Long-term opioid users with chronic noncancer pain: Assessment of opioid abuse risk and relationship with healthcare resource use

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna D. Coutinho, BPharm, PhD ◽  
Kavita Gandhi, BPharm, MS ◽  
Rupali M. Fuldeore, BAMS, MS ◽  
Pamela B. Landsman-Blumberg, MPH, DrPH ◽  
Sanjay Gandhi, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Opioid Abuse ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽  
Cart Analysis ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Noncancer Pain ◽  
Abuse Risk

Objective: Identify opioid abuse risk factors among chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) patients receiving long-term opioid therapy and assess healthcare resource use (HRU) among patients at elevated abuse risk.Design: Data were obtained from an integrated administrative claims database. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis identified risk factors potentially predictive of opioid abuse, which were used to classify the overall population into cohorts defined by levels of abuse risk. Multivariable logistic regression compared HRU across risk cohorts.Setting: Retrospective cohort study.Patients, participants: 21,072 patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with ≥1 of 5 types of CNCP and a prescription for Schedule II or III/IV opioid medication used long-term (≥90 days).Main outcome measures: (1) Opioid abuse risk factors; (2) HRU differences between risk cohorts.Results: CART analysis identified four groups at elevated opioid abuse risk defined by three factors (age, daily opioid dose, and total days’ supply of opioids); sensitivity: 70.3 percent, specificity: 74.1 percent, and positive predictive value: 5.6 percent. The analysis results were used to classify patients into low-risk (72.5 percent), at-risk (25.4 percent), and opioid-abuser (2.2 percent) cohorts. In multivariable analysis, emergency department (ED) use was higher among at-risk vs low-risk patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14; p < 0.05); hospitalization and ED visits were higher for opioid-abusers vs low-risk patients (OR: 2.33 and 2.14, respectively; p < 0.05).Conclusions: This study identifies a subpopulation of CNCP patients at risk of opioid abuse. However, limited sensitivity and specificity of criteria defining this subpopulation reinforce the importance of physician discretion in patient-level treatment decisions.

scholarly journals Pre-existing Cardiovascular Disease in United States Population at High Risk for Severe COVID-19 Infection

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan I Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
At Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Risk Patients

Background and Purpose There is increasing recognition of a relatively high burden of pre-existing cardiovascular disease in Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) infected patients. We determined the burden of pre-existing cardiovascular disease in persons residing in United States (US) who are at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. Methods Age (60 years or greater), presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, mellitus, hypertension, and/or malignancy were used to identify persons at risk for admission to intensive care unit, or invasive ventilation, or death with COVID-19 infection. Persons were classified as low risk (no risk factors), moderate risk (1 risk factor), and high risk (two or more risk factors present) using nationally representative sample of US adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 and 2018 survey. Results Among a total of 5856 participants, 2386 (40.7%) were considered low risk, 1325 (22.6%) moderate risk, and 2145 persons (36.6%) as high risk for severe COVID-19 infection. The proportion of patients who had pre-existing stroke increased from 0.6% to 10.5% in low risk patients to high risk patients (odds ratio [OR]19.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]11.6-34.3). The proportion of who had pre-existing myocardial infection (MI) increased from 0.4% to 10.4% in low risk patients to high risk patients (OR 30.6, 95% CI 15.7-59.8). Conclusions A large proportion of persons in US who are at risk for developing severe COVID 19 infection are expected to have pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Further studies need to identify whether targeted strategies towards cardiovascular diseases can reduce the mortality in COVID-19 infected patients.

Abstract 266: Are Outpatient Cardiologists Asking about Peripheral Artery Disease Clinical Symptoms in Low and High Risk Patients in accordance with ACC/AHA Guidelines?

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankitkumar K Patel ◽  
Rajesh M Kabadi ◽  
Rajani Sharma ◽  
Rita Schmidt ◽  
Elias Iliadis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Peripheral Artery Disease ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Peripheral Artery ◽  
Symptom Screening ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Artery Disease

Background: Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common syndrome that afflicts many individuals and leads to significant morbidity. The American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) (JACC, 2006) outlines four clinical symptoms (claudication, walking impairment, exertional leg complaints and poorly healing wounds) that should be asked to at risk patients. Outpatient cardiology practices often take care of individuals at risk for PAD and have the opportunity to screen and improve quality of medical care in accordance with professional guidelines. Methods: A group of 367 outpatients seen in a large academic cardiology practice from September 2011 underwent chart review. Risk factors for PAD that were assessed include history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, homocysteine levels, and CRP. Those that had three or more risk factors or a previous diagnosis of known PAD were classified as high risk and those with less than 2 risk factors were classified as low risk. Documentation of whether clinical symptoms were asked was obtained from outpatient chart. Fisher exact test was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Fifty-seven percent (N=208) of our population were classified as high risk for PAD and forty-three percent (N=158) were low risk. Table 1 below shows assessment of clinical symptoms in high and low risk patients. Conclusions: Though both high risk and low risk PAD patients are assessed at equivalent rates for clinical symptoms, the vast majority of patients overall are underassessed. Lack of knowledge of clinical symptoms can lead to underscreening of PAD and thus undertreatment. Increasing clinical symptom screening in the outpatient cardiology setting can lead to quality improvement and adherence to ACC/AHA Guidelines.

scholarly journals Tramadol prescribed use in general and chronic noncancer pain: a nationwide register-based cohort study of all patients above 16 years

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrinna Aviaja Hansen ◽  
Martin T. Ernst ◽  
Maria Stougaard ◽  
Bo Abrahamsen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Western World ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Noncancer Pain ◽  
Weak Opioid

AbstractBackground and aimsIn the Western world, it has become clear that we are facing a crisis of overuse, abuse and improperly prescribed use of opioids. As part of the ongoing discussion on opioid use, the use and prescription of tramadol have been addressed in recent years. A significant portion of this discussion should adequately address the risk factors for the use of weak opioid products such as tramadol. The risk factors which characterise the long-term tramadol use are still incompletely understood. Thus, we aimed to describe the characteristics of Danish patients using tramadol in more detail, under different scenarios and determinants of subsequent usage patterns.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide cohort study to identify individuals purchasing tramadol from 01/01/2004 to 31/12/2015 who are age 16 +  years old by using data from The Danish National Databases; these databases consist of unique information for all citizens in Denmark. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the potential risk factors for repeated tramadol use.ResultsThe final cancer-free cohort consisted of N = 941,839 tramadol users: 54.4% women, with a mean age of 53.2 years. The number of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) was 430,641 individuals, and 56% of the total third who repeated the use of tramadol with two +  purchased prescriptions were CNCP patients. The increased risk of repeated use for CNCP was, among others, associated with: male sex (HR 1.21), age 69–110 (HR 1.72), back/spine pain men (HR 1.47), women (HR 1.46), spondylopathies (HR 1.24), male osteoporosis (HR 1.22), multimorbid ulcer/skin (HR 1.28), region of municipality Northern Jutland (HR 1.74), Central Jutland (HR 1.75), number of co-medication 4–9 (HR 1.33), dementia (HR 1.27). Factors associated with decreased risk: co-medication ischemic heart disease (HR 0.85), diagnosis headache (HR 0.70), household income highest tertile (HR 0.81), unknown (HR 0.70), single women (HR 0.96).ConclusionsThis study proved a widespread prescribed use of tramadol in Denmark, and, as know from the literature, weak opioid use may lead to long-term use of high potent opioids, this usage is inappropriate, in general, but especially for the treatment of CNCP.ImplicationsWhen striving to reduce the overuse of opioids, focus on the extensive use of tramadol may be essential. The current study indicates an excessive and not appropriately prescribed use of tramadol among Danish CNCP patients. In addition to being inappropriate, such use may also have an impact on the growing problem of an illicit Internet market for this drug. Thus, the situation must be taken seriously. The current study confirms the recent clinical guideline and the National Recommendations in Denmark, which emphasises the risks of problematic use of tramadol. The research may also be relevant in other comparable countries. Caution must especially be taken with CNCP patients with comorbidities like diabetes, lung disease, dementia, and osteoporosis.

Exploring the Validity and Operational Impact of Using Allied Health Assistants to Conduct Dysphagia Screening for Low-Risk Patients Within the Acute Hospital Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1944-1955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Schwarz ◽  
Elizabeth C. Ward ◽  
Petrea Cornwell ◽  
Anne Coccetti ◽  
Pamela D'Netto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
False Negatives ◽  
Exact Agreement ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Impact Phase ◽  
Operational Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the agreement between allied health assistants (AHAs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when completing dysphagia screening for low-risk referrals and at-risk patients under a delegation model and (b) the operational impact of this delegation model. Method All AHAs worked in the adult acute inpatient settings across three hospitals and completed training and competency evaluation prior to conducting independent screening. Screening (pass/fail) was based on results from pre-screening exclusionary questions in combination with a water swallow test and the Eating Assessment Tool. To examine the agreement of AHAs' decision making with SLPs, AHAs ( n = 7) and SLPs ( n = 8) conducted an independent, simultaneous dysphagia screening on 51 adult inpatients classified as low-risk/at-risk referrals. To examine operational impact, AHAs independently completed screening on 48 low-risk/at-risk patients, with subsequent clinical swallow evaluation conducted by an SLP with patients who failed screening. Results Exact agreement between AHAs and SLPs on overall pass/fail screening criteria for the first 51 patients was 100%. Exact agreement for the two tools was 100% for the Eating Assessment Tool and 96% for the water swallow test. In the operational impact phase ( n = 48), 58% of patients failed AHA screening, with only 10% false positives on subjective SLP assessment and nil identified false negatives. Conclusion AHAs demonstrated the ability to reliably conduct dysphagia screening on a cohort of low-risk patients, with a low rate of false negatives. Data support high level of agreement and positive operational impact of using trained AHAs to perform dysphagia screening in low-risk patients.

scholarly journals Gender Differences in Depression and Sex Hormones among Patients Receiving Long-Term Opioid Treatment for Chronic Noncancer Pain in Taiwan—A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7837
Author(s):  
Shung-Tai Ho ◽  
Tso-Chou Lin ◽  
Chun-Chang Yeh ◽  
Kuang-I Cheng ◽  
Wei-Zen Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽  
Depression Diagnosis ◽  
Opioid Treatment ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Noncancer Pain

Background: Long-term use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain is associated with sex hormone disturbances. The interferences with sex hormones, sexual function, and depression were investigated in patients with chronic noncancer pain. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey was conducted on 170 officially registered outpatients receiving long-term opioid treatment in nine medical centers in Taiwan between October 2018 and July 2019. Serum sex hormone levels were examined after the collection of self-administered questionnaires containing the Taiwanese version of the Brief Pain Inventory, depressive status, and sexual function interference. Results: Among 117 (68.8%) questionnaire responses from 170 enrolled outpatients, 38 women and 62 men completed the sex hormone tests, among whom only 23 (23%) had previously received blood hormone tests. Low serum total testosterone levels were detected in 34 (89.5%) women (<30 ng/dL) and 31 (50%) men (<300 ng/dL). Over 60% of women and men reported reduced sexual desire and function despite a nearly 50% reduction in pain intensity and daily function interference over the previous week after opioid treatment. Women generally had higher risks of a depression diagnosis (p = 0.034) and severe depressive symptoms (p = 0.003) and nonsignificantly lower opioid treatment duration (median 81 vs. 120 months) and morphine milligram equivalent (median 134 vs. 165 mg/day) compared with men. Conclusions: This survey demonstrated the high prevalence of depression diagnosis, low sex hormone levels, and reduced sexual function among Taiwanese patients with chronic noncancer pain receiving prolonged opioid therapy. Regular hypogonadal screenings are recommended for further management.

Elevated CK-MB values after routine angioplasty predicts worse long-term prognosis in low-risk patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjell Vikenes ◽  
Tor Melberg ◽  
Mikael Farstad ◽  
Jan Erik Nordrehaug
Keyword(s):  
Low Risk ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Long Term Prognosis

scholarly journals Intensive Multiagent Therapy, Including Dose-Compressed Cycles of Ifosfamide/Etoposide and Vincristine/Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide, Irinotecan, and Radiation, in Patients With High-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda J. Weigel ◽  
Elizabeth Lyden ◽  
James R. Anderson ◽  
William H. Meyer ◽  
David M. Parham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Bone Marrow Involvement ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Dismal Prognosis ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Metastatic Sites

Purpose Patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), except those younger than 10 years with embryonal RMS, have an estimated long-term event-free survival (EFS) of less than 20%. The main goal of this study was to improve outcome of patients with metastatic RMS by dose intensification with interval compression, use of the most active agents determined in phase II window studies, and use of irinotecan as a radiation sensitizer. Patients and Methods Patients with metastatic RMS received 54 weeks of therapy: blocks of therapy with vincristine/irinotecan (weeks 1 to 6, 20 to 25, and 47 to 52), interval compression with vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide alternating with etoposide/ifosfamide (weeks 7 to 19 and 26 to 34), and vincristine/dactinomycin/cyclophosphamide (weeks 38 to 46). Radiation therapy occurred at weeks 20 to 25 (primary) but was also permitted at weeks 1 to 6 (for intracranial or paraspinal extension) and weeks 47 to 52 (for extensive metastatic sites). Results One hundred nine eligible patients were enrolled, with a median follow-up of surviving patients of 3.8 years (3-year EFS for all patients, 38% [95% CI, 29% to 48%]; survival, 56% [95% CI, 46% to 66%]). Patients with one or no Oberlin risk factor (age > 10 years or < 1 year, unfavorable primary site of disease, ≥ three metastatic sites, and bone or bone marrow involvement) had a 3-year EFS of 69% (95% CI, 52% to 82%); high-risk patients with two or more risk factors had a 3-year EFS of 20% (95% CI, 11% to 30%). Toxicity was similar to that on prior RMS studies. Conclusion Patients with metastatic RMS with one or no Oberlin risk factor had an improved 3-year EFS of 69% on ARST0431 compared with an historical cohort from pooled European and US studies; those with two or more risk factors have a dismal prognosis, and new approaches are needed for this very-high-risk group.

Opioid Therapy for Chronic Noncancer Pain: Safe, Effective, Appropriate?

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph V. Pergolizzi Jr ◽  
Robert B. Raffa ◽  
Robert Taylor ◽  
Jo Ann LeQuang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Abuse Liability ◽  
Opioid Abuse ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽  
Routes Of Administration

In determining the appropriate role of opioids, two public health crises must be balanced: the opioid abuse epidemic and the “silent” crisis of unrelieved chronic pain. Opioids can be used safely and effectively in selected patients; however, clinicians must be aware of their abuse liability and individual risk factors for opioid misuse. A number of opioids are approved for use in the United States, and although there are class effects, there can be great variability among patients with regard to opioid response. In addition to the medication, prescribers must also determine the most appropriate dose and route of administration. Considerations must be made for special population, such as the renally impaired, those with hepatic dysfunction, and pediatric and elderly patients. Another factor is abuse-deterrent properties. Of particular interest as an opioid agent is buprenorphine, which is available in various routes of administration and because of its unique pharmacokinetics may be administered to renally compromised and elderly patients without dosing restrictions. Buprenorphine is also associated with a lower abuse liability than other opioids. Patients suffering moderate to severe pain syndromes should not be denied access to effective pain control, which in some cases may appropriately include opioid therapy. Key words: Buprenorphine, Chronic Pain, Opioid, Opioid Abuse, Opioid Prescribing, Risk Factors for Opioid Abuse

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