Articles: opioid-analgesics.
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In 2015, Mylan pharmaceuticals received final approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its Supplemental Abbreviated New Drug Application and introduced three new intermediate strengths of transdermal fentanyl patches to the U. S. drug market.1 With this approval, Mylan added 37.5 , 62.5, and 87.5 mcg/hr strength patches to existing 12, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg/hr strength patches. Today, these intermediate strength patches cost many times more than older strengths. In this commentary, we discuss the clinical implications of intermediate strengths of the fentanyl patch, explore mechanisms for price differences, and offer practice-based and policy solutions to address these differences.
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The opioid crisis in the USA and in other developed countries can potentially affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The licit medical use of opioids has two sides. The USA and high-income countries maintain abundant supply for medical prescription. ⋯ Physicians and nurses in Asia and Africa engaged in cancer pain relief and palliative care face a constant paucity of opioids. Millions of patients in LMICs, suffering from life-modifying cancer pain, do not have access to morphine and other essential opioids, due to restrictive opioid policies. Attention will be needed to improve opioid availability in large parts of the world, even though the opioid crisis has led to control the licit medical use in the USA.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Sep 2022
Meta AnalysisEfficacy of ultrasound-guided parasternal block in adult cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Ultrasound-guided parasternal block may be an effective regional technique to reduce pain, ventilation & ICU stay after cardiac surgery.
pearl -
Review Meta Analysis
Epidemiology of persistent postoperative opioid use after cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The epidemiology of persistent postoperative opioid use at least 3 months after cardiac surgery is poorly characterised despite its potential public health importance. ⋯ Persistent postoperative opioid use after cardiac surgery affects at least one in 20 patients. The identification of risk factors, such as female sex, smoking, alcohol use, congestive cardiac failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and length of hospital stay, should help target interventions aimed at decreasing its prevalence.