Articles: opioid-analgesics.
-
The study evaluated systemic opioid utilization before and after initiation of intrathecal drug therapy in patients with chronic, noncancer pain, as well as the effect of opioid elimination on payer costs. ⋯ A meaningful proportion of patients discontinue or decrease systemic opioid use following initiation of intrathecal drug delivery. Standard of care should include opioid dose tapering prior to intrathecal drug delivery to maximize the probability of systemic opioid discontinuation.
-
Using benzodiazepines and opioids together substantially increases the risk of fatal overdose. Yet, concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid prescribing rates continue to increase amid the opioid overdose epidemic. Therefore, this study sought to identify patterns and predictors associated with self-reported concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid use among community-dwelling adults. ⋯ Several individual-level factors were associated with reporting concurrent benzodiazepine and opioid use. Therefore, enhanced educational interventions targeting both clinicians and community-dwelling adults are warranted to minimize use of this high-risk medication combination.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Oct 2020
Predictors of new persistent opioid use after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Deaths from prescription opioid overdose have quadrupled in the past 15 years, and no studies have evaluated appropriate opioid prescribing after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to quantify the amount of outpatient opioids prescribed to patients after coronary artery bypass grafting and determine the incidence and risk factors for new persistent opioid use after coronary artery bypass grafting. ⋯ New persistent opioid use after coronary artery bypass grafting is surprisingly common. Prospective studies are needed to determine the opioid requirements of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting to prevent opioid dependence.
-
To identify the magnitude of opioid use disorder (OUD) among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients; emphasize on multidisciplinary team (MDT) role; estimate cost-effectiveness following the proper use of therapeutic guidelines; and facilitate the reduction of emergency room (ER) visits and the length of stay (LOS). ⋯ Establishing an MDT and a series of interventions for SCD patients with OUD, including educational activities for caregivers and patients; establishing a palliative/pain clinic and a SCD addiction clinic; and implementing an adequate opioid prescription tracking system resulted in a significant reduction in both the cost and number of ER visits and hospital LOS and dramatically decreased opioid consumption.