Articles: opioid-analgesics.
-
The Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon) are widely used to treat insomnia in patients receiving prescription opioids, and the risk of overdose resulting from this coprescription has not been explored. The authors compared the rates of overdose among patients using opioids plus Z-drugs and patients using opioids alone. ⋯ Among patients receiving prescription opioids, after controlling for all confounding factors, concomitant treatment with Z-drugs was associated with a substantial relative increase in the risk of overdose. The potential implications are significant given the large number of opioid-treated patients receiving Z-drugs.
-
Opioids have played an important part in post-operative analgesia, but concerns with associated morbidity and the fate of leftover pills have prompted the creation of opioid-sparing protocols. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the implementation of an opioid-sparing protocol on survey-based patient satisfaction scores following total hip arthroplasty (THA). ⋯ This study suggests that HCAHP scores are not negatively impacted by a reduction in post-operative opioid analgesics.
-
Anesthesia and analgesia · Jul 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Effects of Intraoperative Caffeine on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Related Outcomes After Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Intraoperative caffeine does not reduce postoperative morphine consumption after laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
pearl -
The Apfel simplified risk score, developed in 1999, is the most widely used tool for risk stratification of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It includes four risk factors: female sex, non-smoking status, history of PONV or motion sickness, and use of postoperative opioids. Nevertheless, there is considerable heterogeneity in the definition and application of these risk factors in PONV research. Our aim was to determine how these risk factors are implemented in studies employing the Apfel score. ⋯ Significant variation exists in how the Apfel risk factors are defined and applied in PONV research, particularly with respect to postoperative opioid use. More guidance in the application of this tool may optimize risk estimation and PONV prophylaxis, and potentially improve research quality.
-
Advances in therapy · Jul 2021
Modeling the Cost Savings of Continuous Pulse Oximetry and Capnography Monitoring of United States General Care Floor Patients Receiving Opioids Based on the PRODIGY Trial.
Despite the high incidence of respiratory depression on the general care floor and evidence that continuous monitoring improves patient outcomes, the cost-benefit of continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients remains unknown. This study modeled the cost and length of stay savings, investment break-even point, and likelihood of cost savings for continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients at risk for respiratory depression. ⋯ Compared to intermittent pulse oximetry, continuous pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring of general care floor patients receiving opioids has a high chance of being cost-effective.