in 121 patients and correctly predicted outpatient opioid requirements for 102 patients (84.3%). For 15 (12.4%) patients, the algorithm over-estimated opioid need by an average of 0.38 OME/kg. Four (3.3%) patients required additional opioids. Using this algorithm, we decreased overall opioid prescriptions from 6.17 to 0.21 OME/kg (p < 0.001), and all but one patient/family reported being satisfied with post-operative pain control. CONCLUSION Using an algorithm based on inpatient opioid use, outpatient opioid needs can be accurately predicted, thereby reducing excess opioid prescriptions without detriment to patient satisfaction. TYPE OF STUDY Prospective Quality Initiative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Mansfield
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
| | - Amy Kimble
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Lynn Rodriguez
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Shilpa Gorantla
- Quality and Patient Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Eunice Y Huang
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Doralina L Anghelescu
- Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Gee KM, Jones RE, Nevarez N, McClain LE, Wools G, Beres AL. No pain is gain: A prospective evaluation of strict non-opioid pain control after pediatric appendectomy. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1043-1047. [PMID: 32171535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opiates are often prescribed after pediatric operations despite safety concerns and lack of evidence confirming superiority compared to other pain control modalities. In this study, we use daily parental surveys to prospectively evaluate a strict non-opioid pain control strategy after laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS After IRB approval, children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis were recruited to the study. For these patients, our standard practice is to provide instructions to administer alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen over-the-counter (OTC) postoperatively, and no opiate prescriptions are written. Parents of enrolled children received a daily RedCap survey via text message or e-mail on postoperative days (POD) 1 through 5 to prospectively assess pain control and medication usage. Trends were compared across postoperative days. RESULTS One hundred twenty patients were enrolled in the study, and none received opiate prescriptions. Postoperative pain survey response rates were 54% on POD1, 47% on POD2, 35% on POD3, 34% on POD4, and 29% on POD5. Pain level was 4.7 ± 2.3 (out of 10) on POD1, and down-trended significantly each postoperative day to reach 0.7 ± 1.2 by POD5. On POD1, 85% of parents administered OTC medications, which reduced significantly to 14% by POD5. Parent-reported success rates to manage pain by OTC regimen were 85% on POD1, 94% on POD2, 91% on POD3, and 100% on POD4 and POD5. CONCLUSION Strict non-opioid pain control after appendectomy exhibits high performance based upon prospective parental surveys. This strategy should be implemented as standard of care and tested for application to other surgical conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Gee
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390.
| | - R Ellen Jones
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Nicole Nevarez
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390
| | | | - Gentry Wools
- Children's Health, 1935 Medical District Dr., Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Alana L Beres
- Department of Surgery, UC Davis Children's Hospital, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817
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A Quality Improvement Intervention to Decrease Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions in Pediatric Oncology Patients. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 42:e207-e212. [PMID: 31688619 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This quality improvement initiative aimed to minimize opioid prescribing after oncologic pediatric surgery. METHODS Retrospective surgical data collected at a pediatric cancer hospital from July 2016 to June 2018 included hospitalization details, oral morphine equivalents prescribed, unplanned visits/calls because of pain, and parental/patient satisfaction with pain control. The quality improvement initiative promoted opioid prescription at discharge on the basis of prior inpatient requirements and education regarding nonopioid analgesia. Upon commencing this project in July 2018, we collected data prospectively. RESULTS The retrospective and the prospective cohorts included 271 and 99 patients, respectively. Mean (SD) oral morphine equivalents (mg/kg) prescribed upon discharge was significantly reduced in the prospective (0.75±1.34) versus retrospective cohorts (5.48±6.94, P<0.001). The unplanned visits/calls regarding pain were 23 (retrospective, 8.5%) and 2 (prospective, 2.0%). In total, 44 patients (44.4%) received an opioid prescription at discharge in the prospective cohort, significantly fewer than retrospective cohort (251, 92.6%, P<0.001), and used a mean of 34.3 of 159.8 (21.5%) doses dispensed. Length of stay was comparable (P=0.88) between cohorts. Prospective satisfaction rate was 96.2%, leaving 3 patients (3.8%) not satisfied with their pain control regimen. CONCLUSIONS Dramatic reduction of opioid prescriptions after oncologic surgery can be achieved without detriment to patient satisfaction or readmissions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V.
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Farr BJ, Ranstrom L, Mooney DP. Eliminating Opiate Prescribing for Children after Non-Perforated Appendectomy. J Am Coll Surg 2020; 230:944-946. [PMID: 32251849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opiates are the traditional treatment for postoperative pain. Recognition that increased availability of opiates in the community is associated with increased addiction has led to efforts to decrease postoperative opiate distribution. However, there are concerns that without opiates, pain relief might be inadequate. STUDY DESIGN We analyzed opiate prescriptions to children who had undergone appendectomy during 3 time periods: before intervention (July 2012 through February 2013), after opiate prescriptions were standardized and reduced (December 2016 through December 2017), and after opiate prescriptions were eliminated (January 2018 through December 2018). We determined how many opiate prescriptions had been written and how many had been filled in each time period. Patients were contacted by phone to identify their medication use and quality of pain management. RESULTS Pre-intervention, 75 children underwent appendectomy, and all received opiate prescriptions, with a mean of 15 doses of oxycodone prescribed per patient. After reduction, 208 children underwent appendectomy and 30% received opiate prescriptions, for a mean of 1.5 doses of oxycodone per patient. After elimination, 270 patients underwent appendectomy and 3 patients (1.1%) received opiate prescriptions, for a mean of 0.05 doses of oxycodone per patient. Patients contacted by phone expressed no pain relief issues and no patients needed opiates later. CONCLUSIONS Using a stepwise process, we have eliminated the use of opiates for postdischarge pain in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. This intervention has resulted in the elimination of 4,035 doses of oxycodone from the community during the study period, while ensuring that postoperative pain control has been adequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany J Farr
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
| | - Lee Ranstrom
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - David P Mooney
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Freedman-Weiss MR, Chiu AS, Worhunsky D, Manchisi A, Torres-Maldonado I, Sagnella L, Caty MG, Cowles RA, Ozgediz DE, Christison-Lagay ER, Solomon DG, Stitelman DH. An Evidence-Based Guideline Supporting Restricted Opioid Prescription after Pediatric Appendectomy. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:106-111. [PMID: 31699433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Surgeon overprescription of opioids is a modifiable contributor to the opioid epidemic. No clear guidelines exist for prescribing opioids to younger patients after surgery. We sought to determine postoperative opioid needs in pediatric/young adult patients after laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS Patients 5-20 years old who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were included for study. All consented patients underwent chart review and were additionally called for an attempted interview. Caregivers were queried on analgesic use and adequacy of pain relief. The main outcome measures were: quantity of opioid used, desire for an opioid, presence of pain ≥4/10, and need for follow-up/call owing to pain. All opioids were converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME). RESULTS Seventy-three patients qualified for the study, 49 of whom completed a postoperative telephone interview. Of the interviewees, 83% did not use or desire an opioid and reported pain <4/10 after discharge. Five patients used an opioid upon discharge, and the average MME consumed was 23 (equivalent to 3 pills of 5 mg oxycodone). No zero-opioid patients had unanticipated follow-up for pain concerns. CONCLUSIONS After hospital discharge following laparoscopic appendectomy, most patients have adequate analgesia without opioids. Opioid prescriptions should be offered sparingly and for no more than 25 MME. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis study.
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