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Tas B, Jolley CJ, Kalk NJ, van der Waal R, Bell J, Strang J. Heroin-induced respiratory depression and the influence of dose variation: within-subject between-session changes following dose reduction. Addiction 2020; 115:1954-1959. [PMID: 32057141 DOI: 10.1111/add.15014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Globally, more than 100 000 people die annually from opioid overdose. Opportunities to study physiological events in at-risk individuals are limited. This study examined variation of opioid dose and impact on respiratory depression in a chronic injecting heroin user at separate time-points during his long-term diamorphine maintenance treatment. DESIGN A single-subject study over 5 years during which participant underwent experimental studies on diamorphine-induced respiratory depression, at changing maintenance doses. SETTING A clinical research facility. Participant Male subject on long-term injectable diamorphine (pharmaceutical heroin) maintenance treatment for heroin addiction. MEASUREMENTS Physiological measures of oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2 ) and respiratory rate (RR) were used to indicate severity of respiratory depression. FINDINGS (1) After diamorphine injection, respiratory regulation became abnormal, with prolonged apnoea exceeding 20 sec (maximum 56 sec), elevated ETCO2 (maximum 6.9%) and hypoxaemia (minimum SpO2 80%). (2) Abnormalities were greater with highest diamorphine dose: average SpO2 was 89.3% after 100 mg diamorphine versus 93.6% and 92.8% for the two 30-mg doses. (3) However, long apnoeic pauses and high levels of ETCO2 % were also present after lower doses. CONCLUSIONS With marked inter-session variability, these findings corroborate observations of inconsistent relationships between opioid dose and overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Tas
- King's College London, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Caroline J Jolley
- King's College London, Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences, London, UK
| | - Nicola J Kalk
- King's College London, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - James Bell
- King's College London, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - John Strang
- King's College London, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Nicolakis J, Gmeiner G, Reiter C, Seltenhammer MH. Aspiration in lethal drug abuse-a consequence of opioid intoxication. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:2121-2132. [PMID: 32929594 PMCID: PMC7578170 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02412-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the fatalities of opioid abuse are not only related to respiratory depression but also as a result of other side effects such as emesis, delayed gastric emptying, a reduction of the cough reflex, and impaired consciousness leading to the aspiration of gastric contents, a finding regularly observed in drug-related deaths. DESIGN A retrospective exploratory study analyzing heroin/morphine/methadone-related deaths submitted to court-ordered autopsy. SETTING Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria (2010-2015). PARTICIPANTS Two hundred thirty-four autopsy cases were included in the study: morphine (n = 200), heroin (n = 11), and methadone (n = 23) intoxication. FINDINGS Analyses revealed that 41.88% of all deceased showed aspiration of gastric contents with equal gender distribution (p = 0.59). Aspiration was more frequent in younger deceased (χ2 = 8.7936; p = 0.012) and in deceased with higher body mass index (BMI) (χ2 = 6.2441; p = 0.044). Blood opioid concentration was lower in deceased with signs of aspiration than in non-aspirators (p = 0.013). Toxicological evaluation revealed a high degree of concomitant substance abuse (91%)-benzodiazepines (61.6%) and/or alcohol (21.8%). CONCLUSIONS There are lower opioid concentrations in deceased with signs of aspiration, a fact which strongly points to aspiration as alternative cause of death in opioid-related fatalities. Furthermore, this study highlights the common abuse of slow-release oral morphine in Vienna and discusses alternative medications in substitution programs (buprenorphine/naloxone or tamper-resistant slow-release oral morphine preparations), as they might reduce intravenous abuse and opioid-related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Nicolakis
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Günter Gmeiner
- Seibersdorf Laboratories, Campus Seibersdorf, A-2444, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Christian Reiter
- Center for Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Mortality Among People With Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Addict Med 2020; 14:e118-e132. [DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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4
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Panlilio LV, Stull SW, Kowalczyk WJ, Phillips KA, Schroeder JR, Bertz JW, Vahabzadeh M, Lin JL, Mezghanni M, Nunes EV, Epstein DH, Preston KL. Stress, craving and mood as predictors of early dropout from opioid agonist therapy. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 202:200-208. [PMID: 31357121 PMCID: PMC6707374 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with opioid agonists is effective for opioid use disorder, but early discontinuation of treatment is a major obstacle to success. Intensive longitudinal methods - which take many repeated measurements over time, usually in the field- have provided unique insight into the effects of stress, mood and craving on drug use while people are being treated; these methods might also be useful for studying the processes that lead people to drop out of treatment. METHODS Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was conducted for up to 17 weeks by obtaining multiple electronic diary entries per day from 238 participants being treated with methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone. Survival analysis was used to study two outcomes: dropping out of treatment and noncompliance with EMA self-report requirements. Self-reports of stress, craving, and mood were used as time-varying predictors. Demographic and psychosocial variables measured with the Addiction Severity Index at the start of treatment were used as time-invariant predictors. RESULTS Dropping out of treatment was more likely in participants with more reported hassles (a measure of stress), higher levels of cocaine craving, lower levels of positive mood, a recent history of emotional abuse, a recent history of being bothered frequently by psychological problems, and with buprenorphine rather than methadone as their medication. In contrast, study noncompliance was not significantly associated with any of the variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of stress, craving and mood during treatment might identify people who are at greater risk of dropping out, and therapeutic interventions targeting these processes might increase retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh V Panlilio
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Samuel W Stull
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - William J Kowalczyk
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Karran A Phillips
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | | | - Jeremiah W Bertz
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Massoud Vahabzadeh
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jia-Ling Lin
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Mustapha Mezghanni
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Edward V Nunes
- Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - David H Epstein
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Kenzie L Preston
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd., Suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Lovrecic B, Lovrecic M, Gabrovec B, Carli M, Pacini M, Maremmani AGI, Maremmani I. Non-Medical Use of Novel Synthetic Opioids: A New Challenge to Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16020177. [PMID: 30634521 PMCID: PMC6352208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: In the last decade there has been a progressive increase in the use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that are not yet under international control. In particular, novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) have reappeared on the recreational drug market in the last few years. As a result, the use of NSOs has increased rapidly. This poses an emerging and demanding challenge to public health. Aim: To raise awareness among clinicians and other professionals about NPSs, especially NSOs, to summarize current knowledge about pharmacological properties, forms of NSO on the market, pattern of use, effects and consequences of use. Methods: An electronic search was carried out on the Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar databases to find selected search terms. Results: Some NPSs are already controlled, while others can be legally sold directly on the drug market (mainly via internet, less so by drug dealers) or be used as precursors for the synthesis of other designer drugs that mimic the psychoactive effects of controlled substances. Potential side-effects of NSOs include miosis, sedation, respiratory depression, hypothermia, inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion, death (from opioid overdose). Conclusions: The severity of the opioid crisis has intensified with the introduction of highly potent NSOs on the drug market. As long as addicts are dying from overdose or similar causes, there is something more constructive to do than waiting for addicts to overdose on heroin at a place located near a remedy, as if to say, within reach of naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Lovrecic
- National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Centre for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Izola Health Centre, 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
| | - Branko Gabrovec
- National Institute of Public Health, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pacini
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo G I Maremmani
- Department of Psychiatry, North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Versilia Zone, 55049 Viareggio, Italy.
- Association for the Application of Neuroscientific Knowledge to Social Aims (AU-CNS), Pietrasanta, 55045 Lucca, Italy.
| | - Icro Maremmani
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
- Association for the Application of Neuroscientific Knowledge to Social Aims (AU-CNS), Pietrasanta, 55045 Lucca, Italy.
- Vincent P. Dole Dual Disorder Unit, Santa Chiara University Hospital, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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6
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von Greiff N, Skogens L, Berlin M, Bergmark A. Mortality and Cause of Death-A 30-Year Follow-Up of Substance Misusers in Sweden. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:2043-2051. [PMID: 29578830 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1452261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article presents a 30-year follow-up study of a cohort of 1163 substance misusers who were in inpatient treatment in the early 1980s. Data was originally collected in the Swedish Drug Addict Treatment Evaluation (SWEDATE). OBJECTIVES The aim is to examine the overall mortality and identify causes of death in different groups based on self-reported most dominant substance misuse among those who have died during January 1984-December 2013. METHODS SWEDATE-data was linked to the National Cause of Death Register. Five mutually exclusive study groups were created based on self-reported most dominant substance misuse for the last 12 months before intake to treatment: Alcohol, Cannabis, Stimulants, Opiates, and Other. The Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) was calculated. RESULTS During the follow-up, 40% died. SMR is 10.3 for women and 11.7 for men. The study groups differed regarding SMR; 13.1 in the Alcohol group, 9.2 in the Cannabis group, 9.6 in the Stimulants group, 16.7 in the Opiates group and 10.8 in the Other group. Drug related death was the most common cause of death (28% only underlying, 19% both underlying and contributing) followed by alcohol related reasons (17% vs. 9%). CONCLUSIONS Alcohol misuse among substance abusers might have a negative impact on mortality rates. Methodological changes in how drug related deaths is registered affects the interpretation of the statistics of cause of death. Further analysis on the relation between drug related cause of death and drug misuse related death is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninive von Greiff
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Lisa Skogens
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Marie Berlin
- b The National Board of Health and Welfare , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Anders Bergmark
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
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Alm S. Hur gick det för 1960- och 1970-talets svenska narkotikamissbrukare? NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/nsad-2015-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
What happened to the Swedish problem drug users of the 1960's and 1970's? AimS & DESIGN – In this study we follow a Stockholm birth cohort born in 1953 (n= 14 294) from youth to middle age. The cohort members were in their teenage years when drug abuse was established as a considerable threat to Swedish society and some of the cohort members themselves became drug abusers (n=431). Results – As expected, life became dramatically worse for those with documented drug abuse when young, than for the rest of the cohort members. While 72 percent of those without documented drug abuse were socially included at the age of 56, the corresponding share among those with documented drug abuse was 18 per cent. And while 5 percent in the former group were diseased at 56, this was true for 38 percent in the latter group. Supplementary analyses showed that social inclusion was also less stable among those with documented drug abuse than among the rest of the cohort, and that the flow from exclusion to inclusion was virtually nonexistent, which was not the case for those without experience of drug abuse. Conclusions – Gender specific analyses showed that the situation, at least in absolute terms, tended to be even worse for male drug abusers than for women. Gender differences in alcohol abuse, criminality, and with respect to parenthood are suggested as possible explanations to be further studied in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Alm
- Department of Criminology Stockholm University
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8
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Klimas J, Keane A, Cullen W, O'Kelly F, Bury G. Seventeen year mortality in a cohort of patients attending opioid agonist treatment in Ireland. Commentary on 'methadone-maintained patients in primary care have higher rates of chronic disease' (O'Toole et al., European Journal of General Practice 2014;20:275-80). Eur J Gen Pract 2016; 22:64-5. [PMID: 26800153 DOI: 10.3109/13814788.2015.1109076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klimas
- a University College Dublin , School of Medicine and Medical Science , Dublin , Ireland.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Urban Health Research Initiative , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Anna Keane
- a University College Dublin , School of Medicine and Medical Science , Dublin , Ireland.,b British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS , Urban Health Research Initiative , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Walter Cullen
- a University College Dublin , School of Medicine and Medical Science , Dublin , Ireland
| | | | - Gerard Bury
- a University College Dublin , School of Medicine and Medical Science , Dublin , Ireland
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9
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Kimber J, Larney S, Hickman M, Randall D, Degenhardt L. Mortality risk of opioid substitution therapy with methadone versus buprenorphine: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:901-8. [PMID: 26384619 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00366-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid dependence increases risk of premature mortality. Opioid substitution therapy with methadone or buprenorphine reduces mortality risk, especially for drug-related overdose. Clinical guidelines recommend methadone as the first line of opioid substitution therapy. We aimed to test whether buprenorphine treatment has a lower mortality risk than does methadone treatment by comparing all-cause mortality and drug-related overdose mortality at treatment induction, after in-treatment medication switches, and following treatment cessation. METHODS We did a retrospective cohort study of all patients with opioid dependency (n=32,033) in New South Wales, Australia, who started a methadone or buprenorphine treatment episode from Aug 1, 2001, to Dec 31, 2010, including 190,232·6 person-years of follow-up. We compared crude mortality rates (CMRs) for all-cause and drug-related overdose mortality, and mortality rate ratios (MRRs) according to age, sex, period in or out of treatment, medication type, and in-treatment switching. FINDINGS Patients who initiated with buprenorphine had reduced all-cause and drug-related mortality during the first 4 weeks of treatment compared with those who initiated with methadone (adjusted all-cause MRR 2·17, 95% CI 1·29-3·67; adjusted drug-related MRR 4·88, 1·73-13·69). For the remaining time on treatment, drug-related mortality risk did not differ (adjusted MRR 1·18, 95% CI 0·89-1·56), but weak evidence suggested that all-cause mortality was lower for buprenorphine than methadone (1·66, 1·40-1·96). In the 4 weeks after treatment cessation, all-cause mortality did not differ, but drug-related mortality was lower for methadone (adjusted all-cause MRR 1·12, 0·79-1·59; adjusted drug-related MRR 0·50, 0·29-0·86). Patients who switched from buprenorphine to methadone during treatment had lower mortality in the first 4 weeks of methadone treatment than matched controls who received methadone only (CMR difference 7·1 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 0·1-14·0); no mortality difference was noted for switches from buprenorphine to methadone or for switches to either medication beyond the first 4 weeks of treatment. INTERPRETATION In a setting with high risk of death in the first 4 weeks of opioid substitution therapy, buprenorphine seemed to reduce mortality in this period, but little difference between buprenorphine and methadone was noted thereafter or for in-treatment switching of medications. Cross-cohort corroboration of our findings and further assessment of the stepped treatment model is warranted. FUNDING Australian National Health & Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Kimber
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Deborah Randall
- Centre for Big Data Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Vanichseni S, Martin M, Suntharasamai P, Sangkum U, Mock PA, Gvetadze RJ, Curlin ME, Leethochawalit M, Chiamwongpaet S, Chaipung B, McNicholl JM, Paxton LA, Kittimunkong S, Choopanya K. High Mortality Among Non-HIV-Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Bangkok, Thailand, 2005-2012. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:1136-41. [PMID: 25880964 PMCID: PMC4431084 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the causes of hospitalization and death of people who inject drugs participating in the Bangkok Tenofovir Study, an HIV preexposure prophylaxis trial. METHODS The Bangkok Tenofovir Study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted during 2005 to 2012 among 2413 people who inject drugs. We reviewed medical records to define the causes of hospitalization and death, examined participant characteristics and risk behaviors to determine predictors of death, and compared the participant mortality rate with the rate of the general population of Bangkok, Thailand. RESULTS Participants were followed an average of 4 years; 107 died: 22 (20.6%) from overdose, 13 (12.2%) from traffic accidents, and 12 (11.2%) from sepsis. In multivariable analysis, older age (40-59 years; P = .001), injecting drugs (P = .03), and injecting midazolam (P < .001) were associated with death. The standardized mortality ratio was 2.9. CONCLUSIONS People who injected drugs were nearly 3 times as likely to die as were those in the general population of Bangkok and injecting midazolam was independently associated with death. Drug overdose and traffic accidents were the most common causes of death, and their prevention should be public health priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suphak Vanichseni
- Suphak Vanichseni, Pravan Suntharasamai, Udomsak Sangkum, and Kachit Choopanya are with the Bangkok Tenofovir Study Group, Bangkok, Thailand. Michael Martin, Philip A. Mock, Marcel E. Curlin, and Benjamaporn Chaipung are with the Thailand Ministry of Public Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Somyot Kittimunkong is with the Thailand Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi. Roman J. Gvetadze, Janet M. McNicholl, and Lynn A. Paxton are with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Manoj Leethochawalit and Sithisat Chiamwongpaet are with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
Objective: To systematically review and analyse data from cohorts of people who inject drugs (PWID) to improve existing estimates of non-AIDS mortality used to calculate mortality among PWID in the Spectrum Estimates and Projection Package. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted an update of an earlier systematic review of mortality among PWID, searching specifically for studies providing data on non-AIDS-related deaths. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to derive pooled estimates of non-AIDS crude mortality rates across cohorts disaggregated by sex, HIV status and periods in and out of opioid substitution therapy (OST). Within each cohort, ratios of non-AIDS CMRs were calculated and then pooled across studies for the following paired sub-groups: HIV-negative versus HIV-positive PWID; male versus female PWID; periods in OST versus out of OST. For each analysis, pooled estimates by country income group and by geographic region were also calculated. Results: Thirty-seven eligible studies from high-income countries and five from low and middle-income countries were found. Non-AIDS mortality was significantly higher in low and middle-income countries [2.74 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76–3.72] than in high-income countries (1.56 per 100 person-years; 95% CI 1.38–1.74). Non-AIDS CMRs were 1.34 times greater among men than women (95% CI 1.14–1.57; N = 19 studies); 1.50 times greater among HIV-positive than HIV-negative PWID (95% CI 1.15, 1.96; N = 16 studies); and more than three times greater during periods out of OST than for periods on OST (N = 7 studies). Conclusions: A comprehensive response to injecting drug must include efforts to reduce the high levels of non-AIDS mortality among PWID. Due to limitations of currently available data, including substantial heterogeneity between studies, estimates of non-AIDS mortality specific to geographic regions, country income level, or the availability of OST should be interpreted with caution.
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Darke S. Opioid overdose and the power of old myths: what we thought we knew, what we do know and why it matters. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014; 33:109-14. [PMID: 24589077 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Darke S, Farrell M. Would legalizing illicit opioids reduce overdose fatalities? Implications from a natural experiment. Addiction 2014; 109:1237-42. [PMID: 24456133 DOI: 10.1111/add.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Overdose is the leading cause of premature mortality among heroin users. We examine whether the provision of regulated and quality-controlled heroin to users in specified doses would reduce heroin overdose rates. We also address this in the context of the epidemic of prescription opioid use and deaths seen in recent years in the United States and internationally. We explore the extent to which any change in legal access to heroin would affect overdose rates, and note that this depends upon the validity of the two main assumptions that variations in illicit drug purity and/or the presence of drug contaminants are major causes of overdose. Toxicological and demographic data from studies of heroin overdose deaths do not support these assumptions. The surge in the use of pharmaceutical opioids provides an example of the legal delivery of opioids of known dosage and free of contaminants, where overdose deaths can be examined to test these assumptions. Rates of fatal opioid overdose have escalated, with increased rates of prescribing of pharmaceutical opioids. On the basis of the experience with prescription opioids, unregulated legal heroin access would not reduce overdose rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Gjersing L, Bretteville-Jensen AL. Gender differences in mortality and risk factors in a 13-year cohort study of street-recruited injecting drug users. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:440. [PMID: 24886464 PMCID: PMC4047552 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at risk of premature mortality. This study examined gender differences in mortality, risk factors, and causes of death among IDUs. METHODS In a 13-year cohort study including 172 street-recruited IDUs from Oslo, Norway in 1997, interview data was merged with the National Cause of Death Registry. Crude mortality rate (CMR) and indirect standardized mortality ratio (SMR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A log-logistic multivariate survival analysis model was estimated for the full sample. For a smaller data set (1.1.1998-31.12.2004) the influence of substitution treatment and prison were assessed using cox regression survival analysis. RESULTS Eight females and 37 males died. Acute intoxications were the most common cause of death. Women were more at risk in the short-term, but more protected in the long-term. CMR was 16.0 [95% CI 8.0, 31.9] for women and 26.0 [95% CI 18.0, 35.8]) for men. SMR was 39.4 [95% CI 0.2, 220.8]) for women and 21.3 [95% CI 5.7, 54.1] for men. More women injected heroin (98% vs. 88% [x2 = 3.5, p = 0.063]), used prescription drugs (73% vs. 52% [x2 = 5.6, p = 0.018]) and combined these to inject (45% vs. 26% [x2 = 5.9, p = 0.015]). Mixing prescription drugs in heroin injections, and sex work (only women) were associated with decreased survival time. There were no gender differences in access to substitution treatment, while significantly more men had been in prison (74% vs. 51% [x2 = 7.5, p = 0.006]). The instance of substitution treatment and prison significantly decreased the mortality risk. Prison release increased the risk, but not statistically significantly. CONCLUSIONS There were gender differences in mortality and risk factors; sex work and prison were gender specific risk factors. These factors should be investigated further to better design future preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Norwegian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research (SIRUS), PB 565 Sentrum, Oslo 0105, Norway
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Mathers BM, Degenhardt L, Bucello C, Lemon J, Wiessing L, Hickman M. Mortality among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 91:102-23. [PMID: 23554523 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.108282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review cohort studies of mortality among people who inject drugs, examine mortality rates and causes of death in this group, and identify participant- and study-level variables associated with a higher risk of death. METHODS Tailored search strings were used to search EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO. The grey literature was identified through online grey literature databases. Experts were consulted to obtain additional studies and data. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled crude mortality rates (CMRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). FINDINGS Sixty-seven cohorts of people who inject drugs were identified, 14 of them from low- and middle-income countries. The pooled CMR was 2.35 deaths per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.12-2.58). SMRs were reported for 32 cohorts; the pooled SMR was 14.68 (95% CI: 13.01-16.35). Comparison of CMRs and the calculation of CMR ratios revealed mortality to be higher in low- and middle-income country cohorts, males and people who injected drugs that were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was also higher during off-treatment periods. Drug overdose and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were the primary causes of death across cohorts. CONCLUSION Compared with the general population, people who inject drugs have an elevated risk of death, although mortality rates vary across different settings. Any comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes in this group must include efforts to reduce HIV infection as well as other causes of death, particularly drug overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Mathers
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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16
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Huang CLC, Lee CW. Factors associated with mortality among heroin users after seeking treatment with methadone: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan. J Subst Abuse Treat 2013; 44:295-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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A 25-year follow-up of patients admitted to methadone treatment for the first time: mortality and gender differences. Addict Behav 2011; 36:1184-90. [PMID: 21835551 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a follow-up study to evaluate the outcome of a heroin-dependent population 25 years after their first enrollment in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). We assessed mortality in the sample plus actual drug use, treatment, and medical factors associated with drug dependence, focusing on possible gender differences. METHODS Prospective follow-up study of 214 heroin-dependent patients consecutively admitted for MMT between 1980 and 1984 in the Asturias Public Health Service. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. An ad-hoc protocol on drug misuse and treatment, drug-related morbidity and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores were assessed in the survivors' sample. RESULTS Information was received on 159 subjects, 106 of whom were deceased. Men accounted for 76.2% of the study cohort. Over the 25-year follow-up period, the SMR was 22.51 (95% CI=22.37-22.64). In the survivors sample, 39.6% were still enrolled in MMT; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was diagnosed in 47.2% and hepatitis B/C in 81.1%; current heroin use was reported by 22.6%. There were no gender differences in mortality or HIV and hepatitis B/C status. None of the female survivors were using heroin at the 25-year follow-up compared with 31.1% of males. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the high mortality of heroin addicts even after enrollment in MMT. Severity of the addiction in terms of mortality was similar in both genders. Women who survived the 25-year follow-up were more likely to have stopped using heroin than men.
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Darke S, Mills KL, Ross J, Teesson M. Rates and correlates of mortality amongst heroin users: findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS), 2001-2009. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 115:190-5. [PMID: 21130585 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine mortality rates, standardised mortality ratios (SMRs), and correlates of mortality amongst the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) cohort of 615 heroin users over the period 2001-2009. The cohort was followed for a total of 4820.1 person years. A total of 31 deaths (5% of the cohort) occurred across follow-up. The mean age at death was 34.5 years, and 58% were male. The most common cause of death was overdose (68%). The crude mortality rate was 6.43 per 1000 person years, with no gender difference, and the SMR was 4.56 (males=2.95, females=18.57). The only significant bivariate (hazard ratio=3.69) and multivariate (adjusted hazard ratio=3.03) correlate of mortality was a history of opioid overdose prior to baseline. Mortality rates were lower than those seen outside Australasia. Screening for overdose by those treating heroin users would be appropriate, and may contribute to reductions in overall mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Degenhardt L, Bucello C, Mathers B, Briegleb C, Ali H, Hickman M, McLaren J. Mortality among regular or dependent users of heroin and other opioids: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Addiction 2011; 106:32-51. [PMID: 21054613 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03140.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 595] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To review the literature on mortality among dependent or regular users of opioids across regions, according to specific causes, and related to a number of demographic and clinical variables. METHODS Multiple search strategies included searches of Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO, consistent with the methodology recommended by the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) group; grey literature searches; and contact of experts for any additional unpublished data from studies meeting inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for crude mortality rates (CMRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), with stratified analyses where possible. Meta-regressions examined potentially important sources of heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS Fifty-eight prospective studies reported mortality rates from opioid-dependent samples. Very high heterogeneity across studies was observed; pooled all-cause CMR was 2.09 per 100 person-years (PY; 95% CI; 1.93, 2.26), and the pooled SMR was 14.66 (95% CI: 12.82, 16.50). Males had higher CMRs and lower SMRs than females. Out-of-treatment periods had higher mortality risk than in-treatment periods (pooled RR 2.38 (CI: 1.79, 3.17)). Causes of death varied across studies, but overdose was the most common cause. Multivariable regressions found the following predictors of mortality rates: country of origin; the proportion of sample injecting; the extent to which populations were recruited from an entire country (versus subnational); and year of publication. CONCLUSIONS Mortality among opioid-dependent users varies across countries and populations. Treatment is clearly protective against mortality even in non-randomized observational studies. Study characteristics predict mortality levels; these should be taken into account in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia.
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Naderi-Heiden A, Gleiss A, Bäcker C, Bieber D, Nassan-Agha H, Kasper S, Frey R. Mortality and employment after in-patient opiate detoxification. Eur Psychiatry 2010; 27:294-300. [PMID: 20650614 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We considered that completed opiate detoxification resulted in increased life expectancy and earning capacity as compared to non-completed detoxification. METHODS The cohort study sample included pure opioid or poly-substance addicts admitted for voluntary in-patient detoxification between 1997 and 2004. Of 404 patients, 58.7% completed the detoxification program and 41.3% did not. The Austrian Social Security Institution supplied data on survival and employment records for every single day in the individual observation period between discharge and December 2007. Statistical analyses included the calculation of standardized mortality rates for the follow-up period of up to 11 years. RESULTS The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were between 13.5 and 17.9 during the first five years after discharge, thereafter they fell clearly with time. Mortality did not differ statistically significantly between completers and non-completers. The median employment rate was insignificantly higher in completers (12.0%) than in non-completers (5.5%). The odds for being employed were higher in pure opioid addicts than in poly-substance addicts (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS The assumption that completers of detoxification treatment have a better outcome than non-completers has not been confirmed. The decrease in mortality with time elapsed since detoxification is interesting. Pure opioid addicts had better employment prospects than poly-substance addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Naderi-Heiden
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Unger A, Jung E, Winklbaur B, Fischer G. Gender issues in the pharmacotherapy of opioid-addicted women: buprenorphine. J Addict Dis 2010; 29:217-30. [PMID: 20407978 DOI: 10.1080/10550881003684814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gender, a biological determinant of mental health and illness, plays a critical role in determining patients' susceptibility, exposure to mental health risks, and related outcomes. Regarding sex differences in the epidemiology of opioid dependence, one third of the patients are women of childbearing age. Women have an earlier age of initiation of substance use and a more rapid progression to drug involvement and dependence than men. Generally few studies exist which focus on the special needs of women in opioid maintenance therapy. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of treatment options for opioid-dependent women, with a special focus on buprenorphine, and to look at recent findings related to other factors that should be taken into consideration in optimizing the treatment of opioid-dependent women. Issues addressed include the role of gender in the choice of medication assisted treatment, sex differences in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine drug interactions, cardiac interactions, induction of buprenorphine in pregnant patients, the neonatal abstinence syndrome and breastfeeding. This paper aims to heighten the awareness for the need to take gender into consideration when making treatment decisions in an effort to optimize services and enhance the quality of life of women suffering from substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Unger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Ebner N, Wanner C, Winklbaur B, Matzenauer C, Jachmann CA, Thau K, Fischer G. Retention rate and side effects in a prospective trial on hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in opioid-dependent patients. Addict Biol 2009; 14:227-37. [PMID: 19291011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2009.00148.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection is present in 30 to 98% of intravenous drug users. Intravenous substance abuse represents the main route of HCV transmission in industrialized countries. A multi-centre, randomized, controlled, prospective study assessed sustained virological response (SVR), adverse events such as depressive episodes and retention rate of HCV treatment in opioid-dependent patients. Stabilized, opioid-dependent patients with chronic HCV infection (genotype 2 or 3) received pegylated interferon alpha-2a in combination with ribavirin 800 mg/day (Group A) or 400 mg/day (Group B). Participants were randomized, blocked and stratified by genotype and viral load. A standardized psychiatric assessment, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Van Zerssen's list of complaints were administered at each study visit. In 31 months, 300 opioid-dependent patients were screened; 190 (63.3%) were hepatitis C antibody positive. According to study protocol, out of 75 'potential-to-treat' patients with genotype 2 or 3, 17 stable patients (22.6%) were included in the study. All participants completed the study. Significant haemoglobin decreases occurred in both Groups A (P = 0.001) and B (P = 0.011). All the patients had an end-of-treatment (week 24) HCV RNA negativity. Fifteen (88.2%) achieved SVR at week 48. Overall, 52.9% developed depressive symptoms during treatment. Because of the prompt initiation of antidepressant medication at first appearance of depressive symptoms, no severe depressive episodes occurred. Our data show a high retention rate and reliability, and good viral response for both treatments. Hepatitis C treatment in stable opioid-dependent patients was efficacious, suggesting that addiction clinics can offer antiviral therapy in combination with agonistic treatment as part of multi-disciplinary treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Ebner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, Vienna, Austria
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Aeschbach Jachmann C, Jagsch R, Winklbaur B, Matzenauer C, Fischer G. Office-based treatment in opioid dependence: a critical survey of prescription practices for opioid maintenance medications and concomitant benzodiazepines in Vienna, Austria. Eur Addict Res 2008; 14:206-12. [PMID: 18583918 DOI: 10.1159/000141645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of maintenance treatment for opioid dependence in office-based settings is influenced by the extent of treatment coverage, the availability of effective medications and the capacity of general practitioners to prescribe opioids in adequate doses with a minimum of concomitant benzodiazepine prescriptions. METHODS This study compares prescriptions for opioid maintenance and concomitant benzodiazepine from Viennese physicians in 2002 and 2005 using health insurance prescription records (n = 30,309). RESULTS Between 2002 and 2005, the number of patients prescribed opioids more than doubled (ratio 1:2.3), slow-release oral morphine replaced methadone as the most frequently prescribed medication (57.1 vs. 23.4%; buprenorphine 19.5%), and the ratio of benzodiazepine to opioid prescriptions significantly declined (0.76:1 vs. 0.42:1). Many patients were prescribed concomitant benzodiazepines (27%), in some cases from a secondary physician. CONCLUSION Increased utilization of opioid medications in office-based settings will facilitate better treatment coverage. However, safeguards are necessary to ensure that general practitioners have sufficient training and support to safely and appropriately provide treatment, including the reduction in concomitant benzodiazepine use.
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