Fentanyl and xylazine crisis:Crafting coherent strategies for opioid overdose prevention

The United States is in the throes of a severe opioid overdose epidemic,primarily fueled by the pervasive use of fentanyl and the emerging threat of xylazine,a veterinary sedative often mixed with fentanyl.The high potency and long duration of fentanyl is compounded by the added risks from xylazine,heightening the lethal danger faced by opioid users.Measures such as enhanced surveillance,public awareness campaigns,and the distribution of fentanylxylazine test kits,and naloxone have been undertaken to mitigate this crisis.Fentanyl-related overdose deaths persist despite these efforts,partly due to inconsistent policies across states and resistance towards adopting harm reduction strategies.A multifaceted approach is imperative in effectively combating the opioid overdose epidemic.This approach should include expansion of treatment access,broadening the availability of medications for opioid use disorder,implementation of harm reduction strategies,and enaction of legislative reforms and diminishing stigma associated with opioid use disorder.

Exploring the Contribution of Pharmacists in Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Naloxone Prescriptions and Pharmacist-Led Interventions

The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to take the lives of many individuals, with overdoses continuing to rise every year. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is efficacious in temporarily reversing opioid overdoses. Pharmacists play an important role in the accessibility and education of naloxone in both the community and health system settings. Recent efforts, such as co-dispensing naloxone with opioid prescriptions, naloxone training programs, and approval of naloxone to be over-the-counter, have been implemented in hopes to better control the opioid epidemic. Despite the efforts to make naloxone more accessible, there are still some barriers to overcome such as lack of training, cost, stigma, and patient refusal. This review aims to explore the contributions pharmacists have made thus far and define the barriers that still have to be resolved.

The Impact of Opioid Drugs on Memory and Other Cognitive Functions: A Review

Background and Purpose: Opioids, used for centuries to alleviate pain, have become a double-edged sword. While effective, they come with a host of adverse effects, including memory and cognition impairment. This review delves into the impact of opioid drugs on cognitive functions, explores underlying mechanisms, and investigates their prevalence in both medical care and illicit drug use. The ultimate goal is to find ways to mitigate their potential harm and address the ongoing opioid crisis. Methods: We sourced data from PubMed and Google Scholar, employing search combinations like “opioids,” “memory,” “cognition,” “amnesia,” “cognitive function,” “executive function,” and “inhibition.” Our focus was on English-language articles spanning from the inception of these databases up to the present. Results: The literature consistently reveals that opioid use, particularly at high doses, adversely affects memory and other cognitive functions. Longer deliberation times, impaired decision-making, impulsivity, and behavioral disorders are common consequences. Chronic high-dose opioid use is associated with conditions such as amnesiac syndrome (OAS), post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), depression, anxiety, sedation, and addiction. Alarming trends show increased opioid use over recent decades, amplifying the risk of these outcomes. Conclusion: Opioids cast a shadow over memory and cognitive function. These effects range from amnesiac effects, lessened cognitive function, depression, and more. Contributing factors include over-prescription, misuse, misinformation, and prohibition policies. Focusing on correct informational campaigns, removing punitive policies, and focusing on harm reduction strategies have been shown to lessen the abuse and use of opioids and thus helping to mitigate the adverse effects of these drugs. Further research into the impacts of opioids on cognitive abilities is also needed as they are well demonstrated in the literature, but the mechanism is not often completely understood.

Cardiovascular Risk of Opioids: A Real-World Study Based on FAERS

Objective:This research utilizes the FAERS for data mining to identify heart-related side effects caused by opioids,ensuring the safe use of these medications.Methods:Data from 79 quarters(Q12004 to Q32023)involving adverse event(AE)reports for opioids like morphine and oxycodone was reviewed.We applied the MedDRA system to categorize events and used statistical tools,ROR and BCPNN,for signal detection.These findings were cross-checked with drug labels and SIDER 4.1 for accuracy.Identified risks were then categorized by severity using DME and IME classifications.Results:Analysis of adverse events(AEs)for the five examined drugs(35359,14367,144441,10592,and 28848)identified 33,6,12,37,and 34 cardiovascular AEs,and 16,5,7,25,and 21 instances of important medical events(IMEs)respectively.Each drug was linked to cases of cardiac and cardiopulmonary arrest.The cardiovascular AEs varied widely in occurrence and severity,with methadone notably presenting diverse and potent risks,including sudden cardiac death as a distinct medical event(DME).A comparison with SIDER 4.1 showed 11 opioid-related cardiovascular AEs in line with our findings.Standardized MedDRA Queries(SMQs)confirmed these results,indicating stronger signals for methadone and tramadol,while morphine,hydromorphone,and oxycodone exhibited fewer and weaker signals.Conclusion:The study revealed numerous heart-related adverse effects(AEs)not listed on drug labels and identified new AE patterns.Recognizing these differences in AE profiles and risks across different opioids is crucial for safer prescription practices to minimize cardiac complications.

Connectome-based predictive modelling can predict follow-up craving after abstinence in individuals with opioid use disorders

Background Individual differences have been detected in individuals with opioid use disorders(OUD)in rehabilitation following protracted abstinence.Recent studies suggested that prediction models were effective for individual-level prognosis based on neuroimage data in substance use disorders(SUD).Aims This prospective cohort study aimed to assess neuroimaging biomarkers for individual response to protracted abstinence in opioid users using connectome-based predictive modelling(CPM).Methods One hundred and eight inpatients with OUD underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)scans at baseline.The Heroin Craving Questionnaire(HCQ)was used to assess craving levels at baseline and at the 8-month follow-up of abstinence.CPM with leave-one-out cross-validation was used to identify baseline networks that could predict follow-up HCQ scores and changes in HCQ(HCQtolow V-up-HCQpa baseline).Then,the follow-up aseline predictive ability of identified networks was tested in a separate,heterogeneous sample of methamphetamine individuals who underwent MRI scanning before abstinence for SUD.Results CPM could predict craving changes induced by long-term abstinence,as shown by a significant correlation between predicted and actual HCQ fllow-up(r=0.417,p<0.001)and changes in HCQ(negative:r=0.334,p=0.002;positive:r=0.233,p=0.038).Identified craving-related prediction networks included the somato-motor network(SMN),salience network(SALN),default mode network(DMN),medial frontal network,visual network and auditory network.In addition,decreased connectivity of frontal-parietal network(FPN)-SMN,FPN-DMN and FPN-SALN and increased connectivity of subcortical network(SCN)-DMN,SCN-SALNandSCN-SMN were positively correlated with craving levels.Conclusions These findings highlight the potential applications of CPM to predict the craving level of individuals after protracted abstinence,as well as the generalisation ability;the identified brain networks might be the focus of innovative therapies in the future.

Management of Opioid Use Disorder in Sickle Cell Anaemia amidst Growing Menace in the General Population

Nigeria has a very high number of sickle cell disease (SCD) population with addition of 150,000 babies born annually with the disease. Early infant diagnosis and good care make many of these babies survive to adulthood. Severe pain requiring moderately strong or very strong analgesics is a common presentation of patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia. Paediatricians find ready usefulness of Opioids which are very useful for the painful episodes among these patients. Therefore, the chances of abuse and addiction to these medications become very high and constitute additional burden on the deficient manpower in the health sector. Opioid Use Disorder among Sickle Cell Disease patients has subtle presentation, so a high index of suspicion is required to make both the diagnosis and referral to treatment centres. In this review, the epidemiology, pain pathophysiology, behavioural and pharmacologic therapy have been re-examined.

Pain management in chronic pancreatitis incorporating safe opioid practices: Challenge accepted

Patients with chronic pancreatitis often experience severe,unrelenting abdominal pain,which can significantly impact their quality of life.Pain control,therefore,remains central to the overall management of chronic pancreatitis.Most of the strategies aimed at treating the pain of chronic pancreatitis are based on expert opinion and vary from one institution to another,as there are no uniform guidelines to direct a stepwise approach towards achieving this goal.In this editorial,we comment on best practice strategies targeted towards pain control in chronic pancreatitis,specifically highlighting the use of opioid medications in this patient population.We discuss various safe and efficacious prescription monitoring practices in this article.

Chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and opioid intake: A systematic review

BACKGROUND The literature suggests that there is a high degree of co-occurrence between chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD). An association has been found between PTSD and substance abuse. PTSD is a severe disorder that should be taken into account when opioids are prescribed. It has been found that the prevalence of opioid use disorder(OUD) in chronic pain patients is higher among those with PTSD than those without this disorder.AIM To perform a systematic review on the association between PTSD, chronic noncancer pain(CNCP), and opioid intake(i.e., prescription, misuse, and abuse).METHODS We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Patient, Intervention,Comparator, and Outcomes(PICOS) criteria were formulated a priori in the protocol of the systematic review. A search was conducted of the PROSPERO database. In March 2019, searches were also conducted of 5 other databases:Pub Med, MEDLINE, Psyc INFO, Web of Science, and PILOTS. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist for cohort studies was used to assess the selected studies for their methodological quality and risk of bias. Each study was evaluated according to its internal validity, participant sampling,confounding variables, and the statistical analysis.RESULTS A total of 151 potentially eligible studies were identified of which 17 were retained for analysis. Only 10 met the selection criteria. All the studies were published between 2008 and 2018 and were conducted in the United States. The eligible studies included a total of 1622785 unique participants. Of these, 196516 had comorbid CNCP and PTSD and were consuming opiates. The participants had a cross-study mean age of 35.2 years. The majority of participants were men(81.6%). The most common chronic pain condition was musculoskeletal pain:back pain(47.14% across studies;range: 16%-60.6%), arthritis and joint pain(31.1%;range: 18%-67.5%), and neck pain(28.7%;range: 3.6%-63%). In total,42.4% of the participants across studies had a diagnosis of PTSD(range: 4.7%-95%). In relation to opioid intake, we identified 2 different outcomes: opioid prescription and OUD. All the studies reported evidence of a greater prevalence of PTSD in CNCP patients who were receiving prescribed opioids and that PTSD was associated with OUD in CNCP patients.CONCLUSION Opioid analgesic prescription as the treatment of choice for CNCP patients should include screening for baseline PTSD to ensure that these drugs are safely consumed.

Recent advances in the treatment of opioid use disorders–focus on long-acting buprenorphine formulations

Oral methadone or sublingual buprenorphine are first-line medications for pharmacotherapy of opioid use disorders(OUDs).Three long-acting buprenorphine depot or implant formulations are currently available for the treatment of OUDs:(1)CAM 2038(Buvidal)for subcutaneous weekly and monthly application;(2)RBP-6000(Sublocade^(TM))as a monthly depot formulation;and(3)A six-month buprenorphine implant[Probuphine^(TM)].The pharmacology,clinical efficacy and prospects of these medications are discussed.

类阿片肽(Opioid peptides)的镇痛作用机制

改变吗啡骨架合成麻醉性镇痛药的报道已很多,就其结构活性研究成果发现,具天然吗啡相同的R~((-))这一立体特异性,确认了它们有强力的镇痛活性.麻醉性镇痛药设想有特异结合能的阿片受体,1973年已被实验证实脑内存在。但其分布不均一,在调节痛觉深部的脊髓后角,兰斑核,三叉神经下行核的罗氏胶质区、中脑导水管周围灰质等高密度地存在阿片受体。有关阿片受体的内在性活性物质,已从一组含多肽哺乳动物的脑、下垂体分离出两种脑啡肽(蛋-脑啡肽和亮-脑啡肽)及β-内啡肽的单体.从类阿片肽的发现推测可能存在调节内在性疼痛的机能.

Monitoring hepatitis C virus treatment rates in an Opioid Treatment Program:A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)are recommended for the treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection in patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine.AIM To assess HCV treatment rates in an Opioid Treatment Program(OTP).METHODS This longitudinal study included 501 patients(81.4%men,median age:45 years;interquartile range:39-50 years)enrolled in an OTP between October 2015 and September 2017.Patients were followed until September 2019.Data on sociodemographics,substance use,HCV infection,human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection and laboratory parameters were collected at entry.We analyzed medical records to evaluate HCV treatment.Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to analyze the DAA treatment uptake and to identify treatment predictors.RESULTS Prevalence of HCV and HIV infection was 70%and 34%,respectively.Among anti-HCV-positive(n=336)patients,47.2%,41.3%,and 31.9%used alcohol,cannabis,and cocaine,respectively.HCV-RNA tests were positive in 233(69.3%)patients.Twentyeight patients(8.3%)cleared the infection,and 59/308(19.1%)had received interferon-based treatment regimens before 2015.Among 249 patients eligible,111(44.6%)received DAAs.Treatment rates significantly increased over time from 7.8/100 person-years(p-y)(95%CI:5.0-12.3)in 2015 to 18.9/100 p-y(95%CI:11.7-30.3)in 2019.In a multivariate analysis,patients with HIV co-infection were twice as likely to receive DAAs(HR=1.94,95%CI:1.21-3.12)than patients with HCV mono-infection.Current drug use was an independent risk factor for not receiving treatment against infection(HR=0.48,95%CI:0.29-0.80).CONCLUSION HCV treatment is evolving in patients with HCV-HIV co-infection.Ongoing drug use while in an OTP might negatively impact the readiness to treat infection.

Effects of Peripherally Acting Opioid Ligands on Central Opioid Receptors and <i>β</i>-Endorphin Release in Stressed Rats

Using the radioreceptor binding assay, μ-opioid receptor (MOR) affinity in the midbrain of stressed rats was higher than in naive controls. MOR density in the rat frontal cortex was reduced after stress. Intragastric administration of the MOR antagonist naloxone methiodide was followed by an increase in the number of MORs in the frontal cortex. However, the MOR agonist loperamide significantly decreased the density of MORs in the frontal cortex and midbrain of naive animals. Loperamide and naloxone methiodide were shown to prevent an increase in MOR affinity and a decrease in MOR density in the midbrain of rats after restraint stress. The restraint stress was accompanied by an increase in the release of β-endorphin (BE) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of control rats. After administration, loperamide slightly decreased the release of BE, naloxone methiodide significantly increased the release of BE in the cingulate cortex (CC) of untreated animals, while drugs had no effect on the release of BE in the VTA. The drugs significantly increased the extracellular level of BE in the CC of stressed animals. Loperamide abolished the increase in the stress-induced release of BE in the VTA. By contrast, naloxone methiodide significantly increased the release of BE in the VTA of stressed rats. Our data indicated that activation of peripheral MORs induces depression of the central part of the μ-opioid system, but suppression of peripheral MOR activity induces activation of the central μ-opioid system, the interaction of which can be modulated by stress.

Gastric Perforation after Cesarean Delivery: An Unintended Consequence of the Opioid Epidemic

30 year old female now para 1 presented to the Emergency Department with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain 6 days after an uncomplicated primary cesarean delivery. She did not respond to conservative management and underwent exploratory laparotomy for worsening pain, pneumoperitoneum and intraabdominal fluid collections. Gastric perforations required repair via gastrojejunostomy. Postoperative course was unremarkable. The anti-opioid campaign has altered the approach to postoperative pain management in both positive and negative ways. It has sparked new interest in alternative approaches to postoperative pain management, which include an increased role for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). We present a case of a woman who had a significant complication due to the reliance of non-opioid pain medications after cesarean delivery.

Opioid Knows No Color or Economic Status: Crossing Over to Drug Addictions

Opioid crisis continues to gain ground in the United States with little regards to color or economic status.More than 800 people die weekly from opioid-related overdosestotally well over 42,000 deaths in 2016,and the number is rising.Surprisingly,the opioid overdose deaths involved an estimated 40%prescription opioid abuse.As reported by the National Drug Institute(2017),opioid addiction is often described as an“equal opportunity”problem that can afflict people from all races and walks of life.Unlike the crack crises of the past,the present opioid epidemic has extremely impacted White Americans not only the rural and poor,but also suburban and middle class or affluent.Further,current opioid overdoses deaths have increased for Whites,Blacks,and Hispanics,they have increased to a far greater degree for White Americans.Efforts to battle the increasing opioid epidemic have moved from incarceration to using legislation to limit the prescriptions being distributed.State and federal laws are being enacted to placing limitations on opioid prescriptions.

Opioid misuse in Canada and critical appraisal of aberrant behavior screening tools

The incidence of prescription opioid misuse in Canada is increasing. Initiatives for safe prescribing practices for opioid medications include risk assessment for current and future opioid misuse. A clinical screening tool that can be universally applied to all patient populations is currently not available. Our objective was to provide a brief narrative review on opioid misuse from a Canadian perspective as well as a critical appraisal of the available clinical screening tools for detecting aberrant behaviors associated with opioid misuse. The Drug Abuse Screening Test, Addiction Behaviors Checklist, Diagnosis, Intractability, Risk and Efficacy Inventory, Pain Assessment and Documentation Tool, Prescription Drug Use Questionnaire, Prescription Opioid therapy Questionnaire, Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain(SOAPP), Revised SOAPP, Pain Medication Questionnaire, Opioid Risk Tool and Current Opioid Misuse Measure were included in the following review. Overall, a wide variability in quality, sensitivity and specificity was observed between screening tools. There is an overall lack of applicability to diverse patient populations as the majority of screening tools have been validated in pain clinic populations only. To conclude, there is a great need for a validated and convenient aberrant behaviors risk assessment tool that can be applied to a diverse patient population in a clinical setting.

Lubiprostone vs Senna in postoperative orthopedic surgery patients with opioid-induced constipation:A double-blind,active-comparator trial

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of lubiprostone compared to Senna on bowel symptoms and constipation in post-operative orthopedic patients treated with opioids.METHODS:In this double blind,randomized,active comparator trial,adults who required opioids for analgesia following orthopedic procedures and who were admitted in inpatient rehabilitation were randomized following baseline assessments to lubiprostone(Amitza),orally twice aday or Senna(generic)two capsules administered daily for six days.Subjects were assessed using the patient assessment of constipation(PAC)-symptoms(PAC-SYM)and the PAC-quality of life(PAC-QOL)scales measured at baseline and Day 7;Subjects were assessed daily for secondary measures included the Bristol stool scale bowel consistency,specific bowel symptom score(Nausea,cramping,straining,completeness,abdominal pain,time per lavatory attempt,assistance needed),adverse events and rescue medications required.Function was measured using the functional independence measure(FIM)at admission and discharge;length of stay(LOS)and missed treatments due to gastrointestinal symptoms were also assessed.RESULTS:64 adults were enrolled;56 participants(28 in each group)had baseline and follow up measures and were included in the intention to treat(ITT)analyses.43 participants completed the study,21 in the active lubiprostone and 22 in the active Senna group.The mean age of the participants was 71.5years(SD=11.4 years,range:28-96 years).In the ITT analyses,participants showed significant improvement in bowel symptoms as measured by the PACSYM(mean±SD,-0.28±0.60,range:-1-2.33)and PAC-QOL(mean±SD,0.33±0.81,range:-1.5-2.0)over time,but there were no significant differences between the lubiprostone and Senna groups in mean change in the PAC-SYM(-0.20±0.60 vs-0.36±0.61,P=0.61 respectively)or the PAC-QOL(0.29±0.76 vs0.37±0.87,P=0.61 respectively).The mean change in each bowel symptom also did not significantly differ between treatment groups on ITT analyses,except for completeness of bowel movement,with the Senna group showing greater negative mean change in bowel movement completeness(-0.56±1.01 vs-2.00±1.41,P=0.03)and for reduction of abdominal pain,favoring Senna(-0.14±0.73 vs-0.73±1.08,P=0.04).Fifteen(75%)participants in the lubiprostone and in the Senna group requested rescue treatments.Participants made significant functional improvement from admission to discharge over a median LOS of 12 d,with a mean FIM change of 29.13±13.58 and no significant between group differences(27.0±9.2 vs 31.5±16.6,P=0.27).CONCLUSION:Both lubiprostone and Senna improved constipation-related symptoms and QOL in opioid-induced constipation,with no significant between-group differences.

Opioid-sparing effect of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors on surgical outcomes after open colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol

AIM: To evaluate the opioid-sparing effect of selective cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) inhibitors on short-term surgical outcomes after open colorectal surgery.METHODS: Patients undergoing open colorectal resection within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients with combined general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia, and those with acute colonic obstruction or perforation were excluded. Patients receiving selective COX-2 inhibitor were compared with well-matched individuals without such a drug. Outcome measures included numeric pain score and morphine milligram equivalent(MME) consumption on postoperative day(POD) 1-3, gastrointestinal recovery(time to tolerate solid diet and time to defecate), complications and length of postoperative stay.RESULTS: There were 75 patients in each group. Pain score on POD 1-3 was not significantly different between two groups. However, MME consumption and MME consumption per kilogram body weight on POD 1-3 was significantly less in patients receiving a selective COX-2 inhibitor(P < 0.001). Median MME consumption per kilogram body weight on POD 1-3 was 0.09, 0.06 and nil, respectively in patients receiving a selective COX-2 inhibitor and 0.22, 0.25 and 0.07, respectively in the comparative group(P < 0.001), representing at least 59% opioidreduction. Patients prescribing a selective COX-2 inhibitor had a shorter median time to resumption of solid diet [1(IQR 1-2) d vs 2(IQR 2-3) d; P < 0.001] and time to first defecation [2(IQR 2-3) d vs 3(IQR 3-4) d; P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in overall postoperative complications between two groups. However, median postoperative stay was significantly 1-d shorter in patients prescribing a selective COX-2 inhibitor [4(IQR 3-5) d vs 5(IQR 4-6) d; P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Perioperative administration of oral selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly decreased intravenous opioid consumption, shortened time to gastrointestinal recovery and reduced hospital stay after open colorectal surgery.

Guidance on opioids prescribing for the management of persistent non-cancer pain in older adults

Many older adults suffer from persistent pain but prevalence studies consistently showed high levels of untreated or under-treated pain in old population.Both persistent pain and pain under-treatment adversely affect independence and quality of life in geriatric patients.Pain management is challenging in this age-group because of the declining organ function,the presence of concurrent diseases and polypharmacy.For all the above reasons,persistent pain in the elderly should be considered a geriatric syndrome per se and effective approaches are warranted.Current guidelines and consensus statements recommend opioid therapy for older adults with moderateto-severe persistent pain or functional impairment and diminished quality of life due to pain.However clinicians and patients themselves have some concerns about opioids use.Age-related decline in organs functions and warnings about risk of addiction and drug misuse/abuse also in geriatric patients need particular attention for safe prescribing.On the basis of clinical evidence,these practical recommendations will help to improve the competence on opioid role in persistent pain management and the likelihood of a successful analgesic trial in older patients.

Ultrasound-Guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumbar Block Reduces Opioid Consumption after Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Objectives Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block(TQLB)may provide postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing intraperitoneal surgeries.The purpose of this study was to examine the potential efficacy of TQLB among patients undergoing retroperitoneal procedures,such as the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN).Methods This prospective,randomized,controlled study was conducted from August 2017 to November 2018 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital(Beijing,China).Patients who were scheduled for a LPN,aged 18・70 years old with an ASA physical status score of I-II were randomly assigned to receive either TQLB with 0.6 ml/kg of 0.5%ropivacaine plus general anesthesia(TQLB group)or general anesthesia alone(control group).Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine was initiated immediately upon surgery completion.The primary outcome was the cumulative consumption of morphine within 8 h after surgery.The secondary outcome included postoperative consump廿ons of morphine at other time points,pain score at rest and during activity,postoperative nausa and vomitting(PONV),and recovery related parameters.Results Totally 30 patients per group were recruited in the study.The 8 h consumption of morphine was lower in theTQLB group than in the control group(median,0.023 mg/kg vs.0.068 mg/kg,U=207.5,P<0.001).No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain scores between the two groups.Patients in the TQLB group had fewer episodes of PONV(20%vs.47%,χ2=4.&P=0.028)in the first 24 h after surgery and higher scores for quality of recovery(mean,13&6 vs.131.9,t=-2.164,P=0.035)120 h after surgery than the controls.Conclusions TQLB resulted in an opioid-sparing effect during the early postoperative period following LPN,as well as a lower incidence of PONV and improved quality of recovery.

Chronic opioids in gastroparesis: relationship with gastrointestinal symptoms, healthcare utilization and employment

AIM To examine the relationship of chronic scheduled opioid use on symptoms, healthcare utilization and employment in gastroparesis(Gp) patients. Methods Patients referred to our tertiary care academic center from May 2016 to July 2017, with established diagnosis or symptoms suggestive of Gp filled out the Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms, abdominal pain and demographics questionnaires, and underwent gastric emptying and blood tests. They were asked about taking pain medicines and the types, doses, and duration. We used Mann Whitney U test, Analysis of Variance, Student's t test and χ2 tests where appropriate for data analyses.RESULTS Of 223 patients with delayed gastric emptying, 158(70.9%) patients were not taking opioids(Gp NO), 22(9.9%) were taking opioids only as needed, while 43(19.3%) were on chronic(> 1 mo) scheduled opioids(Gp CO), of which 18 were taking opioids forreasons that included gastroparesis and/or stomach pain. Median morphine equivalent use was 60 mg per day. Gp CO reported higher severities of many gastrointestinal symptoms compared to Gp NO including nausea(mean ± SE of mean of 4.09 ± 0.12 vs 3.41 ± 0.12, P = 0.011), retching(2.86 ± 0.25 vs 1.98 ± 0.14, P = 0.003), vomiting(2.93 ± 0.24 vs 2.07 ± 0.15, P = 0.011), early satiety(4.17 ± 0.19 vs 3.57 ± 0.12, P = 0.004), post-prandial fullness(4.14 ± 0.18 vs 3.63 ± 0.11, P = 0.022), loss of appetite(3.64 ± 0.21 vs 3.04 ± 0.13, P = 0.039), upper abdominal pain(3.86 ± 0.20 vs 2.93 ± 0.13, P = 0.001), upper abdominal discomfort(3.74 ± 0.19 vs 3.09 ± 0.13, P = 0.031), heartburn during day(2.55 ± 0.27 vs 1.89 ± 0.13, P = 0.032), heartburn on lying down(2.76 ± 0.28 vs 1.94 ± 0.14, P = 0.008), chest discomfort during day(2.42 ± 0.20 vs 1.83 ± 0.12, P = 0.018), chest discomfort at night(2.40 ± 0.23 vs 1.61 ± 0.13, P = 0.003), regurgitation/reflux during day(2.77 ± 0.25 vs 2.18 ± 0.13, P = 0.040) and bitter/acid/sour taste in the mouth(2.79 ± 0.27 vs 2.11 ± 0.14, P = 0.028). Gp CO had a longer duration of nausea per day(median of 7 h vs 4 h for Gp NO, P = 0.037), and a higher number of vomiting episodes per day(median of 3 vs 2 for Gp NO, P = 0.002). Their abdominal pain more frequently woke them up at night(78.1% vs 57.3%, P = 0.031). They had a lower employment rate(33.3% vs 54.2%, P = 0.016) and amongst those who were employed less number of working hours per week(median of 23 vs 40, P = 0.005). They reported higher number of hospitalizations in the last 1 year(mean ± SE of mean of 2.90 ± 0.77 vs 1.26 ± 0.23, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION Gp CO had a higher severity of many gastrointestinal symptoms, compared to Gp NO. Hospitalization rates were more than 2-fold higher in Gp CO than Gp NO.Gp CO also had lower employment rate and working hours, when compared to Gp NO.