Chronic Pain Medication Research Articles

Prescription Medication Use Among Community-Based U.S. Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Population Based Study

Many classes of medications have been evaluated in chronic low back pain (cLBP), however their utilization in the community remains unclear. We examined patterns of prescription medication use among Americans with cLBP in a nationally representative, community-based sample. The Back Pain Survey was administered to a representative sample of U.S. adults aged 20 to 69 years (N = 5,103) during the 2009 to 2010 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. cLBP was defined as self-reported pain in the area between the lower posterior margin of the ribcage and the horizontal gluteal fold on most days for at least 3 months (N = 700). Home-based interviews with pill bottle verification were used to capture commonly prescribed medications for chronic pain. Among the sample of U.S. adults with cLBP aged 20 to 69 years, 36.9% took at least 1 prescription pain medication in the past 30 days; of them, 18.8% used opioids, 9.7% nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 8.5% muscle relaxants, and 6.9% gabapentin or pregabalin. Nonpain antidepressants and hypnotics were used by 17.8% and 4.7%, respectively. Opioids were used long-term in 76.9% of cases (median = 2 years) and were frequently coadministered with antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or hypnotics. Ninety-four percent of prescription opioids in the cLBP population were used by individuals with less than a college education. Opioids were the most widely used prescription analgesic class in community-based U.S. adults with cLBP and were often coadministered with other central nervous system-active medications. Opioid use was highly prevalent among less educated Americans with cLBP. PerspectiveBecause prescription opioid use is an issue of national concern, we examined pain-related prescription medication use in community-dwelling U.S. adults with cLBP. Opioids were the most common prescription pain medication, typically used long-term, in combination with other central nervous system-active agents, and disproportionately among individuals with less than a college education.

Association Between Facility-Level Utilization of Non-pharmacologic Chronic Pain Treatment and Subsequent Initiation of Long-Term Opioid Therapy.

Expert guidelines recommend non-pharmacologic treatments and non-opioid medications for chronic pain and recommend against initiating long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). We examined whether veterans with incident chronic pain receiving care at facilities with greater utilization of non-pharmacologic treatments and non-opioid medications are less likely to initiate LTOT. Retrospective cohort study PARTICIPANTS: Veterans receiving primary care from a Veterans Health Administration facility with incident chronic pain between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2015 based on either of 2 criteria: (1) persistent moderate-to-severe patient-reported pain and (2) diagnoses "likely to represent" chronic pain. The independent variable was facility-level utilization of pain-related treatment modalities (non-pharmacologic, non-opioid medications, LTOT) in the prior calendar year. The dependent variable was patient-level initiation of LTOT (≥ 90days within 365days) in the subsequent year, adjusting for patient characteristics. Among 1,094,569 veterans with incident chronic pain from 2010 to 2015, there was wide facility-level variation in utilization of 10 pain-related treatment modalities, including initiation of LTOT (median, 16%; range, 5-32%). Veterans receiving care at facilities with greater utilization of non-pharmacologic treatments were less likely to initiate LTOT in the year following incident chronic pain. Conversely, veterans receiving care at facilities with greater non-opioid and opioid medication utilization were more likely to initiate LTOT; this association was strongest for past year facility-level LTOT initiation (adjusted rate ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.06-2.15, top vs. bottom quartile of facility-level LTOT initiation in prior calendar year). Facility-level utilization patterns of non-pharmacologic, non-opioid, and opioid treatments for chronic pain are associated with subsequent patient-level initiation of LTOT among veterans with incident chronic pain. Further studies should seek to understand facility-level variation in chronic pain care and to identify facility-level utilization patterns that are associated with improved patient outcomes.

Chronic pain medication management of older populations: Key points from a national conference and innovative opportunities for pharmacy practice.

Inappropriate use of pain medication has serious consequences for older populations. Experts in the field have noted an increase in opioid prescriptions, and opioid-related hospitalisations and deaths among this vulnerable population. In the pursuit of educating pharmacists, physicians, allied healthcare professionals, researchers, academics and the public facing the challenges of chronic pain medication management, 'The Inaugural Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (SPHPM) Best Practice in Chronic Pain Medication Management Day Conference' was held in December 2016 at the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (Melbourne, Australia). Fifteen experts presented on aspects of chronic pain epidemiology and current analgesic use in older Australians, and discussed current practice and associated challenges. Presenters highlighted the dramatic increase in opioid prescribing, development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, problems with abuse and addiction, increased risk of death from overdose or suicide, potentiation of sedative effects with concurrent use of anxiolytics/hypnotics, and medication diversion. Pharmacists are very accessible to patients and are crucial members of medication management teams. They have the necessary medication expertise to review medication regimens and provide patient education. Towards addressing chronic pain medication management of older populations, pharmacists can contribute in several ways, such as being aware of relevant guidelines and completing further training, contributing to policy and guideline development, participating in multidisciplinary panels, working groups and pain management teams, collaborating on research projects, and educating the community. With regards to opioid medication management, pharmacists are in an ideal position to: monitor prescription dispensing and potential misuse, provide education about overuse, and, if appropriate, provide access to naloxone. In order to fulfil these roles and responsibilities, allied healthcare professionals should be educated and informed, and opportunities for continuing professional education should be available and utilised. Pharmacists should have the necessary knowledge and skills to optimise chronic pain management, and to both deliver and inform policies and guidelines on pharmacological management of chronic pain in older people.

4:21 PM Abstract No. 210 Geniculate artery embolization for osteoarthritis-related knee pain: interim results from a multicenter U.S. trial

Knee OA is a common cause of pain and disability, with many patients relying on chronic pain medications and/or joint injections. These options unfortunately result in short-term relief, or have associated increased morbidity, and knee replacement surgery may ultimately be performed. Researchers have postulated that synovial neovascularity develops as a result of inflammation and subsequently leads to knee pain. While previous overseas reports of success with GAE have been published, we present our interim results from a prospective US multicenter clinical trial. 20 subjects with OA with pain greater than 50 mm (Visual Analog Scale 100 mm) refractory to conservative therapy are being recruited for the study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02850068). Subjects were excluded for: Kellgren Lawrence (KL) Stage 4, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, previous athroplasty, renal insufficiency, or uncorrectable coagulopathy. GAE was performed using 75 or 100 um microspheres in 13 subjects at 2 US centers. Subjects were assessed with MRI, Visual Analog (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and disability scales before and after the procedure. Adverse events were also recorded at all time points. Median baseline OA was KL stage III. Neovascularity was identified in the area of pain in all cases by arteriography (n = 13) and GAE was technically successful in all subjects (n = 13). 8/13 subjects were eligible for clinical follow-up at present. GAE significantly improved pain at 1 month as measured by VAS (n = 8, mean -58 mm, p = 0.016). Global WOMAC score also decreased (n = 8 mean -36.3, p = 0.0008). No major adverse events were seen related to the procedure. Interim results are promising for GAE to safely reduce pain and disability for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Perioperative Intravenous Acetaminophen in Pediatric Tonsillectomies

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of perioperative intravenous (IV) acetaminophen on opioid requirements in pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at a single center. Methods: This retrospective chart review included patients who were less than 18 years old and underwent an outpatient tonsillectomy procedure. Patients who received non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dosing of IV acetaminophen, without documented weights, and on chronic pain medications at the time of the procedure were excluded. The primary outcome was opioid requirements postoperatively prior to discharge measured as morphine equivalents per kilogram. Descriptive statistics were used to compare differences between groups. A multivariate analysis was performed, accounting for differences between groups in baseline and procedural characteristics. Results: In total, 157 patients were included in this study, of whom 55 had received IV acetaminophen and 102 had not. The average IV acetaminophen dose for was 14.5 mg/kg for patients weighing less than 50 kg (n = 22); the remaining patients received the maximum 1 g dose. Patients who received IV acetaminophen were less likely to be administered postoperative opiates as compared with those did not (45.5% vs 63.7%, odds ratio = 0.48, P = .036). There was a trend toward a decrease in total amount of opiates administered with IV acetaminophen (0 vs 0.033 µg/kg, P = .61). After adjusting for age and documented pain assessment, IV acetaminophen administration remained a significant factor for postoperative opiate administration. Conclusions: Perioperative administration of IV acetaminophen was associated with less frequent administration of symptom-directed opiates in pediatric tonsillectomies. This finding indicates that the agent may have an opioid-sparing effect in this patient population.

Structured Management of Chronic Nonmalignant Pain with Opioids in a Rural Primary Care Office.

The use of opioid medication for nonmalignant chronic pain (NMCP) increased dramatically during the last 20 years. There have been regulatory changes implemented to reduce the risk of harm to both patients and society. Much of the burden of monitoring these patients is falling on primary care physicians (PCPs), who do not have the time or resources to handle what is entailed in a best-practice approach to NMCP. A retrospective study was conducted with all patients on opioid medication for NMCP who were enrolled onto an individual PCP's practice. All were required to engage with a new care system. Patients had the option to remain on opioids, to wean opioids, or to transfer care. Patients who remained in the practice on opioids were required to have an office visit on a day dedicated solely to NMCP every 3 months. Each visit involved verifying the controlled substance contract, a urine drug screen, board of pharmacy monitoring, pain-targeted history and physical, calculation of the average morphine equivalents used, and evaluations of pain, functional status, and mood. Characteristics more likely to lead to weaning from opioids were monitored, as was the program effect on the patients remaining on opioids. With this practice model, 32 patients treated with opioids for NMCP were enrolled. Of these, 38% (n = 12) elected to wean opioids, 53% (n = 17) continued opioid medication, and 9% (n = 3) transferred care. Mean morphine equivalent mg/day was the prime determinant for ability to wean (17.01 mg/day) compared with maintaining (30.61 mg/day) (P = .0397; CI, 0.68 to 26.51). Patients maintaining opioid treatment showed no statistically significant change in any measured data point from beginning until end of the evaluation period. Given the choice of following a specific structured care system of opioid medication management or leaving the practice, most patients agreed to the structured system. This approach provided a high degree of compliance with controlled substance regulations and is associated with a reduced number of opioid prescriptions. Patients who were on lower doses of opioid medication are more likely to wean their use with this model.

Chronic pain medication linked to poor cardiometabolic outcomes

Chronic pain medication linked to poor cardiometabolic outcomes

Early Factors Associated with the Development of Chronic Pain in Trauma Patients

Objective To identify factors, available at the time of trauma admission, associated with the development of chronic pain to allow testing of preventive approaches. Methods In a retrospective observational cohort study, we included all patients ≥ 18 years old admitted for injury in 57 adult trauma centers in the province of Quebec (Canada) between 2004 and 2014. Chronic pain was defined as follows: treated in a chronic pain clinic, diagnosed with chronic pain, or received at least 2 prescriptions of chronic pain medications 3 to 12 months postinjury. Results A total of 95,134 patients were retained for analysis. Mean age was 59.8 years (±21.7), and 52% were men. The causes of trauma were falls (63%) and motor vehicle accidents (22%). We identified 14,518 patients (15.3%; 95% CI: 15.1–15.5) who developed chronic pain. After controlling for confounding factors, the variables associated with chronic pain were spinal cord injury (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 3.4–4.6), disc-vertebra trauma (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.5–1.7), history of alcoholism (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.7), history of anxiety (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.5), history of depression (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4), and being female (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2–1.3). The area under the receiving operating characteristic curve derived from the model was 0.80. Conclusions We identified risk factors present on hospital admission that can predict trauma patients who will develop chronic pain. These factors should be prospectively validated.

Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty Is the Main Cause of Litigation: Data From One Metropolitan Area

BackgroundA prior survey of members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons revealed that 78% of responding surgeons were named as a defendant in at least 1 lawsuit, and 69% of these lawsuits were dismissed or settled out of court. The most common sources of litigation were nerve injury, limb-length discrepancy, and infection. This study examined common reasons for lawsuits after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in a single metropolitan area. MethodsA retrospective review of lawsuits filed between 2009 and 2015 in a 5-county metropolitan area was performed, including 30 hospitals and 113 TJA surgeons. Complaints underwent a manual review to determine the number of lawsuits and the specific allegations filed against each surgeon. ResultsThirty-one (27.4%) surgeons were named as a defendant in at least 1 lawsuit. Eighty-three total lawsuits were filed during the period, 50 of which were dismissed or settled outside of court. Top reasons for lawsuits were, in descending order, infection, nerve injury, chronic pain, vascular injury, periprosthetic fracture, retention of foreign body, dislocation, limb-length discrepancy, venous thromboembolism, loosening, compartment syndrome, and other medical complaints. ConclusionInfection appears to be the basis of most lawsuits after TJA. Surgeons should be aware of the potential for a lawsuit for complications and should strive to better communicate with patients regarding preoperative informed consent and disclosure after adverse events. Surgeons should minimize performing surgery in patients at high risk of complications, such as patients with a higher likelihood of developing postoperative infection or patients on chronic pain medications.

The cardio-metabolic impact of taking commonly prescribed analgesic drugs in 133,401 UK Biobank participants.

ObjectiveThere has been a significant increase in the prescribing of medication for chronic non-cancer pain. In a UK population sample, we aimed to assess cardio-metabolic (CM) health in those taking these chronic pain medications.Methods133,401 participants from the UK Biobank cohort were studied. BMI, waist cm and hypertension were compared between those on drugs prescribed for chronic pain and CM drugs to those on CM drugs only. Multiple confounders were controlled for.ResultsThose taking opiates and CM drugs had the worst CM health profile with a 95%, 82% and 63% increased odds of reporting obesity, ‘very high risk’ waist circumference and hypertension, respectively (OR [95% CI] 1.95 [1.75–2.17], 1.82 [1.63–2.03], 1.63 [1.45–1.84]), compared to those on CM drugs alone. Those taking neuropathic pain medications and CM drugs also demonstrate worse CM profile than those taking CM drugs only.ConclusionsThe impact of medications for chronic pain and sleep upon CM health and obesity is of concern for these classes of drugs which have been recently labelled as dependency forming medications. The results from this cross sectional study warrants further investigation and adds further support to calls for these medications to be prescribed for shorter periods.

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OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: (1) Characterize the prevalence and initial pharmacological management of chronic pain syndromes during pregnancy in a women’s mental health program. (2) Describe the severity and qualitative characteristics of chronic pain during pregnancy and the acute postpartum period. (3) Compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women with and without chronic pain syndromes. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A chart review was conducted to identify all pregnant women who presented for an initial evaluation to the Women’s Mental Health Program (WMHP) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences from July 2013 to June 2016. We excluded respondents <18 years of age or who did not consent to having their information used for research purposes. Demographic information, past and current medical histories, and medication history were obtained from written and electronic medical records. Chronic pain complaints and medication history are presented as counts and percentages. In an ongoing prospective, longitudinal study of pregnant women with chronic pain, women are enrolled before 20 weeks gestation and followed throughout pregnancy and the first 3 months postpartum. Study visits occur at 4-week intervals; and pain characteristics, analgesic exposures, other medications, and depressive measures are collected. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes are obtained following delivery. Subjects will be compared based on pain types (ie, neuropathic pain, non-neuropathic pain, and controls) and treatment exposures (eg, +/− opioids). Primary outcome measures include visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures include other pain and depression assessments. Data will be analyzed using SAS 9.4. A p-value of<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: (1) Chronic pain conditions were reported by 28.2% (44/156) of the initial referrals to the WMHP. (2) 95.5% of respondents with chronic pain were taking at least 1 medication, and 59.5% were taking 2 or more medications. Mean number of medications used were 2.6±2.1.3. The most common medications reported were acetaminophen (43.2%), opioids (43.2%), and sedative/hypnotics (36.4%). Non-pharmacological therapy (eg, physical therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) was reported by 20.5% of respondents. (4) We anticipate that measures of pain severity will increase in pregnancy, peak in the third trimester, and decline in the postpartum period. (5) We foresee that the prospective results will confirm the chart review as indicated by a higher rate of medication exposures during pregnancy, including non-analgesic medications in the women with chronic pain syndromes. (6) We expect women with chronic pain syndromes to have a higher rate of obstetrical complications, specifically pre-term delivery and operative delivery. (7) Finally, we anticipate that chronic pain syndromes and management will result in a higher rate of neonatal complications, specifically neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal respiratory problems, and small for gestational age infants. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Chronic pain syndromes are prevalent in more than one-quarter of pregnant women in our study with the majority of women using pharmacological agents to manage their condition. This prevalence is greater or equal to than other common obstetrical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or preterm delivery. The novel prospective data will be germane to the clinical care of pregnant women with chronic pain disorders. Clinical practice will be better informed by our data regarding the potential impact of chronic pain and its management on pregnancy course and perinatal outcomes. These data will provide the initial foundation for the development of treatment guidelines for the management of chronic pain syndromes during the perinatal period.

High lumbar disc herniation coexisting with thoracic meningioma – an issue of differential diagnostic

Abstract Meningiomas involving the spinal compartment are relatively rare compared to the intracranial ones representing between 7,5% and 12,5% of all CNS meningiomas, most of them being located in the intradural compartment respecting the pial layer of the spinal cord. Affecting ten times more often women rather than men, especially in the 5th and 6th decade of life, they pose a difficult diagnostic setting despite modern neuroimagistic techniques. The matter of correct differential diagnosis becomes even more doubtful, most of the patients of that age having also associative degenerative disorders, e.g. lumbar disc herniation. In this case proper neurological examination is the key as we will furthermore demonstrate - the MRI exam being targeted on the level of the sensorial dysfunction and not on the most common region which gives according pathology. The following case presentation can be considered “classic” representing a patient with all the criteria mentioned above including a long history of rheumatologic and chronic back pain medication for pain relief. We used the Frankel Scale for grading the pre- and postoperative neurological status. Acute neurological deterioration (under 24 hours) is an important criteria for admission in emergency unit with around the clock exploration followed by microsurgical operation for the best possible outcome. Coexisting chronic lesions may be left behind and kept under surveillance, operated only when clear signs of health disorder appear. Because there are reported cases of thoracic meningiomas discovered after hernia disc operation and even cases of paraplegia due to a missed lesion, the aim of this article is to emphasize the importance of proper neurological examination preceding any MRI exploration.

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Patient, caregiver, and provider perceptions of pain and pain management in adolescents and young adults with bleeding disorders.

Recurrent bleeding and associated pain are critical components in the management of bleeding disorders, yet scant data describe perceptions of pain in this patient population. This study assessed perceptions of pain and pain management in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with haemophilia or von Willebrand disease (VWD) to determine agreement/disagreement between patients, caregivers and health care providers. Using an online questionnaire, AYA patients (N=89), their caregivers (N=77), and providers (N=54) reported on pain perception, pain treatment and pain control. Acute and chronic pain was measured in patients via the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). Questionnaires queried about pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management methods and how well providers and caregivers helped to manage pain. Poor agreement existed between patients and caregivers across all pain levels, perception of pain control and effectiveness of pain management. Specifically for chronic pain, poor agreement was noted between patients and caregivers (kappa=0.04; 29% agreement) and patients and providers (kappa=-0.07; 21.4% agreement). Among patients reporting acute or chronic pain, only 67% and 43%, respectively, utilized medication for their specific pain. Patients used more opioid medications than expected by their providers. On average, AYAs reported initial use of pain medications for chronic pain at 11.5years. Ongoing research is needed in haemophilia and VWD pain management, and on the differences in pain perception between patients, caregivers and providers. As chronic pain often begins at an early age, optimal pain management should include acknowledging patient complaints, exploring pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options, and optimizing prophylaxis.

Comparison of effect sizes between enriched and nonenriched trials of analgesics for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review.

To investigate the use of an enriched study design on the estimates of treatment effect in analgesic trials for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Database searches were conducted from 2004 to 2014. We included randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating pain medications for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The estimates of treatment effect on pain and adverse events were compared between enriched and nonenriched designs. Metaregression was used to assess the association between the effect size estimate and the study design controlling for analgesic dose and methodological quality. We included 108 trials, of which 99 were included in the meta-analysis (n=44 171). There were no overall differences in effect sizes between enriched and nonenriched designs for pain intensity. There was a significant difference for a reduction in any adverse events favouring enriched designs for opioids, but not for other analgesics or the outcome serious adverse events. There was an association between effect size and methodological quality, with failure to blind the outcome assessor and failure to use intention-to-treat analysis being associated with larger effect sizes. There is no evidence that the use of an enriched study design changes the treatment effect size estimate for pain. There is some evidence that clinical trials that employ enriched designs report a reduced risk of adverse events in trials for chronic musculoskeletal pain, but it is unclear whether enriched designs influence estimates of serious adverse events. Features of trial design and study quality were associated with treatment effect estimates.

Opioid Medications in the Management of Chronic Abdominal Pain.

Chronic abdominal pain is a complex medical condition. The causes of chronic abdominal pain are extremely diverse ranging from chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, to chronic pain with no clear etiology. Treatment of chronic abdominal pain remains a challenge in our clinical practice. While current interventions with celiac plexus blocks and pain medications provide some relief for these patients, but these treatments are typically less efficacious and limited by various adverse effects. Opioid medications are commonly used to manage chronic pain syndromes that are refectory to other pain management interventions. The potential problems related to opioids include misuse, abuse, constipation, nausea pruritus, et al. Moreover, according to the recent centers for disease (CDC) control report, opioid abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the USA (LJ P. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2016) and accounted for 28,000 deaths in 2014. Rudd et al. (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 64(50-51):1378-82, 2016) Given this current situation, it is apparent that a careful review of clinical evidences supporting the use of opioid medications is necessary to guide our treatment approaches in the management of complex chronic abdominal pain patients. This review is set out to analyze efficacy of opioid medications for chronic abdominal pain. The literature referenced was obtained via a computer search with Google Scholar, Pubmed, Medline, and EMbase. The search terms used included Opioid, Oxycodone, Buprenorphine, Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxymorphone, Hydromorphone, chronic abdominal pain, Crohn's disease, and pancreatitis. All studies were considered eligible for inclusion if they were clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of opioid medications for chronic abdominal pain. Two studies were found according to these criteria. Chronic abdominal pain is a challenging medical condition in our daily practice. This condition often requires opioid medications when other treatments fail. This review provided very limited clinical evidence to support long-term opioid use for chronic abdominal pain. Given recent CDC report of opioid epidemic, it is prudent to use the best medical practice with appropriate evaluation of psychological comorbidities, urine drug screening, prescription drug monitor, and opioid treatment agreements to minimize adverse side effects related to opioids. Furthermore, well-designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term use of opioid medications, and more clinical research on which opioid medication is more effective for chronic abdominal pain.

Spinal analgesia improves surgical outcome after open nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled study

Objective: This study evaluated whether more effective perioperative analgesia can be part of a multimodal approach to minimizing morbidity and improving postoperative management after the open surgical approaches frequently used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The aim of the study was to determine whether spinal anesthesia with clonidine can enhance postoperative analgesia, speed up mobilization and reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS).Materials and methods: Between 2012 and 2015, 135 patients with RCC were randomized, in addition to general anesthesia, to receive either spinal analgesia with clonidine or epidural analgesia, stratified to surgical technique. Inclusion criteria were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of III or less, age over 18 years and no chronic pain medication or cognitive disorders.Results: The median LOS was 4 days for patients in the spinal group and 6 days in the epidural group (p = 0.001). There were no differences regarding duration of surgery, blood loss, RENAL score, tumor size or complications between the given analgesia methods. A limitation was that different anesthesiologists were responsible for administering spinal or epidural anesthesia, as in a real-world clinical situation.Conclusions: In this randomized controlled study, spinal analgesia with clonidine was superior to continuous epidural analgesia in patients operated on with open nephrectomy, based on shorter LOS. A shorter LOS in the study group indicates faster mobilization and improved analgesia. Spinal analgesia did not carry more complications than epidural analgesia.

International classification of function, disability and health framework for fall risk stratification in community dwelling older adults

Falls is an important cause for mortality and morbidity in older adults. The fall risk assessment is an integral component of fall prevention in older adults. The international classification of function, disability and health (ICF) can be an ideal comprehensive model for fall risk assessment. There is lack of information relating ICF and fall risk assessment in community dwelling older adults. In this study we tried to assess the fall risk using different domains of ICF using various clinical tools. A total of 255 subjects were recruited through convenient sampling method from geriatric clinic (OPD) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The study was single session cross-section design. The body mass index (BMI), grip strength, depression score (Geriatric depression scale:short form; GDS-S) and co morbidities were used to assess body function and structure domain, timed up and go (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS) and elderly fall screening test (EFST) scores were used for activity domain, selfreported cause of fall, medications and uses of assistive device for environmental factors. Then the association of body function and structure, activity and environmental factors were determined with falls. There was an association of fall in analysis in subjects with no fall and one or more falls for, BMI, grip strength (kg), GDS-S score, no. of co morbidities, chronic pain, TUG, BBS, TUG (s), BBS, EFST, slip/trip, walking cane, hypoglycemic and antihypertensives medications (unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio).The diabetes, and hyper tension showed association for adjusted odds ratio only. In subjects with one fall and more than one fall, TUG, BBS, EFST, GDS-S score, NSAIDS and antidepressants use showed a significant association with fall (unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio). The ICF may be used in routine for fall risk assessment in community dwelling older adults.

Defending Opioid Treatment Agreements: Disclosure, Not Promises.

In order to receive controlled pain medications for chronic non-oncologic pain, patients often must sign a "narcotic contract" or "opioid treatment agreement" in which they promise not to give pills to others, use illegal drugs, or seek controlled medications from health care providers. In addition, they must agree to use the medication as prescribed and to come to the clinic for drug testing and pill counts. Patients acknowledge that if they violate the opioid treatment agreement (OTA), they may no longer receive controlled medications. OTAs have been widely implemented since they were recommended by multiple national bodies to decrease misuse and diversion of narcotic medications. But critics argue that OTAs are ethically suspect, if not unethical, and should be used with extreme care if at all. We agree that OTAs pose real dangers and must be implemented carefully. But we also believe that the most serious criticisms stem from a mistaken understanding of OTAs' purpose and ethical basis.

The design of a theory-based intervention to improve medication adherence in chronic pain patients

Objective: Non-adherence to pain medication is common in chronic pain patients and may result in unfavorable treatment outcomes. Interventions to improve adherence behavior often fail to significantly change medication use. In this report, we describe the application of a theoretical psychological model of behavior change in order to design an intervention to improve medication adherence in chronic pain patients.Methods: This study applies the Behavior Change Wheel framework and the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy to design a theory-based intervention to improve pain medication use. Available literature was used to extract determinants of adherence in chronic pain patients.Results: Selected target behaviors to improve medication adherence are: share agreement on follow up policy, monitor medication adherence, provide patient education routinely, discuss attitudes and concerns towards pain medication, develop medication taking habits and use medication reminders. The intervention consists of three components in which relevant behavior change techniques are applied: (1) changes in the electronic patient data management systems to enable medical staff to apply target behaviors; (2) bi-annual education of medical staff to commit the team to the proposed intervention and provide feedback; (3) routine and mandatory education of chronic pain patients following prescription of pain medication.Conclusions: To improve medication adherence in chronic pain patients, most interventions should be focused on providers of pain therapy. Prescribing chronic pain medication should be seen as part of a larger treatment regimen including adequate follow-up, adherence monitoring and patient education during the course of treatment.