Increasing number and shifting demographics of adolescent opioid use disorder presentations to the emergency department

Abstract

IntroductionOpioid use has been increasing in adolescents; however, lacking are data describing sex, ethnicity, and age groups most affected. We identified and characterized the trend in the adolescent population who presented to the emergency departments (ED) of a large hospital system. MethodsWe obtained data directly from the electronic medical record for patients aged 12–21 years from January 2014 to December 2022. We identified opioid-related visits by primary diagnosis. Trends were compared amongst age groups and by sex and reported ethnicity. ResultsOpioid-related presentations increased in all age groups and were significantly increased in adolescents aged 13–17 years compared to patients aged 18–21 years (1700% [range: 1000–3300%] v 400% [200–800%]; p = 0.02). Adolescents presenting to the ED with opioid-related primary diagnoses were more likely to be Hispanic and male in our region. DiscussionOver the last two years (2021−22) there was a significant increase in opioid-related presentations to our hospital system amongst adolescents and an acceleration post-COVID. In 2022, emergency department presentations shifted to younger teenagers and from white young adults to Hispanic adolescents. The increased number of cases posed management problems in the ED given the lack of outpatient treatment options. ConclusionOpioid-related ED presentations are increasing in adolescents with post-COVID increases in male, Hispanic, and younger patients in our region. Pathways for outpatient treatment need to be developed for adolescents with OUD.