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Choo EK, Charlesworth CJ, Livingston CJ, Hartung DM, El Ibrahimi S, Kraynov L, McConnell KJ. Outcomes After a Statewide Policy to Improve Evidence-Based Treatment of Back Pain Among Medicaid Enrollees in Oregon. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08776-w. [PMID: 38951321 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08776-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel Oregon Medicaid policy guiding back pain management combined opioid restrictions with emphasis on non-opioid and non-pharmacologic therapies. OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the policy on prescribing, health outcomes, and health service utilization. DESIGN Using Medicaid enrollment, medical and prescription claims, prescription drug monitoring program, and vital statistics files, we analyzed the policy's association with selected outcomes using interrupted time series models. SUBJECTS Adult Medicaid patients with back pain enrolled between 2014 and 2018. INTERVENTION The Oregon Medicaid back pain policy. MAIN MEASURES Opioid and non-opioid medication prescribing, procedural care, substance use and mental health conditions, and outpatient and inpatient healthcare utilization. KEY RESULTS The policy was associated with decreases in the percentage of Medicaid enrollees with back pain receiving any opioids (- 2.68 percentage points [95% CI - 3.14, - 2.23] level, - 1.01 pp [95% CI - 1.1, - 0.92] slope), days of short-acting opioid use (- 0.4 days [95% CI - 0.53, - 0.26] slope), receipt of more than 7 days of short-acting opioids (- 2.36 pp [95% CI - 2.76, - 1.95] level, - 0.91 pp [95% CI - 1, - 0.83] slope), chronic opioid use (- 1.27 pp [95% CI - 1.59, - 0.94] level, - 0.46 [95% CI - 0.53, - 0.39 slope), and spinal surgeries and procedures. Among secondary outcomes, we found no increase in opioid overdose and a small, statistically significant trend decrease in opioid use disorders. There were small increases in non-opioid substance use and mental health diagnoses and visits but no increase in self-harm. CONCLUSIONS A state Medicaid policy emphasizing evidence-based back pain management was associated with decreases in opioid prescribing, spinal surgeries, and opioid use disorder trends, but also short-term increases in mental health encounters and an increase in non-opioid substance use disorder trends. Such policies may help reinforce evidence-based care, but must be designed with consideration of potential harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther K Choo
- Center for Policy & Research in Emergency Medicine (CPR-EM), Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Christina J Charlesworth
- Center for Health Systems Effectiveness (CHSE), Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Sanae El Ibrahimi
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, OR, USA
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - K John McConnell
- Center for Health Systems Effectiveness (CHSE), Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Mehrpour O, Saeedi F, Vohra V, Hoyte C. Outcome prediction of methadone poisoning in the United States: implications of machine learning in the National Poison Data System (NPDS). Drug Chem Toxicol 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37941394 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2023.2277128] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Methadone is an opioid receptor agonist with a high potential for abuse. The current study aimed to compare different machine learning models to predict the outcomes following methadone poisoning. This six-year retrospective longitudinal study utilizes National Poison Data System (NPDS) data. The severity of outcomes was derived from the NPDS Coding Manual. Our database was divided into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. We used a light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and logistic regression (LR) to predict the outcomes of methadone poisoning. A total of 3847 patients with methadone exposures were included. Our results demonstrated that machine learning models conferred high accuracy and reliability in determining the outcomes of methadone poisoning cases. The performance evaluation showed all models had high accuracy, precision, specificity, recall, and F1-score values. All models could reach high specificity (more than 96%) and high precision (80% or more) for predicting major outcomes. The models could also achieve a high sensitivity to predict minor outcomes. Finally, the accuracy of all models was about 75%. However, XGBoost and LGBM models achieved the best performance among all models. This study showcased the accuracy and reliability of machine learning models in the outcome prediction of methadone poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Mehrpour
- Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Farhad Saeedi
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
| | - Varun Vohra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher Hoyte
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA
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Reveil L, Pearcy AC, Povlick J, Poklis JL, Halquist MS, Peace MR. A determination of the aerosolization efficiency of drugs of abuse in a eutectic mixture with nicotine in electronic cigarettes. Drug Test Anal 2023; 15:1091-1098. [PMID: 35851853 PMCID: PMC10062404 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Eutectic mixtures can be formed by adding drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs) to nicotine-based e-liquids in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Thus, the interaction between nicotine e-liquids and DOTNs must be evaluated. Presented is the change in e-cigarette aerosolization of nicotine and methadone alone versus a 1:1 nicotine:methadone mixture to evaluate the possible formation of a eutectic mixture that can result in an increase of drug delivery. E-liquids were prepared in-house using 1:1 propylene glycol (PG):vegetable glycerin (VG) as a base plus nicotine, methadone hydrochloride, or 1:1 nicotine:methadone hydrochloride. The e-liquids were aerosolized via an automated vaping machine using parameters adopted from the Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) E-cigarette Task Force method. Drug recovery was determined by capturing the aerosol from 15 puffs generated by the e-cigarette. Concentrations of nicotine and methadone aerosolized were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using nicotine (n = 3), methadone (n = 3), and combined nicotine/methadone e-liquids (n = 3), each prepared in-house at 12 mg/ml. The concentration of nicotine and methadone in 15 puffs of the single drug e-liquids were determined to be 1.60 ± 0.20 and 2.67 ± 0.12 mg, respectively. The concentration of nicotine and methadone in 15 puffs of the multidrug e-liquid were determined to be 3.66 ± 0.49 and 3.65 ± 0.10 mg, respectively. The single nicotine and methadone e-liquids had recoveries of 70 ± 0.1% and 84 ± 0.1%, respectively. In the 1:1 mixture, the recovery of both drugs increased. The development of a eutectic mixture can promote aerosolization of the drug and deliver a greater dose to the user.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerissa Reveil
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam C. Pearcy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jazmine Povlick
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew S. Halquist
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michelle R. Peace
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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4
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Kaufman DE, Kennalley AL, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Examination of methadone involved overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 344:111579. [PMID: 36739850 PMCID: PMC9886385 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US opioid overdose epidemic continues to escalate. The restrictions on methadone availability including take-home dosing were loosened during the COVID-19 pandemic although there have been concerns about the high street value of diverted methadone. This report examined how fatal overdoses involving methadone have changed over the past two-decades including during the pandemic. METHODS The CDC's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) was used to find the unintentional methadone related overdose death rate from 1999 to 2020. Unintentional methadone deaths were defined using the ICD X40-44 codes with only data for methadone (T40.3). Data from the DEA's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) on methadone overall use, opioid treatment programs use, and pain management use was gathered for all states for 2020 and corrected for population. RESULTS There have been dynamic changes over the past two-decades in methadone overdoses. Overdoses increased from 1999 (0.9/million) to 2007 (15.9) and declined until 2019 (6.5). Overdoses in 2020 (9.6) were 48.1% higher than in 2019 (t(50) = 3.05, p < .005). The state level correlations between overall methadone use (r(49) = +0.75, p < .001), and opioid treatment program use (r(49) = +0.77, p < .001) with overdoses were positive, strong, and statistically significant. However, methadone use for pain treatment was not associated with methadone overdoses (r(49) = -0.08). CONCLUSIONS Overdoses involving methadone significantly increased by 48.1% in 2020 relative to 2019. Policy changes that were implemented following the COVID-19 pandemic involving methadone take-homes may warrant further study before they are made permanent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy L Kennalley
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth L McCall
- University of New England, Portland, ME, USA; Binghamton University, NY, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, NY, USA; Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Forty Fort, PA, USA.
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Adalbert JR, Varshney K, Hom J, Ilyas AM. Methadone Prescribing for Pain Management in Pennsylvania per the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, 2016–2020. Cureus 2022; 14:e28583. [PMID: 36185908 PMCID: PMC9521395 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methadone is a schedule II opioid traditionally used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain. However, following the identification of its contribution to opioid overdose deaths, methadone has become less commonly used for chronic pain indications. In Pennsylvania (PA), prescribers are required to report methadone prescriptions written for pain indications to the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP), which is an electronic database that enhances the tracking and reporting of prescription data. The primary objective of our study was to describe the geographic methadone prescribing trends recorded by the PA PDMP in order to report methadone’s current use for only pain indications. Methods State- and county-level methadone prescription data summaries recorded by the PA PDMP for each calendar quarter from August 2016 through March 2020 were collected from the PA Department of Health. The metric reported per quarter consisted of the total number of methadone prescriptions dispensed for pain indications unrelated to OUD. Results A total of 341,949 methadone prescriptions were dispensed in PA from the third quarter (Q3) of 2016 to the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 (range = 1106) with an overall 38.7% decrease in methadone prescriptions and a change in the rate of 85.97 per 100,000 population. The counties with the five highest prescription totals were Philadelphia, Allegheny, Bucks, Montgomery, and York (range = 46,969), and the counties with the five highest rates per 100,000 were Montour, Green, Columbia, Northumberland, and Forest (range = 964). Conclusions Methadone prescribing for pain management unrelated to OUD has decreased in PA from 2016 to 2020 per the PA PDMP. However, it is still prescribed in appreciable amounts for pain management. Further studies are required to understand the prescribing rationale and potential areas for harm reduction interventions.
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Volerman A, Pelczar A, Conti R, Ciaccio C, Chua KP. Association between dispensing of low-value oral albuterol and removal from Medicaid preferred drug lists. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:562. [PMID: 35473608 PMCID: PMC9044602 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral albuterol has worse efficacy and side effects compared with inhaled albuterol, and thus its use has been discouraged for decades. Drug inclusion or exclusion on formularies have been associated with reductions in low-value care. This study examines dispensing of oral albuterol and inclusion of oral albuterol on state Medicaid drug formularies--Preferred Drug Lists (PDLs). It also evaluates the association between removal of oral albuterol from the PDL and dispensing levels. Methods This quasi-experimental study determined oral albuterol inclusion on PDLs and dispensing between 2011 and 2018, using Medicaid program websites and the State Drug Utilization Database. Using a difference-in-differences model, we examine the association between removal of oral albuterol from Arkansas’ Medicaid PDL in 2014 and dispensing of this drug through Medicaid, with Iowa as a control state. The outcome measure was the percent of all albuterol prescriptions that were for oral albuterol. Results A total of 28 state Medicaid PDLs included at least one formulation of oral albuterol in 2018. In 2018, 179,446 oral albuterol prescriptions were dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries nationally. Medicaid programs paid approximately $3.0 million for oral albuterol prescriptions in 2018. Removal of oral albuterol syrup from the Arkansas PDL in March 2014 was associated with a more rapid decline in dispensing compared with Iowa which maintained this medication on their PDL. Conclusions Findings suggest that removal of low-value medications, such as oral albuterol, from PDLs may be one avenue by which state Medicaid programs can reduce wasteful spending while improving guideline-based care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07955-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Volerman
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Avenue, MC 2007, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Alison Pelczar
- Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago (at time of project), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rena Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University Questrom School of Business, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kao-Ping Chua
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Peppin JF, Coleman JJ, Paladini A, Varrassi G. What Your Death Certificate Says About You May Be Wrong: A Narrative Review on CDC's Efforts to Quantify Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths. Cureus 2021; 13:e18012. [PMID: 34667687 PMCID: PMC8516321 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mortality data in most countries are reported using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), managed by the WHO. In this paper, we show how the ICD is ill-suited for classifying drug-involved deaths, many of which involve polysubstance abuse and/or illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Opioids identified in death certificates are categorized according to six ICD T-codes: opium (T40.0), heroin (T40.1), methadone (T40.3), other synthetic narcotics (T40.4), and other and unspecified narcotics (T40.6). Except for opium, heroin, and methadone, all other opioids except those that are unspecified are aggregated in two T-codes (T40.2 and T40.4), depending upon whether they are natural/semisynthetic or synthetic opioids other than methadone. The result is a system that obscures the actual cause of most drug overdose deaths and, instead, just tallies the number of times each drug is mentioned in an overdose situation. We examined the CDC's methodology for coding other controlled substances according to the ICD and found that, besides fentanyl, the ICD does not distinguish between other licit and illicitly manufactured controlled substances. Moreover, we discovered that the CDC codes all methadone-related deaths as resulting from the prescribed form of the drug. These and other anomalies in the CDC's mortality reporting are discussed in this report. We conclude that the CDC was at fault for failing to correct the miscoding of IMF. Finally, we briefly discuss some of the public policy consequences of this error, the misguided focus by public health and safety officials on pharmaceutical opioids, their prescribers and users, and the pressing necessity for the CDC to reassess how it measures and reports drug-involved mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Peppin
- Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - John J Coleman
- Research and Development, DrugWatch International, Inc., Clifton, USA
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Biewald MA, Scarborough B, Lindenberger E. Methadone for Palliative Care Providers: A Case-Based Flipped Classroom Module for Faculty and Fellows. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2021; 17:11172. [PMID: 34395853 PMCID: PMC8310899 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methadone is an effective medication for treating pain and has unique characteristics that require specialized knowledge to prescribe safely. Palliative care providers use methadone for analgesia in patients with a wide range of prognoses, goals of care, and comorbid conditions. New consensus guidelines for methadone use released in 2019 by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine provide guidance for safe use in patients who have potentially life-limiting illnesses. A needs assessment of palliative care fellows and faculty at our institution highlighted lack of knowledge and confidence with regard to prescribing methadone. METHODS We created a virtual, flipped classroom, interactive learning module intended for palliative care fellows and practicing clinicians that emphasized updated practice recommendations. Participants took a pretest, reviewed an article and lecture, and completed practice cases prior to an interactive session conducted via videoconference. Following the session, participants completed a posttest to assess knowledge and confidence regarding the learning objectives. RESULTS A total of 28 clinicians at the fellow and faculty/staff levels completed the intervention during two sessions in 2020. Self-reported confidence in all educational objectives improved following the intervention. Participants demonstrated improved skill in calculating methadone doses, converting between modes of drug administration, and identifying safety guidelines during and after the intervention. DISCUSSION Following the intervention, participants reported improved confidence and demonstrated improved skills in prescribing methadone for pain. Additional benefits of this training model include ease of implementation, engaging format, and time and resource efficiency given its virtual format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie Alexandra Biewald
- Assistant Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Bethann Scarborough
- Associate Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Elizabeth Lindenberger
- Associate Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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Solhjoo S, Punjabi NM, Ivanescu AE, Crainiceanu C, Gaynanova I, Wicken C, Buckenmaier C, Haigney MC. Methadone Destabilizes Cardiac Repolarization During Sleep. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 110:1066-1074. [PMID: 34287835 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Methadone, a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain and opioid addiction, is associated with respiratory depression and increased predisposition for torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Most methadone-related deaths occur during sleep. The objective of this study was to determine whether methadone's arrhythmogenic effects increase during sleep, with a focus on cardiac repolarization instability using QT variability index (QTVI), a measure shown to predict arrhythmias and mortality. Sleep study data of 24 patients on chronic methadone therapy referred to a tertiary clinic for overnight polysomnography were compared with two matched groups not on methadone: 24 patients referred for overnight polysomnography to the same clinic (clinic group), and 24 volunteers who had overnight polysomnography at home (community group). Despite similar values for heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, QTVI, and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) when awake, patients on methadone had larger QTVI (P = 0.015 vs. clinic, P < 0.001 vs. community) and lower SpO2 (P = 0.008 vs. clinic, P = 0.013 vs. community) during sleep, and the increase in their QTVI during sleep vs. wakefulness correlated with the decrease in SpO2 (r = -0.54, P = 0.013). QTVI positively correlated with methadone dose during sleep (r = 0.51, P = 0.012) and wakefulness (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). High-density ectopy (> 1,000 premature beats per median sleep period), a precursor for torsades de pointes, was uncommon but more frequent in patients on methadone (P = 0.039). This study demonstrates that chronic methadone use is associated with increased cardiac repolarization instability. Methadone's pro-arrhythmic impact may be mediated by sleep-related hypoxemia, which could explain the increased nocturnal mortality associated with this opioid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Solhjoo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Naresh M Punjabi
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Cassie Wicken
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mark C Haigney
- F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (MiCOR), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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CDC's Efforts to Quantify Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths Fall Short. Pain Ther 2021; 10:25-38. [PMID: 33761120 PMCID: PMC7987740 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In a 2018 report titled, Quantifying the Epidemic of Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths, four senior analysts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the head of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, acknowledged for the first time that the number of prescription opioid overdose deaths reported by the CDC in 2016 was erroneous. The error, they said, was caused by miscoding deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) as deaths involving prescribed fentanyl. To understand what caused this error, the authors examined the CDC’s methodology for compiling drug-related mortality data, beginning with the source data obtained from approximately 2.8 million death certificates received each year from state vital statistics registrars. Systemic problems often begin outside the CDC, with a surprisingly high rate of errors and omissions in the source data. Using the CDC’s explanation for what caused the error, the authors show why an international program used by the CDC for reporting mortality is ill-suited for compiling and reporting drug overdose deaths. Except for heroin, methadone, and opium, each of which has an individual program code, all other opioids are separated in just two program codes according to whether they are synthetic or semisynthetic/opiates. Methadone-involved deaths pose a special problem for the CDC because methadone has dual indications for treating pain and for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). In 2019, more than seven times more methadone was administered or dispensed for OUD treatment than was prescribed for pain, yet all methadone-involved deaths are coded by the CDC as involving the prescribed form of the drug. The authors conclude that the CDC was at fault for failing to recognize and correct this problem before 2016. Public policy consequences of this failure are briefly mentioned.
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11
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Iloglu S, Joudrey PJ, Wang EA, Thornhill TA, Gonsalves G. Expanding access to methadone treatment in Ohio through federally qualified health centers and a chain pharmacy: A geospatial modeling analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108534. [PMID: 33497963 PMCID: PMC7901120 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, methadone provision for opioid use disorder (OUD) occurs at opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Ohio recently enacted a policy to expand methadone administration to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). We compared how the provision of methadone at current OTPs or the proposed expansion to FQHCs and pharmacies meets the urban and rural need for OUD treatment. METHODS Cross-sectional geospatial analysis of zip codes within Ohio with at least one 2017 opioid overdose death stratified by Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes. Our primary outcome was the proportion of need by zip code (using opioid overdose deaths as a proxy for need) within a 15- or 30- minute drive time of an OTP. RESULTS Among 581 zip codes, sixty four percent of treatment need was within a 15-minute drive time and 81 %, within a 30-minute drive time. The proportion of need within a 15-minute drive decreased with increasing rural classification (urban 78 %, suburban 20 %, large rural 9%, and small rural 1%;p<.001). The portion of need within a 15-minute drive time increased with the addition of FQHCs (96 %) and the addition of chain pharmacies (99 %) relative to OTPs alone among all zip codes and for all urban-rural strata (p<.001). CONCLUSION Over one-third of OUD treatment need was not covered by existing OTPs and coverage decreased with rural classification of zip codes. Most of the gap between supply and need could be mitigated with FQHC methadone provision, which would expand both urban and rural access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Iloglu
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Paul J Joudrey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Emily A Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Thomas A Thornhill
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Gregg Gonsalves
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Yale Law School, 127 Wall St, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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Wang Y, Perri M, Young H, Abraham A, Jayawardhana J. Impact of drug utilization management policy on prescription opioid use in Georgia Medicaid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 12:188-193. [PMID: 33995608 DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective To examine the effectiveness of changes in opioid prescription policies on opioid prescribing and health services utilization rates in Georgia Medicaid. Methods This study used data from the Georgia Medicaid patient enrollment, medical and pharmacy claims database from 2009 to 2014.We performed an interrupted time series analysis to examine the effect of the policy changes. Outcome measures assessed the trends in the indicators of potential inappropriate prescribing practices, including overlapping prescriptions of opioid + opioid, opioid + benzodiazepine and opioids + buprenorphine/naloxone, as well as health services utilization, including hospitalization, mean length of stay, outpatient office and emergency room visits. Key findings A total of 712 342 opioid users aged 18-64 were included in the study. The policies were associated with significant decreasing trend of opioid + opioid (-0.0011; 95% CI = -0.0020, -0.0002) and opioid + benzodiazepines (-0.001; 95% CI = -0.0022, -0.0006) overlapping while associated with a significant immediate decrease in and opioids + buprenorphine/naloxone after the implementations (-0.0014; 95% CI = -0.0025, -0.0003). Significant immediate decrease in level of office visits and ER visits were seen with the policy implementation (office visit: -0.2939; 95% CI = -0.5528, -0.0350, ER visit: -0.0740, 95% CI = -0.1294, -0.0185). The policies were not shown to be significantly associated with hospitalization and the mean length of inpatient stay. Conclusions Our analysis suggests that Georgia Medicaid opioid policies were useful to contain inappropriate opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Matthew Perri
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Henry Young
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Amanda Abraham
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public & International Affairs, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jayani Jayawardhana
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Eizadi-Mood N, Haghshenas E, Sabzghabaee AM, Yaraghi A, Farajzadegan Z. Common Opioids Involved in Drug Poisoning Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Cross-sectional Study. J Res Pharm Pract 2021; 9:202-207. [PMID: 33912503 PMCID: PMC8067901 DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_20_105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Opioids poisoning is of the most important cause of mortality. The objective of the study was to compare the demographic factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of the most common opioids involved in drug overdose presenting to the Emergency Department. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2016 to March 2017 in the Clinical Toxicology Department of the main referral center of the university. All poisoning cases with common opioids were included in the study. Demographic factors, clinical manifestations, and outcome were recorded in a check list. ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used for outcome prediction. Findings: Two hundred and thirty six patients with opioids poisoning were evaluated during the study period. The most common opioids involved in poisoning were methadone (47.9%), tramadol (24.2%), and opium (21.6%). Patients with opium poisoning were older than others (P < 0.0001). The rate of suicide was more in the tramadol group, while the past history of psychological problems was more observed in the methadone group (P < 0.0001). Increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.09; P = 0.05) and addiction (P = 0.01; OR, 7; 95% CI: 1.55–31.52) was associated with an increased complications or death. Also patients with somatic disease had more chance of complications/death (P = 0.04; OR, 3.71; 95% CI: 1.06–12.97). Kind of opioids was not a predictive factor in the outcome of the patients with acute poisoning. Conclusion: Age, addiction, and somatic disease should be considered as more important factors in outcome prediction with opioids poisoning, including opium, tramadol, and methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Eizadi-Mood
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Haghshenas
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Sabzghabaee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Yaraghi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ziba Farajzadegan
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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14
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Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Associated with High-Dose Methadone Use. Case Rep Cardiol 2020; 2020:4504657. [PMID: 33029432 PMCID: PMC7532395 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4504657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Methadone is a well-tolerated drug that has been used for pain control and the treatment of opioid addiction. However, some fatal cardiac side effects have been reported previously, including ventricular arrhythmia, stress cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease. We reported a middle-aged woman receiving high-dose methadone whom was presented with QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. We replaced the methadone with benzodiazepine and gave lidocaine use simultaneously. Thus, QT interval was shortened within the normal limit. Methadone-induced torsade de pointes is a rare but serious event, and QT interval should be monitored periodically to prevent this fatal adverse event, especially some patients with high-dose methadone use.
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Ansari B, Tote KM, Rosenberg ES, Martin EG. A Rapid Review of the Impact of Systems-Level Policies and Interventions on Population-Level Outcomes Related to the Opioid Epidemic, United States and Canada, 2014-2018. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:100S-127S. [PMID: 32735190 DOI: 10.1177/0033354920922975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, rising rates of overdose deaths and recent outbreaks of hepatitis C virus and HIV infection are associated with injection drug use. We updated a 2014 review of systems-level opioid policy interventions by focusing on evidence published during 2014-2018 and new and expanded opioid policies. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE database, consistent with the 2014 review. We included articles that provided original empirical evidence on the effects of systems-level interventions on opioid use, overdose, or death; were from the United States or Canada; had a clear comparison group; and were published from January 1, 2014, through July 19, 2018. Two raters screened articles and extracted full-text data for qualitative synthesis of consistent or contradictory findings across studies. Given the rapidly evolving field, the review was supplemented with a search of additional articles through November 17, 2019, to assess consistency of more recent findings. RESULTS The keyword search yielded 535 studies, 66 of which met inclusion criteria. The most studied interventions were prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) (59.1%), and the least studied interventions were clinical guideline changes (7.6%). The most common outcome was opioid use (77.3%). Few articles evaluated combination interventions (18.2%). Study findings included the following: PDMP effectiveness depends on policy design, with robust PDMPs needed for impact; health insurer and pharmacy benefit management strategies, pill-mill laws, pain clinic regulations, and patient/health care provider educational interventions reduced inappropriate prescribing; and marijuana laws led to a decrease in adverse opioid-related outcomes. Naloxone distribution programs were understudied, and evidence of their effectiveness was mixed. In the evidence published after our search's 4-year window, findings on opioid guidelines and education were consistent and findings for other policies differed. CONCLUSIONS Although robust PDMPs and marijuana laws are promising, they do not target all outcomes, and multipronged interventions are needed. Future research should address marijuana laws, harm-reduction interventions, health insurer policies, patient/health care provider education, and the effects of simultaneous interventions on opioid-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Ansari
- 1084 Department of Information Science, University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Katherine M Tote
- 43360 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.,Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Eli S Rosenberg
- 43360 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.,Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Erika G Martin
- Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, Albany, NY, USA.,43360 Department of Public Administration and Policy, University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
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Eckardt P, Bailey D, DeVon HA, Dougherty C, Ginex P, Krause-Parello CA, Pickler RH, Richmond TS, Rivera E, Roye CF, Redeker N. Opioid use disorder research and the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science priority areas. Nurs Outlook 2020; 68:406-416. [PMID: 32279897 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diseases, such as opioid use disorder (OUD) require a multifaceted scientific approach to address their evolving complexity. The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science's (Council) four nursing science priority areas (precision health; global health, determinants of health, and big data/data analytics) were established to provide a framework to address current complex health problems. PURPOSE To examine OUD research through the nursing science priority areas and evaluate the appropriateness of the priority areas as a framework for research on complex health conditions. METHOD OUD was used as an exemplar to explore the relevance of the nursing science priorities for future research. FINDINGS Research in the four priority areas is advancing knowledge in OUD identification, prevention, and treatment. Intersection of OUD research population focus and methodological approach was identified among the priority areas. DISCUSSION The Council priorities provide a relevant framework for nurse scientists to address complex health problems like OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holli A DeVon
- University of California Los Angeles School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Cynthia Dougherty
- Dept of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Rita H Pickler
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Eleanor Rivera
- New Courtland Center for Transitions and Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Colonial Penn Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Carol F Roye
- Pace University, College of Health Professions, Pleasantville, NY
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The opioid epidemic is one of the most important public health crises as opioid-related deaths have become a leading cause of accidental death in the USA. Various efforts have been made to understand how to safely and appropriately prescribe opioids for patients with chronic pain, including those with cancer-related pain. We find the guidelines proposed by the Expert Consensus White Paper on the use of methadone to be current, comprehensive, and practical. While methadone is a complex medication with unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, it remains a superior choice for many patients with cancer pain given its cost and applicability in a variety of situations. Methadone should be prescribed in the context of experienced clinicians as well as an interdisciplinary team. At a critical time when preventing opioid-related deaths is a priority, we recommend implementing additional precautions for monitoring including universal screening for risk of non-medical opioid use, education on proper storage and disposal, as well as discussing a plan with patients and caregivers in the case of serious complications such as opioid overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Heung
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1414, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Akhila Reddy
- Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1414, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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18
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Strayer RJ, Hawk K, Hayes BD, Herring AA, Ketcham E, LaPietra AM, Lynch JJ, Motov S, Repanshek Z, Weiner SG, Nelson LS. Management of Opioid Use Disorder in the Emergency Department: A White Paper Prepared for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. J Emerg Med 2020; 58:522-546. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Epidemiology of pediatric buprenorphine and methadone exposures reported to the poison centers. Ann Epidemiol 2020; 42:50-57.e2. [PMID: 31992493 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine prescriptions have increased dramatically within the United States, whereas methadone continues to be used widely. We investigated the trends and characteristics of buprenorphine and methadone exposures in the pediatric population. METHODS We identified pediatric exposures to buprenorphine and methadone using the National Poison Data System from 2013 to 2016. We descriptively assessed characteristics of the exposures. Trends in exposures were evaluated using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS Pediatric buprenorphine exposures increased from 2013 (1097) to 2016 (1226) while methadone calls decreased (486 to 396). After adjusting for the random effects of the geographical region, the mean number of pediatric buprenorphine exposures (per 100,000 pediatric population) increased from 1.3 to 1.5 (P = .05). Conversely, the mean number of methadone exposures decreased from 0.6 to 0.4 (P = .03). Children aged ≤3 years constituted the highest percentage of both exposures. Unintentional exposures accounted for most of the buprenorphine (86.9%) and methadone (62.4%) exposures. Major clinical effects were demonstrated in 2.3% of buprenorphine exposures and were more frequent with methadone (13%). West Virginia and Maryland demonstrated the highest incidence of buprenorphine and methadone exposures, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric buprenorphine exposures increased but demonstrated less severe effects compared to methadone exposures, which decreased during the study period.
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20
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Kravitz-Wirtz N, Davis CS, Ponicki WR, Rivera-Aguirre A, Marshall BDL, Martins SS, Cerdá M. Association of Medicaid Expansion With Opioid Overdose Mortality in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e1919066. [PMID: 31922561 PMCID: PMC6991255 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) permits states to expand Medicaid coverage for most low-income adults to 138% of the federal poverty level and requires the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services on parity with other medical and surgical services. Uptake of substance use disorder services with medications for opioid use disorder has increased more in Medicaid expansion states than in nonexpansion states, but whether ACA-related Medicaid expansion is associated with county-level opioid overdose mortality has not been examined. OBJECTIVE To examine whether Medicaid expansion is associated with county × year counts of opioid overdose deaths overall and by class of opioid. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This serial cross-sectional study used data from 3109 counties within 49 states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2017 (N = 3109 counties × 17 years = 52 853 county-years). Overdose deaths were modeled using hierarchical Bayesian Poisson models. Analyses were performed from April 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. EXPOSURES The primary exposure was state adoption of Medicaid expansion under the ACA, measured as the proportion of each calendar year during which a given state had Medicaid expansion in effect. By the end of study observation in 2017, a total of 32 states and the District of Columbia had expanded Medicaid eligibility. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcomes of interest were annual county-level mortality from overdoses involving any opioid, natural and semisynthetic opioids, methadone, heroin, and synthetic opioids other than methadone, derived from the National Vital Statistics System multiple-cause-of-death files. A secondary analysis examined fatal overdoses involving all drugs. RESULTS There were 383 091 opioid overdose fatalities across observed US counties during the study period, with a mean (SD) of 7.25 (27.45) deaths per county (range, 0-1145 deaths per county). Adoption of Medicaid expansion was associated with a 6% lower rate of total opioid overdose deaths compared with the rate in nonexpansion states (relative rate [RR], 0.94; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.91-0.98). Counties in expansion states had an 11% lower rate of death involving heroin (RR, 0.89; 95% CrI, 0.84-0.94) and a 10% lower rate of death involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (RR, 0.90; 95% CrI, 0.84-0.96) compared with counties in nonexpansion states. An 11% increase was observed in methadone-related overdose mortality in expansion states (RR, 1.11; 95% CrI, 1.04-1.19). An association between Medicaid expansion and deaths involving natural and semisynthetic opioids was not well supported (RR, 1.03; 95% CrI, 0.98-1.08). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medicaid expansion was associated with reductions in total opioid overdose deaths, particularly deaths involving heroin and synthetic opioids other than methadone, but increases in methadone-related mortality. As states invest more resources in addressing the opioid overdose epidemic, attention should be paid to the role that Medicaid expansion may play in reducing opioid overdose mortality, in part through greater access to medications for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kravitz-Wirtz
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | | | - William R. Ponicki
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, California
| | - Ariadne Rivera-Aguirre
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Brandon D. L. Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Silvia S. Martins
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Magdalena Cerdá
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York
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Does the Addition of Naloxone in Buprenorphine/Naloxone Affect Retention in Treatment in Opioid Replacement Therapy?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Addict Nurs 2019; 30:254-260. [PMID: 31800516 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid maintenance therapy is an evidence-based first-line treatment approach to reduce the problems associated with opioid use disorders. Buprenorphine and methadone are the two most commonly recommended pharmacotherapies. Individuals who remain in treatment longer tend to have a reduced drug use, a higher social functioning, and a higher quality of life. The addition of naloxone to buprenorphine (bup/nx) was developed, in part, to help increase retention in treatment. However, this has not been shown in research. The objective of this review was to examine whether bup/nx is more effective than buprenorphine and methadone, to ultimately determine whether the addition of naloxone shows a clinical difference. METHODS The literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Search strategies were thoroughly developed and modified for each database by combining relevant MeSH and Emtree terms as well as keywords such as "bup/nx," "buprenorphine," and "naloxone." The outcome measure was treatment retention, as determined by the number of days a participant remains in a treatment program. RESULTS There were four studies included in the review. The data were analyzed with Review Manager software. There was no statistically significant result for bup/nx compared with methadone or buprenorphine. CONCLUSION Bup/nx may be an alternative to standard treatments such as buprenorphine and methadone as the addition of naloxone does not affect retention in treatment.
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22
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Brezel ER, Powell T, Fox AD. An ethical analysis of medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) for persons who are incarcerated. Subst Abus 2019; 41:150-154. [PMID: 31800376 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1695706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly prevalent among persons who are incarcerated. Medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD), methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, is widely used to treat OUD in the community. Despite MOUD's well-documented effectiveness in improving health and social outcomes, its use in American jails and prisons is limited.Several factors are used to justify limited access to MOUD in jails and prisons including: "uncertainty" of MOUD's effectiveness during incarceration, security concerns, risk of overdose from MOUD, lack of resources and institutional infrastructure, and the inability of people with OUD to provide informed consent. Stigma regarding MOUD also likely plays a role. While these factors are relevant to the creation and implementation of addiction treatment policies in incarcerated settings, their ethicality remains underexplored.Using ethical principles of beneficence/non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy, in addition to public health ethics, we evaluate the ethicality of the above list of factors. There is a two-fold ethical imperative to provide MOUD in jails and prisons. Firstly, persons who are incarcerated have the right to evidence-based medical care for OUD. Secondly, because jails and prisons are government institutions, they have an obligation to provide that evidence-based treatment. Additionally, jails and prisons must address the systematic barriers that prevent them from fulfilling that responsibility. According to widely accepted ethical principles, strong evidence supporting the health benefits of MOUD cannot be subordinated to stigma or inaccurate assessments of security, cost, and feasibility. We conclude that making MOUD inaccessible in jails and prisons is ethically impermissible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Brezel
- Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tia Powell
- Montefiore-Einstein Center for Bioethics, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aaron D Fox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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23
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Zhao J, Kral AH, Wenger LD, Bluthenthal RN. Characteristics Associated with Nonmedical Methadone Use among People Who Inject Drugs in California. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 55:377-386. [PMID: 31608746 PMCID: PMC7002277 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1673420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Illicit, nonmedical use of opioid agonist medications such as methadone is an ongoing concern. Yet, few studies have examined nonmedical use of methadone by people who inject drugs (PWID). Objectives: This study describes the prevalence of nonmedical methadone use in a community sample of PWID and examines factors associated with recent use of nonmedical methadone. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of PWID (N = 777) was recruited using targeted sampling and interviewed in California (2011-2013). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. To determine if nonmedical methadone use was associated with overdose in the last 6 months, a separate multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Among PWID sampled, 21% reported nonmedical methadone use in the last 30 days. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, nonmedical methadone use was associated with recent methadone maintenance treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90, 4.30), recent nonmedical buprenorphine use (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.31, 7.47), higher injection frequency (referent <30 injections; 30-89 injections AOR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.19, 3.02; 90-plus injections AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.53, 3.87), schizophrenia diagnosis (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.36, 4.10), recent non-injection opioid prescription use (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.99, 4.43), and recent injection opioid prescription misuse (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.27, 3.59). Nonmedical methadone use was found not to be associated with nonfatal overdose (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.38, 1.56). Conclusion: Nonmedical methadone use identifies a vulnerable subpopulation among PWID, is not associated with elevated nonfatal overdose risk, and evidences a need to expand methadone treatment availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnathan Zhao
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Alex H. Kral
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Lynn D. Wenger
- RTI International, 351 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Ricky N. Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N Soto St, 3rd floor, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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Cornett EM, Kline RJ, Robichaux SL, Green JB, Anyama BC, Gennuso SA, Okereke EC, Kaye AD. Comprehensive Perioperative Management Considerations in Patients Taking Methadone. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2019; 23:49. [PMID: 31209656 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-019-0783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Well-informed staff can help decrease risks and common misconceptions regarding opioid-tolerant patients, especially those taking methadone. RECENT FINDINGS In 2015, opioid pain relievers were the second most used drug at 3.8 million. Overdose death was three times greater in 2015 than in 2000. Medication-assisted treatment was sought by more than 2 million individuals with substance use disorder, one of which is methadone. Chronic pain affects millions of adults in the USA. Opioid therapy is widely used among these adults. Related to the risk of abuse and dependence, guidelines suggest that opioid therapy may not be considered first-line treatment. A multidisciplinary approach, including thorough preoperative evaluation, the utilization of multimodal pain management strategies, and opioid-sparing techniques in both the intraoperative and postoperative periods will allow for the best possible outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse M Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Ryan J Kline
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Room 659, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Spencer L Robichaux
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Room 656, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jeremy B Green
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Room 656, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Boris C Anyama
- Saint George's University School of Medicine, University Centre Grenada, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Sonja A Gennuso
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Eva C Okereke
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Room 656, 1542 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Abstract
The US is facing dual public health crises related to opioid overdose deaths and HIV. Injection drug use is fueling both of these epidemics. The War on Drugs has failed to stem injection drug use and has contributed to mass incarceration, poverty, and racial disparities. Harm reduction is an alternative approach that seeks to decrease direct and indirect harms associated with drug use without necessarily decreasing drug consumption. Although overwhelming evidence demonstrates that harm reduction is effective in mitigating harms associated with drug use and is cost-effective in providing these benefits, harm reduction remains controversial and the ethical implications of harm reduction modalities have not been well explored. This paper analyzes harm reduction for injection drug use using the core principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice from both clinical ethics and public health ethics perspectives. This framework is applied to harm reduction modalities currently in use in the US, including opioid maintenance therapy, needle and syringe exchange programs, and opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution. Harm reduction interventions employed outside of the US, including safer injection facilities, heroin-assisted treatment, and decriminalization/legalization are then discussed. This analysis concludes that harm reduction is ethically sound and should be an integral aspect of our nation's healthcare system for combating the opioid crisis. From a clinical ethics perspective, harm reduction promotes the autonomy of, prevents harms to, advances the well-being of, and upholds justice for persons who use drugs. From a public health ethics perspective, harm reduction advances health equity, addresses racial disparities, and serves vulnerable, disadvantaged populations in a cost-effective manner.
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Sofuoglu M, DeVito EE, Carroll KM. Pharmacological and Behavioral Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE 2018. [PMCID: PMC9175946 DOI: 10.1176/appi.prcp.20180006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States has surged, with an estimated 2.5 million needing treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a clinical overview of the key pharmacological and behavioral treatments for OUD. Methods: A nonsystematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate OUD treatments, including their mechanism of action, efficacy, clinical guidelines in the United States, and consideration of frequently occurring comorbid conditions. Results: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved pharmacotherapies for OUD include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, each of which has different actions on opioid receptors. Although these medications all show efficacy in some dosages and formulations, barriers to accessibility may be most pronounced for methadone, whereas treatment retention poses greater challenges for naltrexone and, to a lesser extent, buprenorphine. Lofexidine, an α2‐adrenergic agonist, has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. OUD is commonly treated with medication‐assisted treatment (MAT), which offers pharmacotherapy in the context of counseling and/or behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapies, rarely offered as stand‐alone treatments for OUD, are generally used in the context of MAT, in structured settings or to prevent relapse after detoxification and stabilization. The aim of behavioral interventions is to improve medication compliance and target problems not addressed with medication alone. Individuals with OUD commonly have other comorbid psychiatric and substance use conditions, which are not exclusionary for initiating MAT but should be carefully evaluated and monitored because they may reduce treatment effectiveness. Conclusions: MAT is the first‐line treatment for patients with OUD and should be provided in combination with behavioral interventions. Treatment retention remains challenging in this population. Future studies should focus on approaches that will serve the complex needs of patients with OUD, including those with comorbid psychiatric and substance use conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Yale University School of MedicineDepartment of Psychiatry
- VA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenCT
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Hartung DM, Alley L, Leichtling G, Korthuis PT, Hildebran C. A statewide effort to reduce high-dose opioid prescribing through coordinated care organizations. Addict Behav 2018; 86:32-39. [PMID: 29754987 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oregon's Medicaid program is delivered through 16 Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) participating in a statewide performance improvement program to reduce high-dose opioid prescribing. CCOs were allowed flexibility to develop their own dose targets and any policies, trainings, guidelines, and/or materials to meet these targets. In this study, we characterize CCO strategies to reduce high-dose opioid prescribing across the 16 CCOs. METHODS We reviewed relevant CCO documents and conducted semi-structured interviews with CCO administrators to acquire opioid-related policies, practices, timelines and contextual factors. We applied a systematic coding procedure to develop a comprehensive description of each CCO's strategy. We used administrative data from the state to summarize contextual utilization data for each CCO. RESULTS Most CCOs selected a target daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose of 90 mg. Sixteen issued quantity limits related to dose, eight restricted specific drug formulations (short-acting or long-acting), and 11 allowed for time-limited taper plan periods for patients over threshold. Many CCOs also employed provider trainings, feedback reports, and/or onsite technical assistance. Other innovations included incentive measures, electronic health record alerts, and toolkits with materials on local alternative therapy resources and strategies for patient communication. CCOs leveraging collaborations with regional partners appeared to mount a greater intensity of interventions than independently operating CCOs. CONCLUSIONS CCOs developed a diversity of interventions to confront high-risk opioid prescribing within their organization. As healthcare systems mount interventions to reduce risky opioid prescribing, it is critical to carefully describe these activities and examine their impact on process and health outcomes.
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Jalal H, Buchanich JM, Roberts MS, Balmert LC, Zhang K, Burke DS. Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the United States from 1979 through 2016. Science 2018. [PMID: 30237320 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaull84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Better understanding of the dynamics of the current U.S. overdose epidemic may aid in the development of more effective prevention and control strategies. We analyzed records of 599,255 deaths from 1979 through 2016 from the National Vital Statistics System in which accidental drug poisoning was identified as the main cause of death. By examining all available data on accidental poisoning deaths back to 1979 and showing that the overall 38-year curve is exponential, we provide evidence that the current wave of opioid overdose deaths (due to prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl) may just be the latest manifestation of a more fundamental longer-term process. The 38+ year smooth exponential curve of total U.S. annual accidental drug poisoning deaths is a composite of multiple distinctive subepidemics of different drugs (primarily prescription opioids, heroin, methadone, synthetic opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine), each with its own specific demographic and geographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawre Jalal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeanine M Buchanich
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark S Roberts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren C Balmert
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donald S Burke
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Jalal H, Buchanich JM, Roberts MS, Balmert LC, Zhang K, Burke DS. Changing dynamics of the drug overdose epidemic in the United States from 1979 through 2016. Science 2018; 361:eaau1184. [PMID: 30237320 PMCID: PMC8025225 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau1184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Better understanding of the dynamics of the current U.S. overdose epidemic may aid in the development of more effective prevention and control strategies. We analyzed records of 599,255 deaths from 1979 through 2016 from the National Vital Statistics System in which accidental drug poisoning was identified as the main cause of death. By examining all available data on accidental poisoning deaths back to 1979 and showing that the overall 38-year curve is exponential, we provide evidence that the current wave of opioid overdose deaths (due to prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl) may just be the latest manifestation of a more fundamental longer-term process. The 38+ year smooth exponential curve of total U.S. annual accidental drug poisoning deaths is a composite of multiple distinctive subepidemics of different drugs (primarily prescription opioids, heroin, methadone, synthetic opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine), each with its own specific demographic and geographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawre Jalal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeanine M Buchanich
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark S Roberts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren C Balmert
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donald S Burke
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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30
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Cochran G, Lo-Ciganic WH, Gellad WF, Gordon AJ, Cole E, Lobo C, Frazier W, Zheng P, Chang CCH, Kelley D, Donohue JM. Prescription Opioid Quality Measures Applied Among Pennsylvania Medicaid Enrollees. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2018; 24:875-885. [PMID: 30156454 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.9.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) recently developed 3 quality measures for prescribing opioids: high dosages, multiple providers and pharmacies, and concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines. OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence of the PQA measures and identify the patient demographic and health characteristics associated with the measures. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using Pennsylvania Medicaid data (2013-2015). We limited our analyses to noncancer patients who were aged 18-64 years and not dual-eligible for Medicare/Medicaid. Per PQA specifications, patients were required to possess ≥ 2 opioid prescriptions for ≥ 15 days annual supply each year. Outcome measures included (a) high dosages, defined as > 120 morphine milligram equivalents for ≥ 90 consecutive days; (b) multiple providers/pharmacies, defined as receiving opioid prescriptions from ≥ 4 providers and ≥ 4 pharmacies; and (c) concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines, defined as ≥ 30 cumulative days of overlapping opioids and benzodiazepines among individuals having ≥ 2 opioid and ≥ 2 benzodiazepine fills. Patient characteristics assessed included demographics; other medication use; and physical, mental, and behavioral health comorbidities. We present descriptive and multivariable statistical analyses of the data to describe trends in quality measure prevalence and associations with enrollee health characteristics. RESULTS Numbers of enrollees meeting inclusion criteria ranged from 73,082 in 2013 to 85,710 in 2015. From 2013 to 2015, high dosage prevalence increased from 5.1% to 5.5%; the use of multiple providers/pharmacies decreased from 7.1% to 5.0%; and concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines decreased from 29.1% to 28.4% (all P < 0.05). A substantial portion of patients with > 1 PQA measure from 2013 to 2015 was eligible for Medicaid because of disability (41.8%-81.9%). Enrollees with opioid use disorder were more likely to have high dosages (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.83-2.21). Enrollees with anxiety and mood disorders were more likely to have multiple providers/pharmacies (anxiety: AOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.43-1.65; mood: AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06-1.25) and concurrent use of opioids and benzodiazepines (anxiety: AOR = 3.50, 95% CI = 3.38-3.63; mood: AOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.36-1.48). CONCLUSIONS Given high levels of eligibility based on disability and the prevalence of mood, anxiety, and opioid use disorders among those identified by the quality measures, providers may require additional support to care for this patient population. DISCLOSURES This project was supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was also supported by an intergovernmental agreement between the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the University of Pittsburgh. Lo-Ciganic was supported by the University of Arizona Health Sciences Career Development Award. The other authors have nothing to disclose. The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this article do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A portion of these results was presented at the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse 41st National Conference; November 2-4, 2017; Washington, DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Cochran
- 1 University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry; and University of Pittsburgh Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Walid F Gellad
- 2 VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine; and University of Pittsburgh Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam J Gordon
- 7 University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Evan Cole
- 3 University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carroline Lobo
- 3 University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Winfred Frazier
- 4 University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ping Zheng
- 3 University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Chung-Chou H Chang
- 5 University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and University of Pittsburgh Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Kelley
- 8 Medical Assistance Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Julie M Donohue
- 5 University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and University of Pittsburgh Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Mund B, Stith K. Buprenorphine MAT as an Imperfect Fix. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2018; 46:279-291. [PMID: 30147005 DOI: 10.1177/1073110518782935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Expanding buprenorphine access in the United States requires evidence-based decision-making that considers both the drug's potential dangers and its potential benefits. Risks associated with buprenorphine misuse and diversion highlight the need for careful, ongoing evaluation during each stage of increased access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mund
- Brian Mund, J.D., received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Yale Law School. Kate Stith, J.D., is the Lafayette S. Foster Professor of Law at Yale Law School. She received her B.A. from Dartmouth College, and her M.P.P. and J.D. from Harvard University
| | - Kate Stith
- Brian Mund, J.D., received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Yale Law School. Kate Stith, J.D., is the Lafayette S. Foster Professor of Law at Yale Law School. She received her B.A. from Dartmouth College, and her M.P.P. and J.D. from Harvard University
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32
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Gharehdaghi J, Takalloo-Bakhtiari A, Hassanian-Moghaddam H, Zamani N, Hedayatshode MJ. Suspected Methadone Toxicity: from Hospital to Autopsy Bed. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28627763 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High mortality rates have been reported for methadone in both adults and children. We aimed to determine the pattern of toxicity, possible underlying diseases and treatment challenges in patients referred to our centre with early diagnosis of methadone toxicity and who later died. Medical files of all methadone-poisoned patients who had been admitted to a referral centre of toxicology between March 2011 and March 2016, died during the hospital stay and sent for autopsy to Legal Medicine Organization were retrospectively evaluated. In a total of 94 patients, autopsy findings and laboratory evaluations showed that cause of death was pure methadone toxicity in 57 (60.6%). Other causes of death were ischaemic heart disease in ten, co-ingestions (toxicities including methadone) in eight, brain haemorrhage, multi-organ failure and pneumosepsis (each in four), meningitis/encephalitis in three and head trauma and other toxicities (other than methadone but including an opioid, each in two) patients. Time of cardiopulmonary arrest was significantly different between those with pure methadone toxicity and those who died due to other causes (p = 0.01). Patients who had died due to co-ingestions and other toxicities were younger (p = 0.029) and took more bolus doses of naloxone (p = 0.042). In methadone users, especially in older ages and those with trivial response to naloxone administration, loss of consciousness should not be strictly attributed to methadone toxicity. In such patients, thorough evaluation for other possible causes of loss of consciousness is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Gharehdaghi
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asieh Takalloo-Bakhtiari
- Toxicological Research Center, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Hassanian-Moghaddam
- Toxicological Research Center, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Excellence Center of Clinical Toxicology, Iranian Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Zamani
- Toxicological Research Center, Department of Clinical Toxicology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Excellence Center of Clinical Toxicology, Iranian Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
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Faul M, Lurie P, Kinsman JM, Dailey MW, Crabaugh C, Sasser SM. Multiple Naloxone Administrations Among Emergency Medical Service Providers is Increasing. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2017; 21:411-419. [PMID: 28481656 PMCID: PMC6026856 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1315203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdoses are at epidemic levels in the United States. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers may administer naloxone to restore patient breathing and prevent respiratory arrest. There was a need for contemporary data to examine the number of naloxone administrations in an EMS encounter. METHODS Using data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, we examined data from 2012-5 to determine trends in patients receiving multiple naloxone administrations (MNAs). Logistic regression including demographic, clinical, and operational information was used to examine factors associated with MNA. RESULTS Among all events where naloxone was administered only 16.7% of the 911 calls specifically identified the medical emergency as a drug ingestion or poisoning event. The percentage of patients receiving MNA increased from 14.5% in 2012 to 18.2% in 2015, which represents a 26% increase in MNA in 4 years. Patients aged 20-29 had the highest percentage of MNA (21.1%). Patients in the Northeast and the Midwest had the highest relative MNA (Chi Squared = 539.5, p < 0.01 and Chi Squared = 351.2, p < 0.01, respectively). The logistic regression model showed that the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for MNA were greatest among people who live in the Northeast (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.13-1.22) and for men (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.10-1.16), but lower for suburban and rural areas (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.72-0.80 and aOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80-0.89) and lowest for wilderness areas (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.68-0.84). Higher adjusted odds of MNA occurred when an advanced life support (ALS 2) level of service was provided compared to basic life support (BLS) ambulances (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.45-3.16) and when the dispatch complaint indicated there was a drug poisoning event (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.09-1.16). Reported layperson naloxone administration prior to EMS arrival was rare (1%). CONCLUSION This study shows that frequency of MNA is growing over time and is regionally dependent. MNA may be a barometer of the potency of the opioid involved in the overdose. The increase in MNA provides support for a dosage review. Better identification of opioid related events in the dispatch system could lead to a better match of services with patient needs.
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