Opiate Use Research Articles

OGC SO09 - Embracing change: Reproducible protocol for enhanced recovery after esophagectomy

Abstract Background Esophagectomy for cancer of the oesophagus is a complex surgery with significant morbidity. Protocols have been proposed to enhance recovery and reduce morbidities after this surgery. A decade ago, we have introduced major changes to the traditional perioperative management of esophagectomy patients and have been able to introduce these changes and reproduce the same results in three different countries. Method While working in the NHS, the main author has introduced many changes in the perioperative management of esophagectomy patients. The major changes included: 1- Injection of 200 units of Botox into the pylorus in the week prior to surgery. 2- No use of thoracic epidural and use of intercostal block instead. 3- Hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy(HMIO) (Laparoscopic abdominal part and right thoracotomy). 4- Use of Heimlich valve instead of under-water seal bottle. 5- Avoidance of Opiate use and walking the patient on day 1 postoperatively. These changes were introduced in two other countries namely; Egypt and Dubai. Results We studied 151 consequtive cases of esophagectomy from January 2014 till April 2024 (102 cases were performed in NHS Wales and 49 cases were performed in Egypt and Dubai). Median age was 69 and range of 38 - 83 years. 94% had adenocarcinoma and 88% were stage 2b -3b. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy were given to 91% of patients. All patients had the described changes applied. Overall complication rate is 17.2% with Clavien-Dindo score of ≥ 3a in 8%. Anastomotic leak and 90-day mortality were 2.6%. Median hospital length of stay is 5 days. There were no difference of outcomes in the three countries. Conclusion Preoperative injection of Botox into the pylorus, use of Heimlich valve instead of under-water seal bottle, use of intercostal block instead of thoracic epidural and avoidance of Opiate use when applied to HMIO significantly improve the short-term outcomes after esophagectomy. These changes and outcomes are reproducible.

¿Tiene dolor? Tong ma? Exploring the relationship between language, post-operative pain, and opiate use

¿Tiene dolor? Tong ma? Exploring the relationship between language, post-operative pain, and opiate use

Lidocaine Patches After Cesarean Sections: A Randomized Control Trial

ObjectivesLidocaine patches are a common topical analgesic therapy but have not been thoroughly investigated in the surgical or obstetric literature. We sought to investigate the impact of adding topical lidocaine patches to routine post-cesarean pain management on patients’ post-cesarean pain scores and opioid use. Study DesignThis is a prospective randomized subject blinded controlled trial of patients undergoing cesarean delivery at a single institution. Individuals were excluded if they had three or more cesarean sections, abdominoplasty, history of abdominal hernia repair with mesh, active polysubstance use, or history of opiate use disorder with current medication-assisted treatment. Patients were randomized via a 1:1 randomization scheme to a placebo patch or lidocaine patch. Baseline maternal characteristics were collected. The primary outcome was mean visual analog pain scores (0-10). Our secondary outcome was total morphine equivalents used over the post-operative hospital stay. Pre- and post-study surveys were performed to evaluate subject's prior analgesia use (including opioids) and patient experience in the study. ResultsA total of 100 patients were randomized and 93 had complete data for analysis (46 placebo group, 47 treatment group). Groups had similar baseline characteristics (age, BMI, ethnicity, surgical time, and estimated blood loss). Mean maximum post-operative pain score by visual analog scale did not differ between placebo or lidocaine patch groups on post-operative day 1 (p=0.3), day 2 (p=0.9), day 3 (p=0.07), or day 4 (p=0.09). Mean post-operative pain score by visual analog scale did not differ between placebo or lidocaine patch groups on post-operative day 1 (p=0.7), day 2 (p=0.6), day 3 (p=0.2), or day 4 (p=0.5). In the post-study survey, 0% of the respondents in the lidocaine patch group reported disruption of their care and 63% reported desired use of lidocaine patch in the future. ConclusionsThe addition of lidocaine patches did not significantly decrease the maximum or average post-operative pain scores via visual analog scale after cesarean sections. More research is needed into non-opioid pain management strategies in the post-operative period in obstetric care.

“Opioid free colorectal surgery: Outcomes of successful non-opiate colorectal surgery in a rural community teaching hospital”

BackgroundOpiates present challenges due to side effects, including prolonged hospitalization and delayed bowel function. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols advocate for multimodal pain management, yet few studies explore entirely non-opiate approaches. Methods134 elective ERAS colorectal surgery patients were reviewed from January 2019 to June 2020 ​at a single institution, with surgery performed by a single surgeon. Endpoints were pain scores, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. ResultsForty patients were included in the non-opiate cohort. Mann Whitney-U test found that postoperatively, non-opiate patients spent significantly less time in moderate or severe pain (p ​< ​.001). There was no significant difference between study groups (non-opiate and opiate) for the no or mild pain categories, LOS, or mortality. Risk factors for opiate use were younger age and prior opiate use. Gender, ASA class, stoma creation, malignancy, and surgical approach were not associated with increased opiates. ConclusionNon-opiate approaches in colorectal surgery are feasible and comparable to opiate regimens in our patient cohort.

257 Utilization of a Type-1 Emergency Department Observation Unit for Rapid Very-Low-Dose Buprenorphine Induction in Patients With Opiate Use Disorder

257 Utilization of a Type-1 Emergency Department Observation Unit for Rapid Very-Low-Dose Buprenorphine Induction in Patients With Opiate Use Disorder

Hemorrhagic versus non-hemorrhagic presentation of presumed reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS): Presentations and outcomes

Introduction Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) can present with hemorrhage, ischemia, or both. We aim to compare the differences in presentation and outcomes between patients with RCVS. Methods The hemorrhagic presentation group had 58 patients, and the non-hemorrhagic presentations had 30 patients. Subgroup analysis compared patients with evidence of one or more types of hemorrhage ( n = 53), no evidence of hemorrhage or infarction ( n = 23), evidence of infarction only ( n = 7), and combination of hemorrhage and infarction ( n = 5). Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed. Results Migraine ( p = 0.030) and intracranial tumors ( p = 0.004) were more frequent in non-hemorrhagic presentation. Seizures on admission ( p = 0.047) and higher than average C-reactive protein (CRP) ( p = 0.037) were seen at a higher rate in patients with hemorrhagic presentation. RCVS2 scores were not unexpectedly higher in patients with hemorrhage than non-hemorrhagic presentations ( p = 0.010). Outcomes between the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic groups were comparable. Subgroup analysis found a higher subset of patients with opiate use ( p = 0.046) in the hemorrhage-only group. Patients with hemorrhage presented with a thunderclap headache ( p &lt; 0.001) more often when compared to the other three groups. RCVS2 score was not unexpectedly higher in the hemorrhage-only group compared with the other groups ( p = 0.004). Conclusion A history of migraines was associated with ischemia, while intracranial tumor was significantly associated with evidence of either an infarct, or no changes on imaging. Exposure to opiates, and seizures or thunderclap headache on presentation were associated with hemorrhage. If our data are reproducible, the RCVS2 score may benefit from inclusion of other, small hemorrhages as criterion for diagnosis for RCVS.

Predictive factors for postoperative ileus after elective right hemicolectomy performed on over 80% Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-adherent patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is the standard surgical approach for treatment of right-sided colonic neoplasms. Although performed within a strict Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, patients still develop postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to describe the factors responsible for postoperative ileus after right hemicolectomy in a patient population with over 80% ERAS adherence. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 499 consecutive patients undergoing elective right-sided colectomy for neoplastic disease in a single high-volume center. All patients followed an updated ERAS program. The overall median ERAS adherence was 80%. Patients with ≥ 80% adherence (n = 271) were included in further analysis. Their median ERAS adherence was 88.9% (interquartile range, 80-90; range, 80-100). Twenty-four of 271 patients (8.9%) developed postoperative ileus. A univariate regression analysis revealed carcinoma situated in the transverse colon, duration of operation over 200 minutes, and opiate consumption over 10 mg on the second postoperative day (POD) to be associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative ileus. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that duration of surgery over 200 minutes (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-5.8; P = 0.045) and opiate consumption over 10 mg on POD 2 (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.6-14.3; P = 0.005) independently predict a higher risk for postoperative ileus. The median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with postoperative ileus (8 days vs. 3 days, P < 0.001). None of the 271 patients died during a 30-day follow-up. Long duration of surgery, even minor postoperative opiate use, predict a higher risk for postoperative ileus in strictly ERAS-adherent patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Affective neuroscience personality traits in opioid use disorder patients: The relationship with earlier onset of substance use, the severity of addiction, and motivational factors to quit opiate use.

This study aims to explore the relationship between affective personality traits and opioid use disorder (OUD), including factors such as motivation to quit, addiction severity, and age of onset of drug use. This study included 141 patients with opioid addiction (OAP) and 160 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). OAP were interviewed and diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria. HC were screened for past or current drug use. Participants completed sociodemographic forms and the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS), and the OAP group also completed the Addiction Profile Index (API). SEEK, PLAY, and SADNESS were identified as different affective personality traits between OAP and HC groups. Addiction severity was positively correlated with SADNESS and ANGER, while the age of onset of drug use was correlated with ANGER. Risk factors for OA include family history of substance abuse, low education, and low PLAY scores, whereas risk factors for earlier substance use onset are childhood trauma and high ANGER scores. This study highlights the importance of understanding affective personality traits in OUD. These findings may deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of OUD. The identification of these affective systems may have implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

Abdominal Pain and Chronic Opiate Use in Patients with Gastroparesis

Introduction: Although opiate narcotics may worsen gastroparesis(GP), patients can take these for abdominal pain (AP) or other chronic pain syndromes. This study aims to evaluate medications patients with gastroparesis use for AP and compare patients who use opiate analgesics for AP to those using opiate analgesics for non-abdominal pain. Methods: Patients at a tertiary academic center gastroenterology clinic completed the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders–Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) and Quality of Life Short-Form 8 (QOL SF-8) surveys between 10/2021 and 03/2023. Patients recorded gastroparesis treatments, pain treatments and indication, and any hospitalizations/emergency department (ED) visits within 3 months of a clinic visit. Results: A total of 53 patients were enrolled: 72% reported having AP. Patients were using the following medications for AP: 25% heating pad, ice or hot showers, 20.8% acetaminophen, 14.6% hyoscyamine, 13% opiate use, 13% marijuana use, 10.4% dicyclomine, 8.3% Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 4% benzodiazepine, and 2.1% gabapentin. The reported reasons for using opiates were 58% AP, 16.6% chronic back pain, 16.6% Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and fibromyalgia, and 8.3% osteoarthritis. All opiate users reported daily scheduled use. AP severity scores (4.1 vs. 2.8; p = 0.041), morphine equivalent usage (77 ± 44 vs. 32 ± 28; p = 0.037), and the number of ER visits (1.0 vs. 0 over 3 months) were higher in patients using opiates for AP than those using opiates for non-abdominal pain. Conclusions: In this series, 72% of patients with gastroparesis had abdominal pain, and 13% of patients were taking opiates. Patients who used opiate analgesics for abdominal pain had a higher average abdominal pain severity score and used a higher amount of opiate analgesia than patients using opiates for musculoskeletal pain. Abdominal pain in patients with gastroparesis can be harder to control with opiate analgesia compared to non-abdominal pain, supporting the concept of avoiding chronic opiate usage for abdominal pain in gastroparesis.

Substance use moderates relationships between apolipoprotein E genotype, hepatitis C, cognition, and depression in Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) participants.

The impact of APOE on HIV and HCV disease course, cognition, and memory has been understudied in minoritized populations. This study examined whether scores on cognition and depression measures differed by APOE ε4 carrier status while considering HCV and HIV seropositivity and whether these measures were moderated by substance use. A retrospective analysis examined cognitive and psychological data from participants (n = 493) in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. APOE genotyping was performed on banked blood samples. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine differences across participants living with and without HIV and/or HCV and by APOE ε4 genotype. APOE ε4 carriers living with HCV who used cannabis had higher depression scores than non-ε4 carriers, while nonusers had fewer depressive symptoms. APOE ε4 carriers living with HCV had better cognition scores after adjusting for cocaine, opiate, and cannabis use than non-ε4 carriers. Scores on cognitive and depression measures did not differ between APOE ε4 carriers and non-ε4 carriers in participants living with HIV, and substance use did not moderate this relationship. This study was the first of its kind to examine substance use as a moderator for cognition and depression among individuals with HIV and/or HCV stratified by APOE genotype. Findings support further research evaluating the frequency and duration of 1) domains of cognitive functioning impacted by APOE genotype relevant to substance use and 2) the influence of substance use on cognitive and depressive outcomes among adults living with HIV and HCV, HIV, or HCV.

Analyzing quality of life among people with opioid use disorder from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Data Share initiative: implications for decision making

PurposeWe aimed to estimate health state utility values (HSUVs) for the key health states found in opioid use disorder (OUD) cost-effectiveness models in the published literature.MethodsData obtained from six trials representing 1,777 individuals with OUD. We implemented mapping algorithms to harmonize data from different measures of quality of life (the SF-12 Versions 1 and 2 and the EQ-5D-3 L). We performed a regression analysis to quantify the relationship between HSUVs and the following variables: days of extra-medical opioid use in the past 30 days, injecting behaviors, treatment with medications for OUD, HIV status, and age. A secondary analysis explored the impact of opioid withdrawal symptoms.ResultsThere were statistically significant reductions in HSUVs associated with extra-medical opioid use (-0.002 (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0001]) to -0.003 (95% CI [-0.005,-0.002]) per additional day of heroin or other opiate use, respectively), drug injecting compared to not injecting (-0.043 (95% CI [-0.079,-0.006])), HIV-positive diagnosis compared to no diagnosis (-0.074 (95% CI [-0.143,-0.005])), and age (-0.001 per year (95% CI [-0.003,-0.0002])). Parameters associated with medications for OUD treatment were not statistically significant after controlling for extra-medical opioid use (0.0131 (95% CI [-0.0479,0.0769])), in line with prior studies. The secondary analysis revealed that withdrawal symptoms are a fundamental driver of HSUVs, with predictions of 0.817 (95% CI [0.768, 0.858]), 0.705 (95% CI [0.607, 0.786]), and 0.367 (95% CI [0.180, 0.575]) for moderate, severe, and worst level of symptoms, respectively.ConclusionWe observed HSUVs for OUD that were higher than those from previous studies that had been conducted without input from people living with the condition.

Short-term mobility in low-energy pelvic ring fractures after conservative treatment

BackgroundThe growing population of elderly people is leading to a rising number of pelvic ring fractures. These often involve combinations of pubic branch and sacrum fractures, as seen in lateral compression type 1 (LC1) and 2 (LC2) fractures or more precisely classified as fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). The combined impact on the anterior and posterior ring brings the risk of prolonged pain, resulting in decreased mobility and increased complications. Given the higher multimorbidity of this population, surgical treatment poses a greater risk of intra- and post-operative complications. Hence, the management and treatment of this particular type of fracture remain challenging. MethodsA retrospective data analysis of 41 patients (F/M; 27/14) treated conservatively for low-energy LC1 or LC2 fractures was performed between 2017 and 2020. The fractures were classified using Rommens’ FFP classification. The primary outcome was mobility at 2 and 6 weeks, assessed through chart analysis and phone interviews. To determine factors influencing patient outcomes fracture consolidation was assessed via X-ray analysis. As a secondary outcome logistic regression and decision tree analyzes were conducted. ResultsThe mean age at the time of fracture was 79.8 ± 12.5 (SD) years. Thirty-two patients regained mobility (F/M; 25/7) after 2 weeks. Another 7 patients were mobile after 6 weeks (F/M; 2/5). Two male patients did not regain mobility. Male sex emerged as the sole independent predictor of non-mobility at 2 weeks (p = 0.0037). Age, BMI, pubic branch fracture dislocation >5 mm, analgesic use of opiates, corticosteroid therapy, alcohol and smoking showed no association with mobility recovery. Fracture consolidation was observed in 73.2 % of patients (F/M; 21/9), while one female had no consolidation. Ten patients (F/M; 5/5) were lost to follow-up. ConclusionsOur study shows that LC1 (FFP IIb, IIc) and LC2 (FFP IIIc, IVb) fractures can be effectively treated conservatively, with successful remobilization within 6 weeks. The only independent negative predictor of early mobilization was male sex. Pubic branch displacement >5 mm did not affect the outcome. Therefore, conservative management proves to be a viable option for low-energy LC1 or LC2 fractures.Level of Evidence: IV (retrospective study).

Retrospective review of surgeon administered transversus abdominis plane blocks at emergency caesarean.

Effective analgesics with minimal side effects are imperative for patient and neonate wellbeing postpartum. Post-caesarean section ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have proven safety and efficacy. Surgical TAP blocks appear effective and require little time and equipment. No previous examination of surgical TAP blocks in patients having undergone emergency caesarean section has been undertaken. To investigate surgical TAP block and multimodal analgesic use during emergency caesarean section, the effect on surgical time, post-operative analgesia use, and admission length. We performed a retrospective review of 250 patients who underwent emergency caesarean in 2022. Surgical TAP blocks were performed with 20 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine either side. Primary outcomes included surgical time, length of admission, time to first request of rescue opiate, opiate use in first post-operative 24 h, total dose used during admission, and opiates prescribed on discharge. Ninety-six patients received surgical TAP blocks, and 154 did not. There were no statistically significant differences in the primary outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients who did not receive intrathecal morphine, body mass index over 30 kg/m2, for patients whom this was their first caesarean, and for TAP blocks versus local infiltration to the wound. There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes in these subgroups. Surgical TAP blocks did not prolong surgical time or decrease post-operative analgesia use or admission length in patients having undergone emergency caesarean. Patient-tailored multimodal analgesia is encouraged, although more research is needed.

The erector spinae plane block vs. usual care for treatment of mechanical back pain in the emergency department: a pilot study.

The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB), traditionally utilized for thoracic regional pain control, has been reported as an effective analgesic option for mechanical back pain, renal colic, and rib fractures in the emergency department (ED). This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of the ESPB to usual analgesic treatment for patients presenting to the ED with mechanical back pain. A prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at a Canadian community hospital from March 2020 to December 2022. Adult patients presenting to the ED with mechanical back pain of at least 7 out of 10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were randomized to receive either the ESPB or usual care. The primary outcome was the difference in NPRS score reduction at ED discharge. Secondary outcomes included ED length of stay, ED opiate use, follow-up NPRS and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) scores, back pain-related return ED visits, and ongoing opiate use. A total of 30 patients were enrolled, with 19 randomized to the ESPB cohort and 11 to the usual care cohort. The mean NPRS reduction at ED discharge was significantly higher in the ESPB group compared to the usual care group (5.4 vs. 2.2), with a difference of 3.2 (95% confidence interval 1.4-5.1). ED opiate use was lower in the ESPB group. The ESPB also resulted in a significant reduction in ED length of stay (160min vs. 235min). There were no reported adverse effects related to the research interventions. This pilot study suggests that the ESPB may be an effective opioid-sparing analgesic option for patients presenting to the ED with mechanical back pain. NCT05982483.

Increasing age and lethal opiate use.

Opioid abuse is a leading cause of drug-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been suggested that the age of opiate users in Australia is rising. To evaluate this further in a local population, toxicology and pathology case files from Forensic Science SA, Adelaide, South Australia, were examined for all cases with lethal opioid levels from 2000 to 2019 (n = 499; M:F 2.3:1; age range 18-91 years, median age 42 years). The median age of opiate deaths increased significantly by approximately 16 years (p = 0.007, R2 = 0.34) with a significant increase in total deaths in the 45-54 years and 55-64 years age groups (p = 0.009, R2 = 0.32) (p = < 0.001, R2 = 0.54). Deaths due to heroin overdose showed the lowest median age (39 years, n = 184), with deaths from tramadol toxicity having the highest (50.5 years, n = 32). Recent changes in the demographic profile of opioid users in cases of lethal overdose involve an aging population. Forensic and clinical practitioners should be aware of significant opioid abuse in certain individuals at older ages as this raises the possibility that this may exacerbate the effects of age-related chronic diseases in this group and/or contribute to fatalities.

Pain Management of Refractory Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Case Report

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, and painful inflammatory condition of the skin. Pain in HS is one of the most common symptoms and has a devastating effect on quality of life. Here, we present a unique case of a patient with HS and pain management guidelines used to treat her condition. Case Report: This is a 42-year-old woman with a history of HS, hypertension, depression who presented with one month of pain in her groin crease, vulva, and rectum. She was recently discharged from the hospital for HS superinfection. She was treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics. She previously tried treatment with acetaminophen, lidocaine 2% jelly, gabapentin 400 mg TID, oxycodone, dilaudid, adalimumab, infliximab, topical clindamycin, intralesional steroid injections, and doxycycline. The pain management specialist recommended continuing treatment with gabapentin 400 mg TID and titrate to 600 mg TID as tolerated, and to follow up with the dermatology team to restart infliximab. Discussion: This case demonstrates a complicated, refractory HS condition that necessitates first, second, and third line treatment modalities. Pain control in HS starts by having best control of the underlying disease. The United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations clinical guidelines suggest acute pain management should include topical analgesics (ie, lidocaine), oral acetaminophen, and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Chronic pain management should focus on a multidisciplinary approach. Clinical guidelines recommend escalating oral analgesics for pain that doesn’t respond to first-line agents. Opiate use should follow the World Health Organization pain ladder of tramadol, codeine, hydrocodone, and morphine. Neuropathic pain can be treated with pregabalin or gabapentin, titrated as tolerated by patients. Chronic HS lesions can be treated with wide local scalpel, CO2, or electrosurgical excision, and recurrent nodules can be deroofed or excised. Superior hypogastric plexus block and/or ganglion impar block can be considered for refractory cases. Conclusion: HS is an extremely painful condition severely affecting quality of life. Adequate pain management is vital, and a stepwise approach is recommended.

Awareness of Opioid Use for Pain Control among Healthcare Practitioners: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To compile the recent literature's findings and shed light on knowledge of healthcare personnel about the use of opioids in pain management. Methods: A thorough search of pertinent databases was done in order to find studies that satisfied the requirements for inclusion. A thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Science Direct was conducted to find pertinent literature. Results: Ten studies, including a total of 58,234 participants and 21,769 (37.4%) of them were females, were included in our data. There were notable differences found between the clinical skills of physicians in managing pain and prescribing opioids and their self-perceived knowledge in these areas. Many studies reported that nearly half of the participants had poor knowledge about using opioids for pain management. Physicians with higher clinical knowledge ratings prescribed fewer opioids. Only two studies reported that professionals with advanced degrees were found to have a sufficient level of understanding regarding pain and opiate use. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a lack of and insufficient knowledge about opioids on pain management among healthcare personnel. Prospective investigations ought to concentrate on crafting customized instructional curricula and decision-assistance instruments for primary care practitioners, as well as analyzing the influence of interdisciplinary pain treatment groups on patient results.

Assessing predictors of adequate individual buprenorphine maintenance dosage for the treatment of opioid use disorder: Listening to the patient

ObjectiveDose optimization plays a key role in determining clinical outcomes in patients on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). The objective of this study was to identify the variables independently associated with buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) dose adequacy in patients with opiate use disorder (OUD). MethodCross-sectional study of a convenience sample of patients with OUD treated with B/N (n = 315) in four regions in Spain. The Opiate Dosage Adequacy Scale (ODAS) was used to determine B/N dose adequacy. The ODAS evaluate the six components of the “dose adequacy” construct, as follows: continued use of heroin; narcotic blockade or crossed tolerance; objective opioid withdrawal symptoms (OWS); subjective OWS; craving for heroin; and overmedication. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the variables associated with the condition “ODAS Adequate B/N dose”. Participants completed a battery of instruments to assess sociodemographic, substance use, clinical, and treatment variables. ResultsThe B/N dose was considered adequate in 231 of the 315 participants (73.3 %). Two variables, satisfaction with B/N as a medication (OR=5.764, 95 % CI=2.211-15.030) and patient-perceived participation in B/N dose decisions (OR=1.790, 95 % CI=1221-2623), were independently, significantly, and positively associated with the “ODAS Adequate B/N dose” condition. While the severity of heroin dependence was significantly associated with buprenorphine dose adequacy in the bivariate analyses, significance was lost in the full regression model. ConclusionSatisfaction with B/N as a medication and patient-perceived involvement in the dose decision are associated with clinician-assessed dose adequacy. In the context of good clinical practice, it is important to take into account both of these variables to individualize the prescribed dose through a shared decision-making process.

Is it necessary to stop glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists prior to endoscopic procedure? A retrospective study.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are effective in diabetes and obesity, reducing hyperglycemia by increasing insulin release and delaying gastric emptying. However, they can cause gastroparesis, raising concerns about aspiration during procedures. Recent guidelines advise discontinuing GLP-1 RA before surgery to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. To evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RAs on gastric residual contents during endoscopic procedures. A retrospective chart review at BronxCare Health System, New York, from January 2019 to October 2023, assessed gastric residue and aspiration in GLP-1 RA patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. Two groups were compared based on dietary status before the procedure. Data included demographics, symptoms of gastroparesis, opiate use, hemoglobin A1c, GLP-1 agonist indication, endoscopic details, and aspiration occurrence. IBM SPSS was used for analysis, calculating means, standard deviations, and applying Pearson's chi-square and t-tests for associations, with P < 0.05 as being significant. During the study, 306 patients were included, with 41.2% on a clear liquid/low residue diet and 58.8% on a regular diet before endoscopy. Most patients (63.1%) were male, with a mean age of 60 ± 12 years. The majority (85.6%) were on GLP-1 RAs for diabetes, and 10.1% reported digestive symptoms before endoscopy. Among those on a clear liquid diet, 1.5% had residual food at endoscopy compared to 10% on a regular diet, which was statistically significant (P = 0.03). Out of 31 patients with digestive symptoms, 13% had residual food, all from the regular diet group (P = 0.130). No complications were reported during or after the procedures. The study reflects a significant rise in GLP-1 RA use for diabetes and obesity. A 24-hour liquid diet seems safe for endoscopic procedures without aspiration. Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms might have a higher residual food risk, though not statistically significant. Further research is needed to assess risks based on diabetes duration, gastroparesis, and GLP-1 RA dosing, aiming to minimize interruptions in therapy during procedures.

Comparative Study of Morphine, Fentanyl or Nalbuphine Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) for Mucositis Pain in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cancer Therapy. A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Cancer treatment may cause several side effects, including severe oral mucositis (SOM). Oral mucositis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that causes severe pain and ulceration. Children and adolescents are more prone to develop chemotherapy-induced SOM. Opiates have been the cornerstone of pain management for moderate to severe oral mucositis. The effective use of opiates requires balancing the desired effects of pain relief with undesired adverse effects Aim of the Work We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Nalbuphine (agonist – antagonist) in comparison with the pure agonist opioids (Morphine and Fentanyl) when used for oral mucositis pain in pediatric patients undergoing cancer therapy. Primary outcomes measures were Pain intensity self- assessment by using VAS, Number of active and total pushes of PCA buttons, Total opioid consumptions for each patient, and Patient satisfaction at the end of the 7 days using Patient Satisfaction Score PSS were assessed using a linear scale where 0 = very satisfied; 10 = very dissatisfied. Secondary outcomes measures were Adverse events including Respiratory depression, Bradycardia, Hypotension, Over sedation, Nausea and vomiting, Pruritus, Urinary retention. Patients and Methods This was a Randomized Clinical Trial conducted on 90 Pediatric patients who were diagnosed with cancer, admitted to Children Cancer Hospital -Egypt (CCHE-57357) and underwent cancer therapy that was complicated with Mucositis grade 3 and 4 (severe oral mucositis) according to the WHO scale for oral mucositis. Patients were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups each included 30 patients using of: PCA Morphine (Group M), PCA Nalbuphine (Group N) and PCA Fentanyl (Group F). Using equipotent doses of the three medications. Results Highly significant decrease in VAS score (7th day) and total opioid consumption (7th day), in Nalbuphine and Morphine groups; compared to Fentanyl group (p &amp;lt; 0.01 respectively). Significant increase in patient satisfaction score PSS in Nalbuphine drug group; compared to other drug groups (p = 0.032). Highly significant decrease in serious side effects (especially respiratory depression and sedation problems), in Nalbuphine and Morphine groups; compared to Fentanyl group (p = 0.0004). Conclusion Nalbuphine proven to be adequately effective, not inferior to Morphine in terms of improving pain relief, decreasing opioid consumptions in pediatric PCA users. However patients reported less satisfaction with Nalbuphine than Fentanyl or Morphine. In terms of safety profile, Nalbuphine had less adverse effects in pediatric patients with oral mucositis related to cancer therapy in comparison to Fentanyl or morphine.