Predictors Of Long-term Use Research Articles

Incidence and risk factors for prolonged postoperative opioid use following lumbar spine surgery: a cohort study.

Sustained postoperative opioid use after elective surgery is a matter of growing concern. Herein, the authors investigated incidence and predictors of long-term opioid use among patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery, especially as a function of opioid prescribing practices at postoperative discharge (dose in morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs] and type of opioid). The OptumLabs Data Warehouse (OLDW) was queried for postdischarge opioid prescriptions for patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression and discectomy (LDD) or posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) for degenerative spine disease. Only patients who received an opioid prescription at postoperative discharge and those who had a minimum of 180 days of insurance coverage prior to surgery and 180 days after surgery were included. Opioid-naive patients were defined as those who had no opioid fills in 180 days prior to surgery. The following patterns of long-term postoperative use were investigated: additional fills (at least one opioid fill 90-180 days after surgery), persistent fills (any span of opioid use starting in the 180 days after surgery and lasting at least 90 days), and Consortium to Study Opioid Risks and Trends (CONSORT) criteria for persistent use (episodes of opioid prescribing lasting longer than 90 days and 120 or more total days' supply or 10 or more prescriptions in 180 days after the index fill). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of long-term use. A total of 25,587 patients were included, of whom 52.7% underwent PLF (n = 13,486) and 32.5% (n = 8312) were opioid-naive prior to surgery. The rates of additional fills, persistent fills, and CONSORT use were 47%, 30%, and 23%, respectively, after PLF and 35.4%, 19%, and 14.2%, respectively, after LDD. The rates among opioid-naive patients were 18.9%, 5.6%, and 2.5% respectively, after PLF and 13.3%, 2.0%, and 0.8%, respectively, after LDD. Using multivariable logistic regression, the following were identified to be significantly associated with higher risk of long-term opioid use following PLF: discharge opioid prescription ≥ 500 MMEs, prescription of a long-acting opioid, female sex, multilevel surgery, and comorbidities such as depression and drug abuse (all p < 0.05). Elderly (age ≥ 65 years) and opioid-naive patients were found to be at lower risk (all p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained on analysis for LDD with the following significant additional risk factors identified: discharge opioid prescription ≥ 400 MMEs, prescription of tramadol alone at discharge, and inpatient surgery (all p < 0.05). In an analysis of pharmacy claims from a national insurance database, the authors identified incidence and predictors of long-term opioid use after elective lumbar spine surgery.

Association between Opioids Prescribed to Medical Inpatients with Pain and Long-Term Opioid Use.

Opioid receipt during medical hospitalizations may be associated with subsequent long-term use. Studies, however, have not accounted for pain, which may explain chronic use. The objective of this study was to identify the association between opioid exposure during a medical hospitalization and use 6 to 12 months later. This was an observational cohort study using electronic health record data from 10 hospitals in the Cleveland Clinic Health System in 2016. Eligible patients were opioid-naïve adults with pain age 18 years and older, admitted to a medical service. Outcomes were opioid receipt during hospitalization and on discharge, and long-term opioid use, defined as ≥2 prescriptions for at least 30 pills 6 to 12 months posthospitalization. We estimated the odds of long-term opioid use by opioid exposure during the hospitalization. Models controlled for patient demographic and clinical characteristics, including patient-reported pain. Among the 2971 patients in the sample, 64% received opioids during their hospitalization and 28% were discharged with opioids. Overall, 3% of patients had long-term use. Higher pain score was associated with greater odds of long-term use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per point increase 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.19). No patient factors were associated with long-term use. Receipt of an opioid during a hospitalization only was not associated with long-term use (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 0.81-2.57), but receipt at discharge was (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.56). Although opioid receipt at discharge was associated with long-term use, the number of patients this applied to was small. Pain severity was an important predictor of long-term use and should be accounted for in future studies.

Predictors of long-term use of prescription opioids in the community-dwelling population of adults without a cancer diagnosis: a retrospective cohort study

Background:Long-term opioid use is a known risk factor for opioid-related harms. We aimed to identify risk factors for and predictors of long-term use of prescription opioids in the community-dwelling population of adults without a diagnosis of cancer, to inform practice change at the point of care.Methods:Using Quebec administrative claims databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in a random sample of adult members (≥ 18 yr) of the public drug plan who did not have a cancer diagnosis and who initiated a prescription opioid in the outpatient setting between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2016. The outcome of interest was long-term opioid use (≥ 90 consecutive days or ≥ 120 cumulative days over 12 mo). Potential predictors included sociodemographic factors, medical history, characteristics of the initial opioid prescription and prescriber’s specialty. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the association between each characteristic and long-term use. We used the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the predictive performance of full and parsimonious models.Results:Of 124 664 eligible patients who initiated opioid therapy, 4172 (3.3%) progressed to long-term use of prescription opioids. The most important associated factors in the adjusted analysis were long-term prescription of acetaminophen–codeine (odds ratio [OR] 6.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.99 to 7.96), prescription of a long-acting opioid at initiation (OR 6.02, 95% CI 5.31 to 6.84), initial supply of 30 days or more (OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.81 to 4.69), chronic pain (OR 2.41, 95% CI 2.16 to 2.69) and initial dose of at least 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.47). Our predictive model, including only the initial days’ supply and chronic pain diagnosis, had area under the curve of 0.7618.Interpretation:This study identified factors associated with long-term prescription opioid use. Limiting the initial supply to no more than 7 days and limiting doses to 90 MME/day or less are actions that could be undertaken at the point of care.

Toxicological and Reversibility Studies of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract on Biochemical, Peroxidation and Histopathologic Parameters in Rodents

Aim: The aqueous leaf extract of B. pinnatum (BP) is effective as herbal medicine for hypertension, diabetes and convulsions, for which there has not been reliable subchronic toxicity data. This study aimed to study possible health effects of sub-chronic use of BP, as a predictor of long-term use in humans. Methods: Acute 24h oral (in mice) and 90 day-subchronic toxicity (in rats) tests were conducted as predictors for human outcome. Following 90 days, and 21 days reversibility tests, biochemical- ALP, ALT and AST, LDH, direct bilirubin, uric acid and creatinine were measured; oxidative stress- CAT, SOD), MDA; and histopathologic parameters were determined. No mortality was recorded up to 5g/kg of BP in acute toxicity test. After 90 days, 1000 mg/kg BP, caused significant, but reversible increases in all ALP, AST, ALT, LDH, uric acid, and creatinine. Results: At 100 & 1000 mg/kg of BP, the MDA was significantly elevated for kidney, heart, lungs and spleen; but at 1000 mg/kg, BP produced significant reduction of CAT and SOD; and elevation of MDA for all organs. These effects on CAT, SOD and MDA, except the lungs at 1000 mg/kg and testes at 100 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, were reversed. At 1000 mg/kg BP caused some observable changes in the kidneys and liver of few of the rats, irreversible pathologic changes were observed in the testis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that vital organs toxicities could occur during long-term use of BP, especially for irreversible pathologic changes in the testis.

Uptake and use of a diabetes management program with a mobile glucometer

ObjectiveInnovative mobile health technologies (mHealth) may facilitate self-management of blood glucose. This study evaluates uptake, use, and predictors of uptake and long-term use of a diabetes mHealth intervention, which comprises an FDA-approved mobile glucometer and nurse coaching, in a real-world setting. Methodsn = 4438 commercially-insured adults with diabetes were recruited from 2014 to 2015 via an opt-in, phone-based process. In this post-only study, we obtained data on recruitment, glucometer use, demographics, and insurance and employer characteristics. We calculated percent uptake and reasons for unsuccessful recruitment. We used logistic regression to model predictors of uptake and survival analysis to examine duration of testing and predictors of discontinuation. ResultsOf the recruited members, 556 (12.5%) signed up for the mHealth program and 324 (7.3%) began testing. Of those who did not sign up, the majority (70.6%) were unable to be reached by phone. Male (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.03) and Spanish-speaking (OR = 8.34, 95% CI: 5.40, 12.88) members were more likely to start testing. Two-thirds (66.2%) of those who started testing had a first test value that indicated hyperglycemia; 97% tested more than once and the median time between first and last test was 407 days. Older age was the only significant predictor of long-term use. ConclusionsAlthough uptake of the mHealth program was low, most members who started testing had initial glucose values that indicated a need for better glucose management and the majority of patients engaged with the program for over a year. Male and Spanish-speaking members were more likely to initiate the program.

Predictors of long term use of psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia: 12\xa0years follow-up

BackgroundThe aim of study was to investigate predictors of long term use of psychiatric services of patients with recent-onset schizophrenia.MethodsA cohort of 50 clinically stable patients with recent-onset schizophrenia was included in a randomized controlled trial comparing early integrated treatment with treatment as usual. Recent onset was defined as emergence of psychotic symptoms for the first time during the preceding 2 years. The follow up period was from the date of randomization and until 12 years after termination of treatment trial, 14 years forward.ResultsScore on Brief psychiatric rating scale both at baseline and after 2 years of treatment, suicide attempts during 2 years of treatment and being an inpatient during 2 years of treatment were significant predictors of long term use of services.ConclusionHigh score on Brief psychiatric rating scale, suicide attempts and being admitted as inpatient early in the course of schizophrenia are possible predictors of long term use of services.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00184509. Registered 15 September 2005.

Prescription Opioids for Occupational Injury: Results from Workers' Compensation Claims Records

The objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of opioid prescription use in an Australian workers' compensation population and assess predictors of long-term use. Retrospective administrative data analysis. WorkSafe Victoria (Australia) workers' compensation. Workers with a workers' compensation claim were included if the injury/illness started in 2008 or 2009 (N = 54,931). Claim payments records dating up to 2 years postinjury were analyzed to determine receipt of prescription opioids. Long-term use was defined as use of any opioid beyond 1 year postinjury. Within the follow-up period, 8,933 (16.3%) workers claimed prescription opioids: 10.0% claimed opioids in the first year only, and 6.3% claimed opioids beyond the first year. The most commonly received opioids were codeine (10.4%), oxycodone (7.5%), and tramadol (5.0%). Dextropropoxyphene, which is considered unsafe in many countries because of potentially fatal side effects, was used by 1.9% of injured workers. Progression to long-term use of opioids was common (N = 3,446; 39%): age (35-64 years; the association with age followed an inverse U-shaped curve), women, laborers, lower socioeconomic status, greater work disability, and greater hospital expense were associated with opioid use beyond the first year postinjury. Prescription opioid use for workplace injury in Australia is common but not as common as reports from U.S. workers' compensation schemes. The type of opioid and number of repeat prescriptions are factors that should be carefully considered by practitioners prescribing opioids to injured workers: progression to long-term use is common and not fully explained by injury severity.

Use of addictive anxiolytics and hypnotics in a national cohort of incident users in Norway

To examine (1) incidence rates for treatment with addictive anxiolytics and hypnotics in Norway, (2) the proportions initiated by general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, and other physicians, and (3) the course of the treatment among incident users during a 3.5year follow-up period. Data on all prescriptions of anxiolytics (ATC code N05B) and hypnotics (N05C) dispensed to the general population from 1 January 2004 to 31 August 2009 were extracted from the Norwegian Prescription Database and merged with data about GPs from the Norwegian Regular General Practitioner Scheme. One-year incidence rates per 1,000 inhabitants were 18.2 for anxiolytics, 24.5 for hypnotics, and 35.4 for anxiolytics and hypnotics combined. GPs and psychiatrists initiated the treatment to 75.4 and 2.4%, respectively. Only 30.8% received short-term treatment as recommended. Long-term use (11.8%) and heavy use (1.4%) were most common for treatments initiated by a GP, but the risk both of long-term and of heavy use was highest for patients initially treated by a psychiatrist. The amount redeemed during the first quarter was the strongest predictor of long-term use and of heavy use. However, even during the quarter with highest drug consumption, 81.5% of the patients received <1 DDD/day. This study indicates that physicians' prescribing strategy towards initial users is crucial in order to prevent inappropriate drug use. There is a need to implement relevant guidelines and systems for structured clinical audits in general practice.

Predictors of long-term use of evidence-based therapies after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The S-Témoin survey

Background We evaluated correlates of prolonged use of evidence-based therapies in patients discharged after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). Methods 598 cardiologists enrolled 2443 patients at outpatient clinics 2–12 months after discharge for NSTE ACS. The use of cardiac medications for secondary prevention (antiplatelets, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzymes, and statins) was evaluated. Results A total of 2386 (97.7%) patients were on either antiplatelet monotherapy ( n = 623, 26.1%) or combination therapy ( n = 1763, 73.9%) at follow-up. Combination antiplatelet therapy declined by 23 percentage points (82.3% to 59.4%) 9–12 months after discharge, whereas use of other cardiac medications remained constant or increased. After multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors of combination antiplatelet therapy were PCI with a stent (odds ratio [OR] 3.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12–6.67), drug-eluting stents (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.73–6.08), late PCI (OR 3.21, 95% CI 2.12–4.87) and statins at discharge (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.40–2.80). Among the independent predictors of beta-blocker and statin use were extent of coronary artery disease and cardiac medications prescribed at discharge. Conclusions After NSTE ACS, implementation of recommendations on long-term use of evidence-based therapies depends largely on in-hospital management. A variety of clinical characteristics are also predictive of long-term use.

Uso de CPAP nasal en el largo plazo en síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño

The use of CPAP is the conventional therapy for the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). To establish the proportion of OSAS patients with CPAP indication who use it in the long-term and to determine predictive factors of adherence. Structured survey through personal interview or phone call, applied to all patients who had polisomnographically documented OSAS and CPAP titration at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Sleep Disorders Center between January 1998 and November 2001. Patients were divided in "Permanent Users" (Group I) and "Non Users" (Group II). Of 440 patients that fulfilled inclusion criteria, 162 (32.8%) answered the survey. Seventy percent (114/162) of these patients had used CPAP and 86% (98/114) continued to use it at the time of the interview, with a mean follow-up of 12.3 months (Group I 60.5% of the interviewed population). Group II included 64 patients (39.5% of the interviewed patients). Among the latter, 25% (16/64) stopped using CPAP due to intolerance, 25% (16/64) could not use it because of economical restrictions, 20.5% (13/64) preferred other therapies and 29.5% (15/64) merely refused treatment. Predictors of long-term use of CPAP were number of respiratory events (p <0.01), hypersomnolence (p <0.01) and age (p =0.03). Approximately two thirds of patients with OSAS, with an indication for CPAP, continue to use this therapy in the long term in a Chilean population. This figure is similar to other reports from abroad. It is also possible to identify predictive factors for CPAP discontinuation in this population.

Correlates of benzodiazepine use in individuals with insomnia

Background and purpose: Although benzodiazepines (BZDs) are commonly used in the treatment of insomnia, there is little information about psychological, health, and sociodemographic correlates associated with their use. Objective: This study examined correlates of benzodiazepine use for sleep in a clinical sample of patients seeking treatment for insomnia at a sleep disorders clinic. Patients and methods: The sample consisted of 97 individuals evaluated at a sleep disorders clinic for a presenting complaint of insomnia. Two groups were formed, including one with 61 patients who had been using BZDs for sleep for an average of 56.6 months (SD=68.0), and another with 36 patients who had insomnia but were not using BZDs or any other sleep aid. Logistic regressions, adjusting for an age difference between the user and non-user groups, were performed to examine variables associated with BZD use. Independent variables included demographic, medical, insomnia-related and psychological parameters and subjective sleep–wake characteristics. Unadjusted regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with a pattern of long-term use (>12 months) within the user group. Results: Age was a significant predictor of BZD use (OR=1.84, P=0.0002). Significant age-adjusted predictors of BZD use included perceived insomnia severity (OR=1.17, P=0.038), depressive symptoms, (OR=1.108, P=0.009) and state and trait anxiety symptoms (OR=1.062, P=0.016; OR=1.084, P=0.005, respectively). Significant predictors of long-term use (>12 months) were age of insomnia onset (OR=0.951, P=0.0214), more frequent BZD use (OR=3.284, P=0.0221), and higher state-anxiety (OR=1.106, P=0.0471). Conclusions: Age, psychological variables and perceived sleep disturbances severity, are associated with BZD use in patients with insomnia.

Opting for two hearing aids: a predictor of long-term use among adult patients fitted after screening: La opcion de dos auxiliares auditivos: una prediccion del uso a largo plazo en adultos con auxiliares adaptados despues de un programa de tamiz

This study is a follow-up of patients fitted with one or two hearing aids, approximately 10 years previously. Our patients were identified through population screening for hearing difficulties when they were aged 50–65 years. At the time, they had a trial of unilateral and bilateral fittings, and then they made their own choice to keep one or two aids. We found that 10 of the 12 who had opted for two aids and were available for follow-up 10 years later continued using at least one aid (83%, 95% CI 55–95). Six of the 17 who opted for unilateral fitting and were available for follow-up used a hearing aid in the long term (35%, 95% CI: 17–59%). Therefore, this study suggests that people who are identified through population screening, are bilaterally impaired, are willing to try bilateral fitting, and choose to continue with two aids, are likely to become long-term users of (one or two) hearing aids. Those who choose to continue with one aid after a trial of bilateral fitting are at high risk of rejecting the aid in the long term. Our sample is small, and we took a number of steps in the analysis in order to clarify whether these findings are reliable. We could not identify any confounding factors. The patients' preference for continuing with bilateral or unilateral aids after fitting was the only predictor of long-term use in our sample. Remarkably, bilateral preference was a better predictor of long-term use than the degree of hearing impairment. We discuss how this study provides useful information for planning population screening for hearing difficulties in middle age.Sumario: En este estudio se realiza un seguimiento de pacientes con adaptación de uno o dos auxiliares auditivos, aproximadamente 10 años antes. Nuestros pacientes fueron identificados a través de un estudio de tamiz poblacional para dificultades auditivas, cuando tenian edades entre los 50 y los 65 años. En aquel momento, se les realizaron pruebas para adaptación unilateral y bilateral, para que luego ellos hicieran su propia elección de si mantenian uno o dos auxiliares auditivos. Encontramos que 10 de los 12 sujetos que optaron por dos auxiliares auditivos y que estuvieron disponibles para la evaluación hasta 10 años después, continuaron utilizando al menos uno de ellos (83%, 95%; IC55–95%). Seis de los 17 que optaron por una adaptación unilateral y que estuvieron disponibles para el seguimiento, continuaron usando un auxiliar auditivo a largo plazo (35%, 95%; IC17–59%). Por lo tanto, este estudio sugiere que las personas identificadas por medio de pruebas de tamiz poblacional, que tienen un compromiso bilateral, que están dispuesta a intentar una adaptación bilateral y que escogen continuar usando dos auxiliares auditivos, muy probablemente se convertirán en usuarios a largo plazo de (uno o dos) auxiliares auditivos. Aquellos que escogen continuar con sólo uno, luego de una prueba de adaptación bilateral, enfrentan un alto riesgo de rechazarlo a largo plazo. Nuestra muestra es pequeña, y nosotros seguimos una serie de pasos en el análisis para aclarar si estos hallazgos eran confiables. No pudimos indentificar ningún factor de confusión. La preferencia de los pacientes de continuar con auxiliares auditivos uni o bilateralmente después de la adaptación, fue el único elemento de predicción a largo plazo en nuestra muestra. Interesantemente, la preferencia bilateral fue un mejor criterio de predicción a largo plazo, que el grado de trastorno auditivo. Discutimos aquí cómo este estudio aporta información valiosa para la planificación de estudios de identificatión de dificultades auditivas en sujetos de edad media.