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Sant AM, Portelli S, Ballard C, Bezzina-Xuereb M, Scerri C, Sultana J. Prevalence of Opioid Use in Nursing Homes Over the Last Decade: A Systematic Literature Review. J Pharm Technol 2024; 40:123-133. [PMID: 38784025 PMCID: PMC11110733 DOI: 10.1177/87551225231217903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite global concerns of an opioid epidemic, there is no systematic literature review on how frequently these drugs are used in nursing home (NH) populations, including those living with dementia. Objective: This systematic review aims to describe the prevalence and incidence of opioid use in NHs. A secondary objective is to describe the use of these drugs in a subset of NH residents, namely among persons living with dementia. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out using MEDLINE and Scopus (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021254210). Screening of title and abstract was carried out by 2 persons independently for studies published between January 1, 2011 and May 19, 2021. The main outcomes were annual prevalence, period prevalence, and duration of opioid use. Results: From a total of 178 identified studies, 29 were considered eligible for inclusion. The annual prevalence of any opioid use among all NH residents without any selection criteria ranged from 6.3% to 50% with a median annual prevalence of 22.9% (Q25-Q75: 19.5%-30.2%), based on 17 studies. Five studies measured the annual prevalence in NH residents living with dementia, finding that this ranged from 10% to 39.6%. Conclusions: More evidence is needed quantifying opioid use in NH, especially among persons living with dementia. Given that opioid use in NH is still a problem, implementation of a pain management protocol in NH or nationally would help improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clive Ballard
- Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Charles Scerri
- Department of Pathology, The University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Janet Sultana
- Pharmacy Directorate, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
- Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Niznik JD, Hughes T, Armistead LT, Kashyap J, Roller J, Busby-Whitehead J, Ferreri SP. Patterns and disparities in prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines for older adults in North Carolina. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:1944-1951. [PMID: 36779609 PMCID: PMC10258120 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We characterized real-world prescribing patterns of opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) for older adults to explore potential disparities by race and sex and to characterize patterns of co-prescribing. METHODS A retrospective evaluation was conducted using electronic health data for adults ≥65 years old who presented to one of 15 primary care practices between 2019 and 2020 (n = 25,141). Chronic opioid and BZD users had ≥4 prescriptions in the year prior, with at least one in the last 90 or 180 days, respectively. We compared demographic characteristics between all older adults versus chronic opioid and BZD users. We used logistic regression to identify characteristics (age, sex, race, Medicaid use, fall history) associated with opioid and BZD co-prescribing. RESULTS We identified 833 (3.3%) chronic opioid and 959 chronic BZD users (3.8%) among all older adults seen in these practices. Chronic opioid users were less likely to be Black (12.7% vs. 14.3%) or other non-White race (1.4% vs. 4.3%), but more likely to be women (66.8% vs. 61.3%). A similar trend was observed for BZD users, with less prescribing among Black (5.4% vs. 14.3%) and other races (2.2% vs. 4.3%) older adults and greater prescribing among women (73.6% vs. 61.3%). Co-prescribing was observed among 15% of opioid users and 13% of BZD users. Co-prescribing was largely driven by the presence of relevant co-morbid conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia rather than demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS We observed notable disparities in opioid and BZD prescribing by sex and race among older adults in primary care. Future research should explore if such patterns reflect appropriate prescribing or are due to disparities in prescribing driven by biases related to perceived risks for misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Niznik
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tamera Hughes
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lori T Armistead
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jayanth Kashyap
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Roller
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jan Busby-Whitehead
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stefanie P Ferreri
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Orrason AW, Styrke J, Garmo H, Stattin P. Evidence of cancer progression as the cause of death in men with prostate cancer in Sweden. BJU Int 2023; 131:486-493. [PMID: 36088648 DOI: 10.1111/bju.15891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the strength of the evidence indicative of prostate cancer (PCa) progression as the adjudicated cause of death, according to age at death and PCa risk category. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using data from the Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden, we identified a study frame of 5543 men with PCa registered as the cause of death according to the Cause of Death Register. We assessed the evidence of PCa progression through a review of healthcare records for a stratified sample of 495/5543. We extracted data on prostate-specific antigen levels, presence of metastases on imaging, and PCa treatments, and quantified the evidence of disease progression using a points system. RESULTS Both no evidence and moderate evidence for PCa progression was more common in men aged >85 years at death than those aged <85 years (29% vs 14%). Among the latter, the proportion with no evidence or moderate evidence for PCa progression was 21% for low-risk, 14% for intermediate-risk, 8% for high-risk, and 0% for metastatic PCa. In contrast, in men aged >85 years, there was little difference in the proportion with no evidence or moderate evidence of PCa progression between PCa risk categories; 31% for low-risk, 29% for intermediate-risk, 29% for high-risk, and 21% for metastatic PCa. Of the 5543 men who died from PCa, 13% (95% confidence interval 5-19%) were estimated to have either no evidence or moderate evidence of PCa progression. CONCLUSIONS Weak evidence for PCa progression as cause of death was more common in older men with PCa and in those with low-risk PCa. This has implications for interpretation of mortality statistics especially when assessing screening and early treatment of PCa because the beneficial effect of earlier diagnosis could be masked by erroneous adjudication of PCa as cause of death in older men, particular those with localised disease at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johan Styrke
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Urology and Andrology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hans Garmo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pär Stattin
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sirithiantong T, Chuekitkumchorn S. Paracetamol versus paracetamol/tramadol in postoperative intertrochanteric fracture: A noninferiority, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2023; 31:10225536231151345. [PMID: 36617684 DOI: 10.1177/10225536231151345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most common osteoporotic fractures among the elderly is hip fracture with tramadol frequently being prescribed for these patients. To decrease the risk of falling from tramadol, this study aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of paracetamol compared to paracetamol/tramadol for pain control following hip fixation surgery. METHOD This was a noninferiority, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial at a tertiary care hospital. All patients were recruited between February 2020 and March 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to paracetamol alone (Group A) or paracetamol/tramadol (Group B). All patients in both groups followed the same protocol for the first two days after surgery. To ascertain differences in pain control between the two groups, different regimens were followed from postoperative days 3-5. Pain scores were assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire on day 5. RESULT A total of 30 patients were randomly allocated into Group A (paracetamol alone) and 30 into Group B (paracetamol + tramadol). The mean pain score for Group A was 5.85 ± 0.52 and 5.35 ± 0.74 for Group B. Mean cumulative doses in Group A were 4.50 ± 1.33 and 4.06 ± 1.18 in Group B. Although the mean satisfaction with pain management was higher in Group B, this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION VAS scores from Group A were slightly higher than Group B. Based on a 2.0-point noninferiority margin of pain, paracetamol alone was not inferior to paracetamol/tramadol in postoperative intertrochanteric fracture.
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Hereford TE, Porter A, Stambough JB, Cherney SM, Mears SC. Prevalence of Chronic Opioid Use in the Elderly After Hip Fracture Surgery. J Arthroplasty 2022; 37:S530-S535. [PMID: 35219575 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2022.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While interest has focused on opioid use after total hip arthroplasty, little research has investigated opioid use in elderly patients after hip fracture. We hypothesize that a substantial number of opioid-naïve elderly patients go on to chronic opioid use after hip fracture surgery. METHODS We reviewed a consecutive series of 219 patients 65 years and older who underwent surgical fixation between January 1, 2016 and February 28, 2019 for a native hip fracture. Patients were excluded for polytrauma, periprosthetic or pathologic fractures, recent major surgery, or death within 90 days of their hip surgery. The state prescription monitoring database was used to determine opioid use. RESULTS Overall, 58 patients (26%) were postoperative chronic opioid users. Of the initial 188 opioid-naïve patients, 43 (23%) became chronic users. Of the 31 preoperative opioid users, 15 (48%) continued as chronic users. Chronic postoperative users were more likely to be White (76% vs 91%, P = .04), younger (78 vs 82 years, P = .003), and preoperative opioid users (odds ratio 3.3, P = .007). Arthroplasty vs fixation did not affect the rate of chronic opioid use (P = .22). CONCLUSION Chronic opioid use is surprisingly common after hip fracture repair in the elderly. Twenty-three percent of opioid-naïve hip fracture patients became chronic users after surgery. Continued vigilance is needed by orthopedic surgeons to limit the amount and duration of postoperative narcotic prescriptions and to monitor for continued use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E Hereford
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Austin Porter
- Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR; Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR
| | - Jeffrey B Stambough
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Steven M Cherney
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Simon C Mears
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Virnes RE, Tiihonen M, Karttunen N, van Poelgeest EP, van der Velde N, Hartikainen S. Opioids and Falls Risk in Older Adults: A Narrative Review. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:199-207. [PMID: 35288864 PMCID: PMC8934763 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00929-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pain treatment is important in older adults but may result in adverse events such as falls. Opioids are effective for nociceptive pain but the evidence for neuropathic pain is weak. Nevertheless, both pain and opioids may increase the risk of falls. This narrative literature review aims to summarize the existing knowledge on the opioid-related fall risk in older adults, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and assist clinicians in prescribing and deprescribing opioids in older persons. We systematically searched relevant literature on opioid-related fall risk in older adults in PubMed and Scopus in December 2020. We reviewed the literature and evaluated fall-related adverse effects of opioids, explaining how to optimally approach deprescribing of opioids in older adults. Opioid use increases fall risk through drowsiness, (orthostatic) hypotension and also through hyponatremia caused by weak opioids. When prescribing, opioids should be started with low dosages if possible, keeping in mind their metabolic genetic variation. Falls are clinically significant adverse effects of all opioids, and the risk may be dose dependent and highest with strong opioids. The risk is most prominent in older adults prone to falls. To reduce the risk of falls, both pain and the need for opioids should be assessed on a regular basis, and deprescribing or changing to a lower dosage or safer alternative should be considered if the clinical condition allows. Deprescribing should be done by reducing the dosage gradually and by assessing and monitoring the pain and withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Weighing the risks and benefits is necessary before prescribing opioids, especially to older persons at high risk of falls. Clinical decision tools assist prescribers in clinical decisions regarding (de-) prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosa-Emilia Virnes
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Miia Tiihonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. .,Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Niina Karttunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eveline P van Poelgeest
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie van der Velde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sirpa Hartikainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Kuopio Research Centre of Geriatric Care, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Kim J, Shin SJ, Yoon J, Kim HS, Lee JW, Kim YS, Kim Y, You HS, Kang HT. Recent trends in opioid consumption in Korea from 2002 to 2015, based on the Korean NHIS-NSC cohort. Epidemiol Health 2022; 44:e2022029. [PMID: 35209705 PMCID: PMC9117092 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2022029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Opioids are prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. We aimed to investigate the recent trends in opioid (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone) consumption using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort between 2002 and 2015. Methods Morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was calculated to standardize the relative potency of the opioids. The number (cases) or amount (MME) of annual opioid prescription per 10,000 registrants was computed to analyze trends of consumption of opioids after age standardization. Joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to calculate the annual percentage change and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results The number (cases) of prescriptions per 10,000 registrants increased from 0.07 in 2002 to 41.23 in 2015 (AAPC [95% CIs], 76.0% [61.6-91.7%]). The MME per 10,000 registrants increased from 15.06 in 2002 to 40,727.80 in 2015 (AAPC [95% CIs], 103.0% [78.2-131.3%]). The highest AAPC of prescriptions and MME per 10,000 registrants were observed in the elderly (60-69 years) and at general hospitals. Fentanyl prescription increased most rapidly among four opioids. Conclusion Consumption of opioids greatly increased in South Korea over 14 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joungyoun Kim
- College of Nursing, Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Shin
- Department of Information & Statistics, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jihyun Yoon
- Department of Family Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Yongin, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Seop Kim
- Clinical Trials Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Ye-Seul Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Yongwhan Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hyo-Sun You
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hee-Taik Kang
- Department of Family Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.,Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea, Cheongju, Korea
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Hernández-Calle D, Martínez-Alés G, López-Cuadrado T. Suicidal and accidental drug poisoning mortality among older adults and working-age individuals in Spain between 2000 and 2018. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:114. [PMID: 35144558 PMCID: PMC8832785 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02806-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although medication poisoning in older adults is considered an increasingly important, but preventable cause of death, it has received relatively little attention. We explored recent trends and correlates of suicidal and accidental fatal drug poisonings among older and working-age individuals using nationwide data from Spain. METHODS We identified all 15,353 fatal drug poisonings involving decedents aged ≥15 years in Spain between 2000 and 2018 and divided them by age into older adults (≥65 years) and working-age (15-64 years) individuals. For each age group, we analyzed time trends in suicidal and accidental fatal drug poisoning rates (overall and by ICD-10 drug categories) using joinpoint regressions. To understand the specific drugs classified as "Non-psychotropic/non-specified", we used 2018 data including substance-specific ICD-10 supplementary codes. We explored relevant sociodemographic correlates of suicidal and accidental fatal poisoning rates using multivariable negative binomial regressions. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2018, suicidal fatal poisonings increased faster among older (from 0.19 to 0.63 per 100,000 - average annual change: 7.7%) than working-age individuals (from 0.40 to 0.72 per 100,000 - average annual change: 3.8%). Accidental fatal poisonings increased among older adults (from 0.25 to 2.67 per 100,000 - average annual change: 16.2%) but decreased among working-age counterparts (from 2.38 to 1.42 per 100,000 - average annual change: - 1.9%). Anticoagulants and cardiac-stimulants glycosides accounted for 70% of the 223 accidental fatal poisonings due to non-psychotropic/non-specified drugs registered among older adults in 2018. Roles of gender and urban dwelling in suicidal and accidental poisonings were heterogeneous across age groups. CONCLUSION Increases in suicidal drug poisonings were faster among older than working-age individuals. Accidental fatal poisonings increased only among older adults. Our findings that (i) sociodemographic correlates were heterogeneous across age groups and (ii) anticoagulant and cardiac-stimulant glycosides were particularly salient drivers of accidental poisonings among older adults have implications for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gonzalo Martínez-Alés
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.,Mental Health Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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