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Qualls KA. An Integrative Review of Military Sexual Trauma in Women Veterans: Understanding Experiences and Impacts. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:961-969. [PMID: 39106213 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2362828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
This is a focused review of the most current publications and direct experiences of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) among veteran women and the lasting impact on this population's mental and physical health. This review covers the span of the last 5 years (2018-2023). Additionally, the review seeks to fill a gap in the literature to understand better how and if veteran women who have experienced MST use social media and online talk to form meaningful connections. A total of 13 studies were included in the final review. This review found many studies (5) further investigated the roles of gender, race, and interpersonal relationships in relation to MST experiences. This review did not find any current publications that sought to understand MST experiences that women veterans have shared through social media platforms. This type of online research in the future could help provide valuable new insight into the unique needs of MST survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A Qualls
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Turner S, Allen VM, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Guideline No. 443a: Opioid Use Throughout Women's Lifespan: Fertility, Contraception, Chronic Pain, and Menopause. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102143. [PMID: 37977720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Turner S, Allen VM, Graves L, Tanguay R, Green CR, Cook JL. Directive clinique n o 443a : Opioïdes aux différentes étapes de la vie des femmes : Fertilité, contraception, douleur chronique et ménopause. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102145. [PMID: 37977725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
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Hansen JL, Heilig M, Kalso E, Stubhaug A, Knutsson D, Sandin P, Dorling P, Beck C, Grip ET, Blakeman KH, Arendt-Nielsen L. Problematic opioid use among osteoarthritis patients with chronic post-operative pain after joint replacement: analyses from the BISCUITS study. Scand J Pain 2023; 23:353-363. [PMID: 36799711 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2022-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioids are commonly used to manage pain, despite an increased risk of adverse events and complications when used against recommendations. This register study uses data of osteoarthritis (OA) patients with joint replacement surgery to identify and characterize problematic opioid use (POU) prescription patterns. METHODS The study population included adult patients diagnosed with OA in specialty care undergoing joint replacement surgery in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden during 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014. Those with cancer or OA within three years before the first eligible OA diagnosis were excluded. Patients were allocated into six POU cohorts based on dose escalation, frequency, and dosing of prescription opioids post-surgery (definitions were based on guidelines, previous literature, and clinical experience), and matched on age and sex to patients with opioid use, but not in any of the six cohorts. Data on demographics, non-OA pain diagnoses, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and clinical characteristics were used to study patient characteristics and predictors of POU. RESULTS 13.7% of patients with OA and a hip/knee joint replacement were classified as problematic users and they had more comorbidities and higher pre-surgery doses of opioids than matches. Patients dispensing high doses of opioids pre-surgery dispensed increased doses post-surgery, a pattern not seen among patients prescribed lower doses pre-surgery. Being dispensed 1-4,500 oral morphine equivalents in the year pre-surgery or having a non-OA pain diagnosis was associated with post-surgery POU (OR: 1.44-1.50, and 1.11-1.20, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Based on the discovered POU predictors, the study suggests that prescribers should carefully assess pain management strategies for patients with a history of comorbidities and pre-operative, long-term opioid use. Healthcare units should adopt risk assessment tools and ensure that these patients are followed up closely. The data also demonstrate potential areas for further exploration in improving patient outcomes and trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Liseth Hansen
- Quantify Research, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eija Kalso
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Audun Stubhaug
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | - Emilie Toresson Grip
- Quantify Research, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology (Mech-Sense), Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Crisp CD, Baldi R, Fuller M, Abreu E, Nackley AG. Complementary Approaches for Military Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:22-30. [PMID: 36251868 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Active duty (AD) women suffer with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) while providers tackle diagnoses and treatments to keep them functional without contributing to the opioid epidemic. The purpose of this randomized trial was to determine the effectiveness of noninvasive, self-explanatory mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or self-paced healthy lifestyle (HL) interventions on CPP in AD women. Methods: A 6-week, interventional prospective study with AD women aged 21-55 years at Mountain Home (MTHM), Idaho, was conducted. Women were randomly assigned to MBSR (N = 21) or HL (N = 20) interventions. The primary outcome was pain perception. The secondary outcomes were depression and circulating cytokine levels. Results: Women in the MBSR group exhibited reduced pain interference (p < 0.01) and depression (p < 0.05) alongside decreased interleukin (IL)-4 (p < 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.05), eotaxin (p < 0.05), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.06), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) (p < 0.01) and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05). Women in the HL group did not have changes in pain; however, they did exhibit reduced depression (p < 0.05) alongside decreased granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p < 0.05) and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.05), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (p < 0.01), and IL-1ra (p < 0.01). Conclusions: AD women receiving MBSR or HL had reduced depression scores and altered circulating cytokine levels; however, only those receiving MBSR had reduced pain perception. Findings support MBSR as an effective and viable behavioral treatment for AD women suffering from CPP and provide premise for larger randomized controlled studies. Clinical Trial Registration: MOCHI-An RCT of mindfulness as a treatment for CPP in AD Women NCT04104542 (September 26, 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol D Crisp
- Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Robert Baldi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Fuller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eduardo Abreu
- Nursing and Health Science, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Andrea G Nackley
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Gibson CJ, Li Y, Jasuja GK, Keyhani S, Byers AL. Long-term Psychoactive Medications, Polypharmacy, and Risk of Suicide and Unintended Overdose Death Among Midlife and Older Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:770-777. [PMID: 36042093 PMCID: PMC9481785 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rates of suicide and unintended overdose death are high among midlife and older women, yet there is paucity of data identifying women at greatest risk. Psychoactive medications, commonly prescribed and co-prescribed in this population, may serve as salient indicators of risk for these outcomes. OBJECTIVE To determine whether long-term psychoactive medications and psychoactive polypharmacy predict risk of suicide and unintended overdose death among midlife and older women Veterans above and beyond other recognized factors. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study PARTICIPANTS: Women Veterans aged ≥ 50 with at least one Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinical encounter in FY2012-2013. MAIN MEASURES Long-term psychoactive medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics, prescribed for ≥ 90/180 days) and psychoactive polypharmacy (overlapping for ≥ 1 day) from VHA pharmacy records; suicide and unintended overdose death through December 31, 2018. KEY RESULTS In this national sample of 154,558 midlife and older women Veterans (mean age 63.4, SD 9.3 years), 130 died by suicide and 175 died from unintentional overdose over an average of 5.6 years. In fully adjusted models, long-term opioids (hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% CI 1.21-3.35) and benzodiazepines (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.82-4.91) were associated with death by suicide; opioids (HR 3.62, 95% CI 2.46-5.34), benzodiazepines (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.73-4.42), sedative-hypnotics (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.06-3.29), antidepressants (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.12), antipsychotics (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.22), and antiepileptics (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.48-3.19) were associated with unintended overdose death. Women who were co-prescribed ≥ 3 psychoactive medications had over 2-fold increased risk of suicide (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.65-4.84) and unintended overdose death (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.72-3.94). CONCLUSIONS Long-term psychoactive medications and psychoactive medication polypharmacy were important indicators of risk for death by suicide and death by unintended overdose among midlife and older women Veterans, even after accounting for psychiatric and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Gibson
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Yixia Li
- NCIRE-The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, USA
| | - Guneet K Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Medical Center, Bedford, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Salomeh Keyhani
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Amy L Byers
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, 116P, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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Beckman KL, Williams EC, Hebert PL, Frost MC, Rubinsky AD, Hawkins EJ, Littman AJ, Lehavot K. Associations Among Military Sexual Trauma, Opioid Use Disorder, and Gender. Am J Prev Med 2022; 62:377-386. [PMID: 34742619 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder and high-risk opioid prescription increase the risks for overdose and death. In Veterans, military sexual trauma is associated with increased risk for assorted health conditions. This study evaluates the association of military sexual trauma with opioid use disorder and high-risk opioid prescription and potential moderation by gender. METHODS In a national sample of Veterans Health Administration outpatients receiving care from October 1, 2009 to August 1, 2017, logistic regression models were fit to evaluate the associations between military sexual trauma and opioid use disorder and high-risk opioid prescription, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. A second set of models included a gender X military sexual trauma interaction. Analyses were conducted in 2020-2021. RESULTS Patients with history of military sexual trauma (n=327,193) had 50% higher odds of opioid use disorder diagnosis (AOR=1.50, 95% CI=1.45, 1.54, p<0.001) and 5% higher odds of high-risk opioid prescription (AOR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04, 1.07, p<0.001) than those without history of military sexual trauma (n=7,738,665). The effect of military sexual trauma on opioid use disorder was stronger in men than in women . The predicted probability of opioid use disorder among men with history of military sexual trauma (1.5%) was nearly double that of women with history of military sexual trauma (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS Military sexual trauma was a significant risk factor for opioid use disorder and high-risk opioid prescription, with the former association particularly strong in men. Clinical care for Veterans with military sexual trauma should consider elevated risk of opioid use disorder and high-risk opioid prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Beckman
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul L Hebert
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington
| | - Madeline C Frost
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna D Rubinsky
- COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Eric J Hawkins
- COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington; Center for Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alyson J Littman
- COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; COIN: Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, Washington; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Adverse childhood events and substance use history or recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/22840265211072975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: We aimed describe the association of adverse childhood events (ACEs) with a history of substance use disorder and recent opioid use among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Methods: This cohort study investigated two data sets of women presenting to subspecialty gynecologic and pelvic floor disorder clinics where questionnaires querying substance use disorder, opioid use in the last 3 months, and ACEs (BRFSS-ACE questionnaire) were obtained. We compared the recent opioid use, morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per dose, pills used per month, and minimum MMEs reported per month between women with high (⩾4) or low (<4) reported ACEs. Results: Patients completing the BRFSS-ACE ( n = 113) were older, more likely to be Hispanic/Latina, had higher levels of education, a higher prevalence of pain syndromes, and a greater degree of bother from pelvic floor disorders than those not completing the BRFSS-ACE. Women reporting a high number of (⩾4) ACEs ( n = 56) were younger, less likely to identify as Hispanic, had higher co-occurrence of fibromyalgia and IBS, and a higher prevalence of a history of substance use disorder (18% vs 2%, p < 0.01) than women with low (<4) ACEs ( n = 57). High ACEs were not significantly associated with recent opioid use (43% vs 39%, p = 0.83), opioid pills used per month, MMEs per dose, or the minimum MMEs used per month. Conclusion: Women with CPP reporting higher numbers of ACEs are more likely to report a history of substance use disorder but were not more likely to have used opioids in the last 3 months.
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The association of gender and persistent opioid use following an acute pain event: A retrospective population based study of renal colic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256582. [PMID: 34437612 PMCID: PMC8389463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to explore gender-related differences in persistent opioid use following an acute pain episode and evaluate potential explanatory variables. Methods This retrospective population-based study using administrative databases included all opioid-naïve patients in Ontario with renal colic between 2013 and 2017. The primary outcome was to assess any association between persistent opioid use at 3–6 months by gender. Key confounding covariates and explanatory variables examined included both care- and patient-related factors, specifically past evidence of mental health diagnoses. Results The dataset of 64,240 males and 37,656 females demonstrated that 8.7% of males and 9.6% of females had evidence of persistent opioid use 3–6 months after presentation (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05, 1.17). Females had a higher incidence of mental health services utilization [44.5% vs 29.6% (p<0.001)] and were more likely to be on a provincial disability program [5.1% vs 3.8% (p<0.001)]. Age, income quintile, mental health diagnoses and dose of opioid prescribed were associated with the primary outcome in both genders. On adjusted analysis for multiple confounding and explanatory variables, females were still more likely than males to demonstrate persistent opioid use (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01, 1.13) with even more pronounced associations at 1–2 years. Interpretation After controlling for key covariates, females are at slightly higher risk of demonstrating long term opioid use following an episode of renal colic. Evidence of prior mental health service utilization and acute colic care did not appear to significantly explain these observations.
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Zipper R, Pryor B. Evaluation of a novel deep tissue transvaginal near-infrared laser and applicator in an ovine model. Lasers Med Sci 2021; 37:639-643. [PMID: 33855615 PMCID: PMC8803674 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-021-03315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is an effective means of treating muscle spasm and pain. A novel near-infrared laser system has been commercialized for the treatment of myofascial pelvic pain in women (SoLá Therapy, UroShape, LLC). This study was undertaken to determine if this device is capable of delivering therapeutic levels of irradiance to the pelvic muscles and to identify the surface irradiance required to achieve this goal. This novel class IV near-infrared laser and transvaginal applicator were used to deliver near-infrared light energy through the vaginal mucosa of an adult Suffolk/Dorset Ewe. Irradiance was measured on the surface of the levator ani muscle, inside the levator ani muscle, and inside the bladder. Measurements were taken at powers of 5 W and 0.5 W. 3.0% of vaginal surface irradiance was measured inside of the levator ani muscle. 4.4% of vaginal surface irradiance was measured inside the bladder. At 5 W, the novel laser system provided a surface irradiance of 738 mW/cm2. At 0.5 W, the system provided a surface irradiance of 74 mW/cm2. A novel class IV near-infrared laser and transvaginal applicator delivered therapeutic irradiance to the levator ani muscle and bladder of an anesthetized ewe at a power setting of 5 W. A power setting of 0.5 W failed to deliver therapeutic energy into either the levator ani muscle or bladder. Clinical applications targeting deeper tissues such as the pelvic muscles and or bladder should consider power settings that exceed 0.5 W and or irradiance of ≥ 75 mW/cm2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Zipper
- UroShape, LLC, 200 S. Harbor City Blvd, Suite 401, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA.
| | - Brian Pryor
- Litecure, LLC, 101 Lukens Dr, STE A, New Castle, DE, 19720, USA
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Chiuve SE, Kilpatrick RD, Hornstein MD, Petruski-Ivleva N, Wegrzyn LR, Dabrowski EC, Velentgas P, Snabes MC, Bateman BT. Chronic opioid use and complication risks in women with endometriosis: A cohort study in US administrative claims. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 30:787-796. [PMID: 33611812 PMCID: PMC8251707 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Women with endometriosis are prescribed opioids for pain relief but may be vulnerable to chronic opioid use given their comorbidity profile. Methods A cohort study was conducted in the Clinformatics™ DataMart database between 2006 and 2017 comparing women aged 18–50 years with endometriosis (N = 36 373) to those without (N = 2 172 936) in terms of risk of chronic opioid use, opioid dependence diagnosis, and opioid overdose. Chronic opioid use was defined as ≥120 days' supply dispensed or ≥10 fills of an opioid during any 365‐day interval. Among women with endometriosis, we evaluated factors associated with higher risk of chronic opioid use and quantified the risk of complications associated with the use of opioids. Results Women with endometriosis were at greater risk for chronic opioid use (OR: 3.76; 95%CI: 3.57–3.96), dependence (OR: 2.73, 95%CI: 2.38–3.13) and overdose (OR: 4.34, 95%CI: 3.06–6.15) compared to women without. Chronic users displayed dose escalation and increase in days supplied over time, as well as co‐prescribing with benzodiazepines and sedatives. Approximately 34% of chronic users developed constipation, 20% experienced falls, and 8% reported dizziness. Among endometriosis patients, women in younger age groups, those with other comorbidities associated with pain symptoms, as well as those with depression or anxiety were at a higher risk of developing chronic opioid use. Conclusions Women with endometriosis had a four times greater risk of chronic opioid use compared to women without. Multimorbidity among these patients was associated with the elevated risk of chronic opioid use and should be taken into account during treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Chiuve
- Global Epidemiology, Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ryan D Kilpatrick
- Global Epidemiology, Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Lani R Wegrzyn
- Global Epidemiology, Pharmacovigilance and Patient Safety, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Michael C Snabes
- Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois, USA
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de Oliveira Costa J, Bruno C, Baranwal N, Gisev N, Dobbins TA, Degenhardt L, Pearson SA. Variations in Long-term Opioid Therapy Definitions: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies Using Routinely Collected Data (2000-2019). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3706-3720. [PMID: 33629352 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Routinely collected data have been increasingly used to assess long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) patterns, with very little guidance on how to measure LTOT from these data sources. We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 2000 and July 2019 to catalogue LTOT definitions, the rationale for definitions and LTOT rates in observational research using routinely collected data in nonsurgical settings. We screened 4056 abstracts, 210 full-text manuscripts and included 128 studies, mostly from the United States (81%) and published between 2015 and 2019 (69%). We identified 78 definitions of LTOT, commonly operationalised as 90 days of use within a year (23%). Studies often used multiple criteria to derive definitions (60%), mostly based on measures of duration, such as supply days/days of use (66%), episode length (21%) or prescription fills within specified time periods (12%). Definitions were based on previous publications (63%), clinical judgment (16%) or empirical data (3%); 10% of studies applied more than one definition. LTOT definition was not provided with enough details for replication in 14 studies and 38 studies did not specify the opioids evaluated. Rates of LTOT within study populations ranged from 0.2% to 57% according to study design and definition used. We observed a substantial rise in the last 5 years in studies evaluating LTOT with large variability in the definitions used and poor reporting of the rationale and implementation of definitions. This variation impacts on research reproducibility, comparability of findings and the development of strategies aiming to curb therapy that is not guideline-recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Bruno
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Navya Baranwal
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Natasa Gisev
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy A Dobbins
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sallie-Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Carrubba AR, Ebbert JO, Spaulding AC, DeStephano D, DeStephano CC. Use of Cannabis for Self-Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 30:1344-1351. [PMID: 33252316 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects up to 15% of women in the United States. The endocannabinoid system is a potential pharmacological target for pelvic pain as cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in the uterus and other nonreproductive tissues. We hypothesize that cannabis use is common for self-management of CPP, and our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of cannabis use in this population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of women with pelvic and perineal pain, dyspareunia, or endometriosis was performed between March and August 2019. Subjects were recruited in an outpatient gynecology office. An anonymous, confidential, electronic survey was performed using a tablet. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP (SAS, Cary, NC). Results: A total of 240 patients were approached, with 113 responses (47.1% response rate). There were 26 patients who used cannabis (23%). The majority used at least once per week (n = 18, 72%). Most users (n = 24, 96%) reported improvement in symptoms, including pain, cramping, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, libido, and irritability. Over one-third (35%) stated that cannabis use decreased the number of phone calls or messages sent to their provider, and 39% reported decreased number of clinical visits. Side effects, including dry mouth, sleepiness, and feeling "high," were reported by 84% (n = 21). Conclusions: Almost one-quarter of patients with CPP report regular use of cannabis as an adjunct to their prescribed therapy. Although side effects are common, most users report improvement in symptoms. Our study highlights the potential of cannabis as a therapeutic option for patients with CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti R Carrubba
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jon O Ebbert
- Department of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aaron C Spaulding
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - David DeStephano
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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14
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Shen Y, Bhagwandass H, Branchcomb T, Galvez SA, Grande I, Lessing J, Mollanazar M, Ourhaan N, Oueini R, Sasser M, Valdes IL, Jadubans A, Hollmann J, Maguire M, Usmani S, Vouri SM, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Adkins LE, Goodin AJ. Chronic Opioid Therapy: A Scoping Literature Review on Evolving Clinical and Scientific Definitions. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 22:246-262. [PMID: 33031943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The management of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) with chronic opioid therapy (COT) is controversial. There is a lack of consensus on how COT is defined resulting in unclear clinical guidance. This scoping review identifies and evaluates evolving COT definitions throughout the published clinical and scientific literature. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. A total of 227 studies were identified from 8,866 studies published between January 2000 and July 2019. COT definitions were classified by pain population of application and specific dosage/duration definition parameters, with results reported according to PRISMA-ScR. Approximately half of studies defined COT as "days' supply duration >90 days" and 9.3% defined as ">120 days' supply," with other days' supply cut-off points (>30, >60, or >70) each appearing in <5% of total studies. COT was defined by number of prescriptions in 63 studies, with 16.3% and 11.0% using number of initiations or refills, respectively. Few studies explicitly distinguished acute treatment and COT. Episode duration/dosage criteria was used in 90 studies, with 7.5% by Morphine Milligram Equivalents + days' supply and 32.2% by other "episode" combination definitions. COT definitions were applied in musculoskeletal CNCP (60.8%) most often, and typically in adults aged 18 to 64 (69.6%). The usage of ">90 days' supply" COT definitions increased from 3.2 publications/year before 2016 to 20.7 publications/year after 2016. An increasing proportion of studies define COT as ">90 days' supply." The most recent literature trends toward shorter duration criteria, suggesting that contemporary COT definitions are increasingly conservative. PERSPECTIVE: This study summarized the most common, current definition criteria for chronic opioid therapy (COT) and recommends adoption of consistent definition criteria to be utilized in practice and research. The most recent literature trends toward shorter duration criteria overall, suggesting that COT definition criteria are increasingly stringent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Hemita Bhagwandass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Tychell Branchcomb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sophia A Galvez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ivanna Grande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Julia Lessing
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mikela Mollanazar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Natalie Ourhaan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Razanne Oueini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael Sasser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ivelisse L Valdes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ashmita Jadubans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Josef Hollmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael Maguire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Silken Usmani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Scott M Vouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Juan M Hincapie-Castillo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lauren E Adkins
- University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Amie J Goodin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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15
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The influence of prior opioid use on healthcare utilization and recurrence rates for non-surgical patients seeking initial care for patellofemoral pain. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:1047-1054. [PMID: 32803567 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Prior opioid use can influence outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare downstream medical utilization-based outcomes (costs, visits, recurrent episodes) after an initial diagnosis of patellofemoral pain based on pre-injury utilization of opioids. METHOD A total of 85,7880 consecutive patients were followed for a full 12 months before and 24 months after an initial diagnosis of patellofemoral pain (January 2009 to December 2013). Data were sourced from the Military Health System Data Repository, a single-payer closed government system. Opioid prescription fills were identified, and medical visits and costs were calculated for all knee-related medical care, to include recurrence rates in the 2-year surveillance period. RESULTS A relatively small number of individuals filled an opioid prescription in the year prior (n = 1746; 2.0%); however, these individuals had almost twice the mean costs of knee-related medical care ($1557 versus %802) and medical visits (8.4 versus 4.0). Patients with prior opioid use were more likely to have at least 1 recurrent episode of knee pain (relative risk 1.58, 95% CI 1.51, 1.65) with a higher mean number of episodes of knee pain (1.5 vs 1.8). The use of opioids with higher risk of misuse or dependency (Schedule II or III) resulted in greater medical costs (for any reason) and recurrent episodes of knee pain compared to the use of opioids in a lower risk category (Schedule IV). CONCLUSIONS Prior opioid utilization was associated with a greater number of recurrent episodes of knee pain and higher downstream medical costs compared with individuals without prior opioid use. For individuals with prior opioid utilization, opioids with higher risk of misuse or dependency (Schedule II or III) resulted in greater medical costs (for any reason) and recurrent episodes compared to the use of lower-risk opioids (Schedule IV). Key Points • Patients with prior opioid use had much greater knee-related medical costs compared to patients without prior opioid use. • Patients with prior opioid use were more likely to have additional episodes of knee pain in the following 2 years compared to patients without prior opioid use. • Prior opioid use has predicted higher costs and poor outcomes after surgery, but this is the first study to confirm similar findings in non-surgical patients.
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16
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Peters A, Siripong N, Wang L, Donnellan NM. Enhanced recovery after surgery outcomes in minimally invasive nonhysterectomy gynecologic procedures. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 223:234.e1-234.e8. [PMID: 32087147 PMCID: PMC7395891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved patient outcomes and satisfaction associated with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols have increasingly replaced traditional perioperative anesthesia care. Fast-track surgery pathways have been extensively validated in patients undergoing hysterectomies, yet the impact on fertility-sparing laparoscopic gynecologic operations, particularly those addressing chronic pain conditions, has not been examined. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery pathway implementation compared with conventional perioperative care in women undergoing laparoscopic minimally invasive nonhysterectomy gynecologic procedures. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing uterine-sparing laparoscopic gynecologic procedures for benign conditions (tubal/adnexal pathology, endometriosis, or leiomyomas) during a 24 month period before and after enhanced recovery after surgery implementation at a tertiary care center. We compared immediate perioperative outcomes and 30 day complications. The primary outcome was same-day discharge rates. Factors influencing unplanned admissions, postoperative pain, sedation, nausea, and vomiting represented secondary analyses. RESULTS A total of 410 women (enhanced recovery after surgery, n = 196; conventional perioperative care, n = 214) met inclusion criteria. Following enhanced recovery after surgery implementation, same-day discharge rates increased by 9.4% (P = .001). Reductions in postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting represented the primary driving factor behind lower unplanned admissions. Higher preoperative antiemetic medication administration in the enhanced recovery after surgery group resulted in a 57% reduction in postanesthesia care unit antiemetics (P < .001). Total perioperative narcotic medication use was also significantly reduced by 64% (P < .001), and the enhanced recovery after surgery cohort still demonstrated significantly lower postanesthesia unit care pain scores at hours 2 and 3 (P < .001). A 19 minute shorter postanesthesia care unit stay was noted in the enhanced recovery after surgery cohort (P = .036). Increased same-day discharge did not lead to higher postoperative complications or changes in 30 day emergency department visits or readmissions in patients with enhanced recovery after surgery. CONCLUSION Enhanced recovery after surgery implementation resulted in increased same-day discharge rates and improved perioperative outcomes without affecting 30 day morbidity in women undergoing laparoscopic minimally invasive nonhysterectomy gynecologic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Peters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nalyn Siripong
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Office of Clinical Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Li Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Office of Clinical Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nicole M Donnellan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.
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17
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Powell CR, Tachibana I. Opioid Use in Urologic Practice. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-020-00576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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18
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Opioid prescription use in patients with interstitial cystitis. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 31:1215-1220. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-04214-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Bishop MD, Bialosky JE, Alappattu MJ. Riding a Tiger: Maximizing Effects of Manual Therapies for Pelvic Pain. JOURNAL OF WOMEN'S HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY 2020; 44:32-38. [PMID: 34163308 PMCID: PMC8218714 DOI: 10.1097/jwh.0000000000000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Manual therapy interventions are frequently used during the management of pelvic pain conditions. Pain relief after any intervention results from effects unrelated to the intervention, effects specific to the intervention, and effects of context in which the intervention is provided. Understanding these multiple mechanisms allows providers of manual therapy to maximize outcomes by deliberately harnessing each of these core elements of pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Bishop
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Joel E. Bialosky
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Brooks-PHHP Research Collaboration, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Meryl J. Alappattu
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Brooks-PHHP Research Collaboration, Jacksonville, Florida
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20
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Fourquet J, Zavala DE, Missmer S, Bracero N, Romaguera J, Flores I. Disparities in healthcare services in women with endometriosis with public vs private health insurance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:623.e1-623.e11. [PMID: 31226295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goals of health disparities research are to identify facilitators and barriers to healthcare use to help eliminate health inequalities. There are few studies on disparities in healthcare access and use trends for patients with endometriosis that may lead to differences in appropriate care based on socioeconomic status. OBJECTIVE This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to compare health services use patterns and prevalence of co-morbidities of women with endometriosis with public (government-based) vs private (purchased or provided by employer) health insurance. STUDY DESIGN A total of 342 deidentified datasets (171 randomly-selected cases per study group) from women with endometriosis 14-50 years old who were members of one health insurance company that provides both public and private health insurance coverage in Puerto Rico were analyzed. Patients were defined as having at least 1 endometriosis-related medical claim (ICD-9-617.xx; International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) during the 3-year study period. RESULTS Medical service (eg, hospital, laboratory, pathology, and radiology) use trends were 3 times lower in the public vs the private sector. Women in the public sector were 3.5 times less likely to have a laparoscopy, 2.7 times more likely to be prescribed opioid/narcotics, and were the only study subjects reporting emergency department use. Obstetrics and gynecology services were used >2-fold less by women in the public (29.5%) vs the private sector (70.5%) (P=.087). CONCLUSIONS We report significant differences in the use trends of endometriosis-related medical services and prescriptions, indicating differences in healthcare access based on socioeconomic parameters. Our results support the development of public health programs to promote access to healthcare for patients with endometriosis irrespective of socioeconomic status and promote health disparity research in other healthcare systems.
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