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Ghosh A, Shaktan A, Basu D, Bn S, Naik SS, Mattoo SK. Effectiveness of buprenorphine (naloxone) for opioid dependence does not differ across opioid categories: a retrospective cohort study from India. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:364-372. [PMID: 37318513 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2225061] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to examine whether treatment retention, abstinence, and adherence to buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX) differ among individuals with opioid dependence (OD) across three common categories of opioids- heroin, opium, and low-potency pharmaceutical. In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed outpatient treatment records from March 2020 through February 2022. Opioid category was determined by lifetime and current opioid use. We defined treatment retention as weeks of uninterrupted clinic attendance. Abstinence and BNX adherence were calculated by weeks of extra-medical opioid-negative and buprenorphine-positive urine screening from treatment initiation. Four-hundred-thirteen patients were eligible; 406 (98.3%) were included in the final analysis. Two-hundred-ninety (71.4%) patients were dependent on heroin; 66 (16.3%) were natural opioid dependent, and 50 (12.3%) were dependent on low-potency pharmaceutical opioids. BNX effectiveness in treatment retention, abstinence, and adherence did not differ in patients dependent on heroin, natural, and low-potency pharmaceutical opioids. Patients on ≥8 mg daily BNX had better retention and adherence than those on <8 mg daily. Patients from lower socioeconomic status (SES) had higher odds of retention, abstinence, and adherence than those from upper/middle SES. Treatment outcomes on BNX did not differ across opioid categories. However, BNX should be dosed adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ghosh
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Alka Shaktan
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Debasish Basu
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Subodh Bn
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shalini S Naik
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - S K Mattoo
- Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Mariottini C, Häkkinen M, Kriikku P, Ojanperä I. Buprenorphine deaths confirmed by toxicology reveal a low proportion of opioid agonist treatment before death in Finland. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03273-5. [PMID: 38910139 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
We studied opioid agonist treatment (OAT) status before buprenorphine-related death in Finland, where buprenorphine is the principal OAT medicine and also the most misused opioid, through a retrospective population-based study using medico-legal cause-of-death investigation and OAT patient records. The study included all death cases (N = 570) between 2018 and 2020 with a buprenorphine or norbuprenorphine finding in post-mortem toxicology and with known drug misuse history or concomitant findings of illicit drugs. Of the deceased, 10% had received OAT in the year before death. Less than 1% of individuals < 25 years had received OAT, whereas the proportion in individuals ≥ 25 years was 13% (p < 0.001). There were significantly more females and more fatal poisonings (p < 0.001) among those < 25 years than among those ≥ 25 years. OAT medication at the time of death was sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone in 74% and subcutaneous buprenorphine in 23%. Except for significantly fewer benzodiazepine findings among those receiving OAT, minimal differences were found in terms of age, gender, cause and manner of death, or concomitant substance use between the deceased in and outside of OAT. Concomitant misuse of benzodiazepines, psychostimulants, alcohol, and gabapentinoids was frequent both in and outside of OAT and likely contributed to the death. These results suggest that access to OAT especially for young people and treatment of multiple addictions should be improved. Comprehensive information from medico-legal cause-of-death investigation as a starting point, combined with subsequent ante-mortem patient records, proved to be a successful approach to shed light on the Finnish scene of buprenorphine mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mariottini
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21(Haartmaninkatu 3), Helsinki, 00014, Finland.
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, Helsinki, 00271, Finland.
| | - Margareeta Häkkinen
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, Helsinki, 00271, Finland
- A-Clinic Ltd, Kuortaneenkatu 2, Helsinki, 00510, Finland
| | - Pirkko Kriikku
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21(Haartmaninkatu 3), Helsinki, 00014, Finland
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, Helsinki, 00271, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ojanperä
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21(Haartmaninkatu 3), Helsinki, 00014, Finland
- Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, Helsinki, 00271, Finland
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Buprenorphine Program Evaluation in a Private Psychiatric Office-Based Practice. J Addict Nurs 2023; 34:89-95. [PMID: 36857552 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The opioid crisis has contributed to the mortality, morbidity, and rising healthcare costs in the United States. Buprenorphine (BUP) is an effective medication for opioid use disorder. The aims of this quality assurance evaluation of a BUP program were to (a) evaluate the clinic's performance in illicit opioid abstinence and (b) identify patient risk and resilience characteristics to improve patient success in recovery with BUP. METHODS A retrospective chart review of open (n = 35) and closed (n = 21) cases and a cross-sectional survey in open cases were completed. Adults (aged ≥18 years) who completed 6 months of BUP treatment at a psychiatric clinic were included. Clinical performance was measured with percentages of opioid-negative urine and completed monthly urine drug tests (UDTs) for the first 6 months. Open cases were surveyed regarding risk and resilience characteristics (frequency of opioid cravings and triggers, therapy participation, and coping skills). Descriptive statistics, t test, and chi-square test were used to analyze data. RESULTS Average opioid-negative urine was significantly higher in open cases than closed cases (88.57% vs. 74.82%; t = 2.885, p = .004). There was no significant association between open cases (61.4%) and closed cases (73.8%) in completed monthly UDT. Opening and closing of cases stabilized with mandatory monthly UDT. Most individuals reported therapy participation, minimal opioid cravings, and use of distraction to cope with chronic-pain-induced cravings. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS This clinic met benchmarks leading to improved substance recovery. Recommendations include regular evaluations of UDT, cravings, and chronic pain; therapy participation; and continuous quality assurance activities.
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Toloff K, Woodcock EA. Is the Neuroimmune System a Therapeutic Target for Opioid Use Disorder? A Systematic Review. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2022; 10:2955. [PMID: 37744743 PMCID: PMC10516332 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v10i8.2955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an epidemic in the United States. In the past 12 months alone, there have been 75,000+ deaths attributed to opioid overdose: more than any other year in American history. Current pharmacotherapies for the treatment of OUD effectively suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms, but long-term relapse rates remain unacceptably high. Novel treatments for OUD are desperately needed to curb this epidemic. One target that has received considerable recent interest is the neuroimmune system. The neuroimmune system is anchored by glial cells, i.e., microglia and astrocytes, but neuroimmune signaling is known to influence neurons, including altering neurotransmission, synapse formation, and ultimately, brain function. Preclinical studies have shown that experimental attenuation of pro-inflammatory neuroimmune signaling modulates opioid addiction processes, including opioid reward, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, which suggests potential therapeutic benefit in patients. Whereas the peripheral immune system in OUD patients has been studied for decades and is well-understood, little is known about the neuroimmune system in OUD patients or its viability as a treatment target. Herein, we review the literature describing relationships between opioid administration and the neuroimmune system, the influence of neuroimmune signaling on opioid addiction processes, and the therapeutic potential for targeting the neuroimmune system in OUD subjects using glial modulator medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Toloff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eric A. Woodcock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Wen X, Wang S, Lewkowitz AK, Ward KE, Brousseau EC, Meador KJ. Maternal Complications and Prescription Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy: Using Marginal Structural Models. Drug Saf 2021; 44:1297-1309. [PMID: 34609720 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-021-01115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prescription opioids are frequently used for pain management in pregnancy. Studies examining perinatal complications in mothers who received prescription opioids during pregnancy are still limited. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the association of prescription opioid use and maternal pregnancy and obstetric complications. METHODS This retrospective cohort study with the Rhode Island (RI) Medicaid claims data linked to vital statistics throughout 2008-2015 included pregnant women aged 12-55 years with one or multiple live births. Women were excluded if they had cancer, opioid use disorder, or opioid dispensing prior to but not during pregnancy. Main outcomes included adverse pregnancy and obstetric complications. Marginal Structural Cox Models with time-varying exposure and covariates were applied to control for baseline and time-varying covariates. Analyses were conducted for outcomes that occurred 1 week after opioid exposure (primary) or within the same week as exposure (secondary). Sensitivity studies were conducted to assess the effects of different doses and individual opioids. RESULTS Of 9823 eligible mothers, 545 (5.5%) filled one or more prescription opioid during pregnancy. Compared with those unexposed, no significant risk was observed in primary analyses, while in secondary analyses opioid-exposed mothers were associated with an increased risk of cesarean antepartum depression (HR 3.19; 95% CI 1.22-8.33), and cardiac events (HR 9.44; 95% CI 1.19-74.83). In sensitivity analyses, results are more prominent in high dose exposure and are consistent for individual opioids. CONCLUSIONS Prescription opioid use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Wen
- Health Outcomes, Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
| | - Shuang Wang
- Health Outcomes, Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Adam K Lewkowitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kristina E Ward
- Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Erin Christine Brousseau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Giorgetti A, Pascali J, Montisci M, Amico I, Bonvicini B, Fais P, Viero A, Giorgetti R, Cecchetto G, Viel G. The Role of Risk or Contributory Death Factors in Methadone-Related Fatalities: A Review and Pooled Analysis. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11030189. [PMID: 33810163 PMCID: PMC8004630 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methadone-related deaths are characterized by a wide range of post-mortem blood concentrations, due to the high pharmacokinetic/dynamic inter-individual variability, the potential subjective tolerance state and to other risk factors or comorbidities, which might enhance methadone acute toxicity. In the present study, the association among pre-existing and external conditions and diseases and the resultant methadone death capacity have been investigated. Beside a systematic literature review, a retrospective case-control study was done, dividing cases in which methadone was the only cause of death (controls), and those with associated clinical-circumstantial (naive/non-tolerant state), pathological (pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases) or toxicological (other drugs detected) conditions. Methadone concentrations were compared between the two groups and the association with conditions/diseases was assessed by multiple linear and binomial logistic regressions. Literature cases were 139, in house 35, consisting of 22 controls and 152 cases with associated conditions/diseases. Mean methadone concentrations were 2122 ng/mL and 715 ng/mL in controls and cases respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Lower methadone concentrations (by 24, 19 and 33% respectively) were detected in association with naive/non-tolerant state, pulmonary diseases and presence of other drugs, and low levels of methadone (<600 ng/mL) might lead to death in the presence of the above conditions/diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.G.); (P.F.)
| | - Jennifer Pascali
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Massimo Montisci
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Irene Amico
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Barbara Bonvicini
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Paolo Fais
- DIMEC, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (A.G.); (P.F.)
| | - Alessia Viero
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University “Politecnica delle Marche” of Ancona, via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Cecchetto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Guido Viel
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.P.); (M.M.); (I.A.); (B.B.); (A.V.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Moe J, Badke K, Pratt M, Cho RY, Azar P, Flemming H, Sutherland KA, Harvey B, Gurney L, Lockington J, Brasher P, Gill S, Garrod E, Bath M, Kestler A. Microdosing and standard-dosing take-home buprenorphine from the emergency department: A feasibility study. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:1712-1722. [PMID: 33392580 PMCID: PMC7771760 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emergency department (ED)-initiated buprenorphine may prevent overdose. Microdosing is a novel approach that does not require withdrawal, which can be a barrier to standard inductions. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an ED-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone program providing standard-dosing and microdosing take-home packages and of randomizing patients to either intervention. METHODS We broadly screened patients ≥18 years old for opioid use disorder at a large, urban ED. In a first phase, we provided consecutive patients with 3-day standard-dosing packages, and then we provided a subsequent group with 6-day microdosing packages. In a second phase, we randomized patients to standard dosing or microdosing. We attempted 7-day telephone follow-ups and 30-day in-person community follow-ups. The primary feasibility outcome was number of patients enrolled and accepting randomization. Secondary outcomes were numbers screened, follow-up rates, and 30-day opioid agonist therapy retention. RESULTS We screened 3954 ED patients and identified 94 with opioid use disorders. Of the patients, 26 (27.7%) declined participation: 10 identified a negative prior experience with buprenorphine/naloxone as the reason, 5 specifically cited precipitated withdrawal, and none cited randomization. We enrolled 68 patients. A total of 14 left the ED against medical advice, 8 were excluded post-enrollment, 21 received standard dosing, and 25 received microdosing. The 7-day and 30-day follow-up rates were 9/46 (19.6%) and 15/46 (32.6%), respectively. At least 5/21 (23.8%) provided standard dosing and 8/25 (32.0%) provided microdosing remained on opioid agonist therapy at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS ED-initiated take-home standard-dosing and microdosing buprenorphine/naloxone programs are feasible, and a randomized controlled trial would be acceptable to our target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Moe
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Katherin Badke
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Megan Pratt
- Social WorkVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Raymond Y Cho
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Pouya Azar
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Complex Pain and Addiction ServicesVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Heather Flemming
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - K. Anne Sutherland
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Barbara Harvey
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Lara Gurney
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Julie Lockington
- Department of Emergency MedicineVancouver General HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Penny Brasher
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and EvaluationVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Sam Gill
- Rapid Access Addiction ClinicSt. Paul's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Emma Garrod
- Urban Health Program, Providence Health CareVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Misty Bath
- Regional PreventionVancouver Coastal Health AuthorityVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Andy Kestler
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Department of Emergency MedicineSt. Paul's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
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Fried JE, Basu S, Phillips RS, Landon BE. Financing Buprenorphine Treatment in Primary Care: A Microsimulation Model. Ann Fam Med 2020; 18:535-544. [PMID: 33168682 PMCID: PMC7708288 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to determine the financial impact to primary care practices of alternative strategies for offering buprenorphine-based treatment for opioid use disorder. METHODS We interviewed 20 practice managers and identified 4 approaches to delivering buprenorphine-based treatment via primary care practice that differed in physician and nurse responsibilities. We used a microsimulation model to estimate how practice variations in patient type, payer, revenue, and cost across primary care practices nationwide would affect cost and revenue implications for each approach for the following types of practices: federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), non-FQHCs in urban high-poverty areas, non-FQHCs in rural high-poverty areas, and practices outside of high-poverty areas. RESULTS The 4 approaches to buprenorphine-based treatment included physician-led visits with nurse-led logistical support; nurse-led visits with physician oversight; shared visits; and solo prescribing by physician alone. Net practice revenues would be expected to increase after introduction of any of the 4 approaches by $18,000 to $70,000 per full-time physician in the first year across practice type. Yet physician-led visits and shared medical appointments, both of which relied on nurse care managers, consistently produced the greatest net revenues ($29,000-$70,000 per physician in the first year). To ensure positive net revenues with any approach, providers would need to maintain at least 9 patients in treatment, with a no-show rate of <34%. CONCLUSIONS Using a simulation model, we estimate that many types of primary care practices could financially sustain buprenorphine-based treatment if demand and no-show rate requirements are met, but a nurse care manager-based approach might be the most sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Fried
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanjay Basu
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts .,Research and Population Health, Collective Health, San Francisco, California .,School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Russell S Phillips
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bruce E Landon
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Gillis A, Sreenivasan V, Christie MJ. Intrinsic Efficacy of Opioid Ligands and Its Importance for Apparent Bias, Operational Analysis, and Therapeutic Window. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:410-424. [PMID: 32665252 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.119214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from several novel opioid agonists and knockout animals suggests that improved opioid therapeutic window, notably for analgesia versus respiratory depression, is a result of ligand bias downstream of activation of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) toward G protein signaling and away from other pathways, such as arrestin recruitment. Here, we argue that published claims of opioid bias based on application of the operational model of agonism are frequently confounded by failure to consider the assumptions of the model. These include failure to account for intrinsic efficacy and ceiling effects in different pathways, distortions introduced by analysis of amplified (G protein) versus linear (arrestin) signaling mechanisms, and nonequilibrium effects in a dynamic signaling cascade. We show on both theoretical and experimental grounds that reduced intrinsic efficacy that is unbiased across different downstream pathways, when analyzed without due considerations, does produce apparent but erroneous MOR ligand bias toward G protein signaling, and the weaker the G protein partial agonism is the greater the apparent bias. Experimentally, such apparently G protein-biased opioids have been shown to exhibit low intrinsic efficacy for G protein signaling when ceiling effects are properly accounted for. Nevertheless, such agonists do display an improved therapeutic window for analgesia versus respiratory depression. Reduced intrinsic efficacy for G proteins rather than any supposed G protein bias provides a more plausible, sufficient explanation for the improved safety. Moreover, genetic models of G protein-biased opioid receptors and replication of previous knockout experiments suggest that reduced or abolished arrestin recruitment does not improve therapeutic window for MOR-induced analgesia versus respiratory depression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Efforts to improve safety of µ-opioid analgesics have focused on agonists that show signaling bias for the G protein pathway versus other signaling pathways. This review provides theoretical and experimental evidence showing that failure to consider the assumptions of the operational model can lead to large distortions and overestimation of actual bias. We show that low intrinsic efficacy is a major determinant of these distortions, and pursuit of appropriately reduced intrinsic efficacy should guide development of safer opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gillis
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (A.G., M.J.C.) and EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia (V.S.)
| | - Varun Sreenivasan
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (A.G., M.J.C.) and EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia (V.S.)
| | - Macdonald J Christie
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (A.G., M.J.C.) and EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia (V.S.)
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Socias ME, Wood E, Dong H, Brar R, Bach P, Murphy SM, Fairbairn N. Slow release oral morphine versus methadone for opioid use disorder in the fentanyl era (pRESTO): Protocol for a non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 91:105993. [PMID: 32194251 PMCID: PMC7919741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.105993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND North America is facing an unprecedented public health crisis of opioid-related morbidity and mortality, increasingly as a result of the introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the street drug market. Although the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) is a key element in the response to the opioid overdose epidemic, currently available pharmacotherapies (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) may not be acceptable to or effective in all patients. Available evidence suggests that slow-release oral morphine (SROM) has similar efficacy rates as methadone with respect to promoting abstinence, and with improvements in a number of patient-reported outcomes among persons using heroin. However, little is known about the relative effectiveness and acceptability of SROM compared to methadone in the context of fentanyl use. This study aims to address this research gap. METHODS pRESTO is a 24-week, open-label, two arm, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial comparing SROM versus methadone for the treatment of OUD. Participants will be 298 clinically stable, non-pregnant adults with OUD, recruited from outpatient clinics in Vancouver, Canada, where the majority of the illicit opioids are contaminated with fentanyl. The primary outcome is suppression of illicit opioid use, measured by bi-weekly urine drug screens. Secondary outcomes include: treatment retention, medication safety, overdose events, treatment satisfaction, psychological functioning, changes in drug-related problems, changes in quality of life, opioid cravings, other substance use, and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION pRESTO will be among the first studies to evaluate treatment options for individuals primarily using synthetic street opioids, providing important evidence to guide treatment strategies for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rupinder Brar
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sean M Murphy
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Pearce LA, Min JE, Piske M, Zhou H, Homayra F, Slaunwhite A, Irvine M, McGowan G, Nosyk B. Opioid agonist treatment and risk of mortality during opioid overdose public health emergency: population based retrospective cohort study. BMJ 2020; 368:m772. [PMID: 32234712 PMCID: PMC7190018 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the risk of mortality among people with opioid use disorder on and off opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in a setting with a high prevalence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids in the illicit drug supply. DESIGN Population based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Individual level linkage of five health administrative datasets capturing drug dispensations, hospital admissions, physician billing records, ambulatory care reports, and deaths in British Columbia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS 55 347 people with opioid use disorder who received OAT between 1 January 1996 and 30 September 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All cause and cause specific crude mortality rates (per 1000 person years) to determine absolute risk of mortality and all cause age and sex standardised mortality ratios to determine relative risk of mortality compared with the general population. Mortality risk was calculated according to treatment status (on OAT, off OAT), time since starting and stopping treatment (1, 2, 3-4, 5-12, >12 weeks), and medication type (methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone). Adjusted risk ratios compared the relative risk of mortality on and off OAT over time as fentanyl became more prevalent in the illicit drug supply. RESULTS 7030 (12.7%) of 55 347 OAT recipients died during follow-up. The all cause standardised mortality ratio was substantially lower on OAT (4.6, 95% confidence interval 4.4 to 4.8) than off OAT (9.7, 9.5 to 10.0). In a period of increasing prevalence of fentanyl, the relative risk of mortality off OAT was 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.8 to 2.4) times higher than on OAT before the introduction of fentanyl, increasing to 3.4 (2.8 to 4.3) at the end of the study period (65% increase in relative risk). CONCLUSIONS Retention on OAT is associated with substantial reductions in the risk of mortality for people with opioid use disorder. The protective effect of OAT on mortality increased as fentanyl and other synthetic opioids became common in the illicit drug supply, whereas the risk of mortality remained high off OAT. As fentanyl becomes more widespread globally, these findings highlight the importance of interventions that improve retention on opioid agonist treatment and prevent recipients from stopping treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Pearce
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Micah Piske
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Haoxuan Zhou
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Fahmida Homayra
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Mike Irvine
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Gina McGowan
- British Columbia Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Victoria, BC, V8W 9P1, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Health Economic Research Unit, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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Routes of non-traditional entry into buprenorphine treatment programs. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:6. [PMID: 31959194 PMCID: PMC6972002 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-0252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Excessive prescribing, increased potency of opioids, and increased availability of illicit heroin and synthetic analogs such as fentanyl has resulted in an increase of overdose fatalities. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) significantly reduces the risk of overdose when compared with no treatment. Although the use of buprenorphine as an agonist treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is growing significantly, barriers remain which can prevent or delay treatment. In this study we examine non-traditional routes which could facilitate entry into buprenorphine treatment programs. Methods Relevant, original research publications addressing entry into buprenorphine treatment published during the years 1989–2019 were identified through PubMed, PsychInfo, PsychArticles, and Medline databases. We operationalized key terms based on three non-traditional paths: persons that entered treatment via the criminal justice system, following emergencies, and through community outreach. Results Of 462 screened articles, twenty studies met the inclusion criteria for full review. Most studies were from the last several years, and most (65%) were from the Northeastern region of the United States. Twelve (60%) were studies suggesting that the criminal justice system could be a potentially viable entry route, both pre-release or post-incarceration. The emergency department was also found to be a cost-effective and viable route for screening and identifying individuals with OUD and linking them to buprenorphine treatment. Fewer studies have documented community outreach initiatives involving buprenorphine. Most studies were small sample size (mean = < 200) and 40% were randomized trials. Conclusions Despite research suggesting that increasing the number of Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) waived physicians who prescribe buprenorphine would help with the opioid treatment gap, little research has been conducted on routes to increase utilization of treatment. In this study, we found evidence that engaging individuals through criminal justice, emergency departments, and community outreach can serve as non-traditional treatment entry points for certain populations. Alternative routes could engage a greater number of people to initiate MOUD treatment.
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Weicker SA, Hayashi K, Grant C, Milloy MJ, Wood E, Kerr T. Willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone among people who use opioids in Vancouver, Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107672. [PMID: 31706251 PMCID: PMC6894418 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid agonist therapy is the cornerstone of treatment of opioid use disorder. In Canada, buprenorphine/naloxone has recently been adopted as the first line agonist therapy given its comparable effectiveness to methadone and superior safety profile. This study examines factors associated with willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone among opioid users. METHODS Data were derived from two prospective cohorts of high-risk individuals who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with willingness to use buprenorphine/naloxone among people who use opioids and were not currently accessing this treatment option. Participants who were unwilling to use buprenorphine/naloxone were invited to provide reason(s) and their responses were examined in a sub-analysis. RESULTS Between December 2014 and May 2018, 1103 participants were interviewed. Overall, 194 (17.6%) respondents indicated that they would be willing to take buprenorphine/naloxone. Variables independently associated with willingness were previous buprenorphine/naloxone treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.04), having ever used methadone treatment (AOR = 1.87), and age (AOR = 0.98, per year older) (all p < 0.05). Satisfaction with current agonist therapy (25.4%), not knowing what buprenorphine/naloxone is (25.1%), and wanting more information about buprenorphine/naloxone (15.1%) were the most commonly cited reasons for unwillingness. A low rate of willingness to use buprenorphine/naloxone (15.1%) was also observed among the sub-set of participants not using methadone. CONCLUSIONS While an overall low level of willingness to take buprenorphine/naloxone was observed, this appeared to be largely driven by satisfaction with other agonists and a low prevalence of community knowledge about buprenorphine/naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Weicker
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Cameron Grant
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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Marino R, Perrone J, Nelson LS, Wiegand TJ, Schwarz ES, Wax PM, Stolbach AI. ACMT Position Statement: Remove the Waiver Requirement for Prescribing Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder. J Med Toxicol 2019; 15:307-309. [PMID: 31414402 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-019-00728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Marino
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Evan S Schwarz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul M Wax
- University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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Bruneau J, Ahamad K, Goyer MÈ, Poulin G, Selby P, Fischer B, Wild TC, Wood E. Management of opioid use disorders: a national clinical practice guideline. CMAJ 2019; 190:E247-E257. [PMID: 29507156 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Keith Ahamad
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Marie-Ève Goyer
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Ginette Poulin
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Peter Selby
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Benedikt Fischer
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - T Cameron Wild
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Evan Wood
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (Bruneau), Université de Montréal; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence (Bruneau, Goyer), Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Ahamad), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Family Medicine (Ahamad), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Centre de recherche et d'aide pour narcomanes, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Goyer), Montréal, Que.; Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (Poulin); Max Rady College of Medicine, Postgraduate Medical Education (Poulin), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Addictions Division (Selby), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Selby); Department of Psychiatry (Selby, Fischer), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (Fischer), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont.; School of Public Health (Wild), Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (Wood), St. Paul's Hospital; Department of Medicine (Wood), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Behzadi M, Joukar S, Beik A. Opioids and Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Literature Review. Med Princ Pract 2018; 27:401-414. [PMID: 30071529 PMCID: PMC6244110 DOI: 10.1159/000492616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the most important side effects of opioids is their influence on the electrical activity of the heart. This review focusses on the effects of opioids on QT interval prolongation and their arrhythmogenic liability. METHODS By using various keywords, papers published up to 2018 in different databases were searched and identified. The search terms were opioids names, corrected QT interval, human-ether-a-go-go gene, torsades de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrhythmias, opioid dependence and other relevant terms. It emphasized the effects of each opioid agent alone on electrocardiogram (ECG) and some interactions. RESULTS Available data indicate that some opioids such as methadone are high-risk even at low doses, and have potential for prolongation of the QT interval and development of TdP, a dangerous ventricular tachycardia. A number of opioids such as tramadol and oxycodone are intermediate risk drugs and may develop long QT interval and TdP in high doses. Some other opioids such as morphine and buprenorphine are low-risk drugs and do not produce QT interval prolongation and TdP at least in routine doses. Opium-consumers are at higher risk of supra-ventricular arrhythmias, sinus bradycardia, cardiac block and atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION The cardiac arrhythmogenicity of various opioids is different. Methadone has a higher capability to induce long QT interval and dangerous arrhythmias in conventional doses than others. To reduce of arrhythmogenic risk, high doses of opioids must be used cautiously with periodic monitoring of ECG in high-risk consumers such as patients under opioid maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Behzadi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Siyavash Joukar
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Beik
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Fox LM, Hoffman RS, Vlahov D, Manini AF. Risk factors for severe respiratory depression from prescription opioid overdose. Addiction 2018. [PMID: 28646524 PMCID: PMC5725269 DOI: 10.1111/add.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prescription opioid overdose is a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with clinical severity in emergency department patients with prescription opioid overdose. DESIGN This was a secondary data analysis of adult prescription opioid overdoses from a large prospective cohort of acute overdoses. We examined elements of a typical emergency department evaluation using a multivariable model to determine which characteristics were associated with clinical severity, specifically severe respiratory depression (SRD). SETTING This study was conducted at two urban academic emergency departments in New York City, USA. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients who presented with acute prescription opioid overdose between 2009 and 2013 were included in the current study. We analyzed 307 patients (mean age = 44.7, 42% female, 2.0% mortality). MEASUREMENTS Patient demographics, reported substances ingested, suspected intent for ingesting the substance, vital signs, laboratory data, treatments including antidotes and intubation and outcome of death were recorded by trained research assistants. Intent was categorized into four mutually exclusive categories: suicide, misuse, therapeutic error and undetermined. The primary outcome was SRD, defined as administration of either (a) naloxone or (b) endotracheal intubation (ETI). FINDINGS A total of 109 patients suffered SRD with 90 patients receiving naloxone alone, nine ETI alone and 10 both naloxone and ETI. The most common opioids were oxycodone (n = 124) and methadone (n = 116). Mean age was higher in patients with SRD (51.1 versus 41.1, P < 0.001). Opioid misuse was associated with SRD in the multivariable analysis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-3.55]. The unadjusted relative risk of SRD was high for fentanyl (83.3% SRD) and lowest for codeine (3.6% SRD). CONCLUSION In emergency department patients in the United States with prescription opioid overdose, worse clinical severity was associated with opioid misuse, increased with age and was widely variable, depending on the specific opioid medication involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Fox
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert S Hoffman
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alex F Manini
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Elmhurst Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA
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Boyd J, Fast D, Hobbins M, McNeil R, Small W. Social-structural factors influencing periods of injection cessation among marginalized youth who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada: an ethno-epidemiological study. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:31. [PMID: 28583136 PMCID: PMC5460503 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use is associated with HIV and hepatitis C transmission, overdose, and other preventable harms. These harms are heightened for structurally vulnerable injection drug-using populations, as their social conditions pose barriers to safer injecting. Previous research on injection cessation has largely focused on adult drug-using populations. Little qualitative work has examined the social, structural, and environmental factors that shape periods of injection cessation among youth and young adults. Such research is essential to understanding how we can best reduce harms among this vulnerable population as they move in and out of periods of injection cessation. METHODS We conducted 22 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with street-involved young people who use drugs (SY), focused on characterizing their transitions into periods of injection cessation and perceived barriers to injection cessation. Adopting an ethno-epidemiological approach, participants who had experienced at least 6 months of injection cessation were purposively recruited from an ongoing prospective cohort study of SY in Vancouver, Canada to participate in qualitative interviews. Qualitative interview findings were triangulated with the findings of a longitudinal program of ethnographic research with SY in this setting. This ethno-epidemiological approach allowed for a more robust exploration of contextual factors surrounding drug use patterns than would be possible through traditional epidemiological methods alone. RESULTS Findings indicate that periods of injection cessation were influenced by access to harm reduction-informed youth-focused services, transitions in route of administration (e.g., from injecting methamphetamine to the smoking of methamphetamine), and the provision of housing and social supports (e.g., from friends, family, and care providers). Conversely, participants indicated that inadequate social supports and, for some, abstinence-focused treatment methods (e.g., 12-step programs), impeded efforts to cease injecting. CONCLUSIONS To reduce harms, it is imperative to reorient attention toward the social, structural, and spatial contexts that surround injection drug use and shape periods of injection cessation for SY. There is an urgent need for more comprehensive youth-focused services for those engaged in injection drug use, and further study of innovative means of engaging youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Megan Hobbins
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Will Small
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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Correlates of Nine-Month Retention following Interim Buprenorphine-Naloxone Treatment in Opioid Dependence: A Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2016; 2016:6487217. [PMID: 26904355 PMCID: PMC4745813 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6487217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Interim medication-only treatment has been suggested for the initiation of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) in opioid-dependent subjects, but this rarely has been studied using buprenorphine instead of methadone. Following a pilot trial assessing interim buprenorphine-naloxone treatment in order to facilitate transfer into OMT, we here aimed to study retention, and potential correlates of retention, in full-scale treatment. Thirty-six patients successfully referred from a waiting list through an interim treatment phase were followed for nine months in OMT. Baseline characteristics, as well as urine analyses during the interim phase and during full-scale OMT, were studied as potential correlates of retention. The nine-month retention in OMT was 83 percent (n = 30). While interim-phase urine samples positive for benzodiazepines did not significantly predict dropout from full-scale OMT (p = 0.09), urine samples positive for benzodiazepines within full-scale OMT were significantly associated with dropout (p < 0.01), in contrast to other substances and baseline characteristics. Retention remained high through nine months in this pilot study sample of patients referred through buprenorphine-naloxone interim treatment, but use of benzodiazepines is problematic, and the present data suggest that it may be associated with treatment dropout.
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Bauer LK, Brody JK, León C, Baggett TP. Characteristics of Homeless Adults Who Died of Drug Overdose: A Retrospective Record Review. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2016; 27:846-59. [PMID: 27180712 PMCID: PMC4911892 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug overdose is a major cause of death among homeless people, but little is known about the characteristics of homeless overdose decedents. We conducted a retrospective record review of 219 adult patients of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) who died of drug overdose in 2003-2008. We assessed the substances implicated in overdose and the health and service use characteristics of decedents prior to death. Eighty-one percent of overdose deaths involved opioids and 40% involved multiple drugs. Problem substance use (85%), psychiatric illness (61%), and chronic pain (45%) were common, and 32% had documentation of all three. Half were well-connected to BHCHP, and 35% had a clinic visit within 90 days of death. The complex health histories and frequent health care contacts of homeless drug overdose decedents suggest that clinical facilities may be an important frontline venue for overdose education, naloxone distribution, and integrated substance use treatment programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah K. Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry, Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, ME, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer K. Brody
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Casey León
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA
| | - Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA
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