NIDA research monograph
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There are important reasons for considering nitrite inhalation as a factor in the development of AIDS-related KS in young male homosexuals. These are (1) the pharmacologic properties of amyl, butyl, and isobutyl nitrites, which are toxic; (2) the mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic products resulting from metabolism of N-nitroso compounds; (3) the potent carcinogenicity of N-nitroso compounds in 39 different animal species; and (4) the deleterious effects of volatile nitrites on human lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically related to this epidemic, there are additional reasons for pursuing the connection between nitrite inhalation and development of KS. These include: (1) the timing of the production and sales of volatile nitrites for use as recreational drugs and the subsequent outbreak of the AIDS epidemic (7 to 10 years); (2) the extensive use of nitrites among male homosexuals; (3) the virtual universal history of nitrite use by young male homosexuals in whom KS has developed during the past 3 years; and (4) the age group in which KS is developing is consistent with a cohort initially exposed 7 to 10 years ago.
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There is a sub-group of patients with non-malignant medical conditions who have severe, intractable pain and who require chronic opioid administration for adequate pain control. Reported here is a systematic clinical evaluation of 52 such patients who were referred after they had failed numerous, non-opioid pain treatments. Major causes of pain were irreversible degenerative and/or traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system. ⋯ Once pain relief was achieved, patients did not escalate their dosage, and they were able to maintain pain relief for long time periods. Although opioids produced dependence in all patients and complications of constipation and edema in about one third, high daily opioid dosage treatment appeared to be the only medical means to achieve adequate pain control in these subjects. We conclude that opioid maintenance should be utilized as a last resort treatment in patients who fail other pain treatments.