Articles: opioid.
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It was recently shown that local injection, systemic administration or topical application of the peripherally-restricted mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist loperamide (Lo) and the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) agonist oxymorphindole (OMI) synergized to produce highly potent anti-hyperalgesia that was dependent on both MOR and DOR located in the periphery. We assessed peripheral mechanisms by which this Lo/OMI combination produces analgesia in mice expressing the light-sensitive protein channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) in neurons that express NaV1.8 voltage-gated sodium channels. These mice (NaV1.8-ChR2+) enabled us to selectively target and record electrophysiological activity from these neurons (the majority of which are nociceptive) using blue light stimulation of the hind paw. ⋯ Teased fiber recording of tibial nerve fibers innervating the plantar hind paw revealed that the Lo/OMI combination reduced responses to light stimulation in naïve mice and attenuated spontaneous activity (SA) as well as responses to light and mechanical stimuli in CFA-treated mice. These results show that Lo/OMI reduces activity of C-fiber nociceptors that express NaV1.8 and corroborate recent behavioral studies demonstrating the potent analgesic effects of this drug combination. Because of its peripheral site of action, Lo/OMI might produce effective analgesia without the side effects associated with activation of opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Oct 2020
A Simple Brochure Improves Disposal of Unused Opioids: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a simple, low-cost educational brochure in improving disposal rates of unused opioids after outpatient upper extremity surgery. ⋯ Distribution of an educational brochure significantly improved disposal of unused opioids after surgery. This easily implemented intervention can improve disposal of unused opioids and ultimately decrease excess opioids available for diverted use in the community.
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J Neurosurg Pediatr · Oct 2020
Effects of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine on pain control and opioid use after pediatric Chiari I malformation surgery: an initial experience.
Pediatric Chiari I malformation decompression is a common neurosurgical procedure. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is a novel formulation that can have an impact on postoperative recovery for particular procedures, but its potential role in pediatric neurosurgery is largely unexplored. The authors sought to describe and assess their initial experience with LB in pediatric Chiari I malformation decompression to better define its potential role as an analgesic agent in a procedure for which the postoperative course is often remarkably painful. ⋯ The use of a single intraoperative dose of LB in pediatric Chiari I malformation surgery appears to be safe and has the potential to reduce pain scores and opioid use when administered during the first 24 postoperative hours. From that time period to discharge, however, there may be no significant difference in total opioid use or pain scores.
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Paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia (PAID) is an underdiagnosed syndrome that describes a collection of symptoms following diverse cerebral insults, such as traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, hemorrhagic stroke, or brain anoxia. It is manifested by systemic high blood pressure, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, diaphoresis, intermittent agitation, and certain forms of dystonia. ⋯ A patient diagnosed with PAID following multiple cerebral insults was observed, whose condition was controlled by application of opioid patch rather than by intravenous or oral routes. A transdermal opioid patch, such as fentanyl patch, can thus be effective in the treatment of patients with PAID following multiple cerebral insults.