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Janssens WH, Van Den Noortgate NJ, Mouton V, Desmet P, Van Puyvelde K, Steen E, Maere C, Van Mulders K, De Raes E, Dekoninck J, Kympers C, Werbrouck B, Delaere J, Piers RD. Opioids in geriatric units in 14 Belgian hospitals: prevalence, dosage and associated factors. Ann Med 2024; 56:2310132. [PMID: 38294956 PMCID: PMC10833115 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2310132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse effects of opioids are common among older individuals, and undertreatment as well as overuse can be an issue. Epidemiological data on opioid use in older individuals are available, but scarce in hospitalized patients.Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the one-day prevalence of opioid use among older inpatients and identify the factors associated with both opioid use and dosage.Materials and methods: One-day cross-sectional study with data collected from geriatric units across 14 Belgian hospitals. The primary focus of the study is to assess the prevalence of opioid use and dosage, along with identifying associated factors. To achieve this, a multiple binary logistic regression model was fitted for opioid use, and a multiple linear regression model for opioid dose.Results: Opioids were used in 24.4% of 784 patients, of which 57.9% was treated with tramadol, 13.2% with oxycodone or morphine and 28.9% with transdermal buprenorphine or fentanyl. The odds for opioid use were 4.2 times higher in patients in orthogeriatric units compared to other patients (OR=4.2, 95% CI=2.50-7.05). The prevalence of opioid use was 34% higher in patients without dementia compared to patients with dementia (OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.46-0.95). The overall mean daily dosage was 14.07mg subcutaneous morphine equivalent. After adjustment for age, gender and dementia, dosage was only associated with type of opioid: the estimated mean opioid dose was 70% lower with tramadol (mean ratio=0,30,95% CI=0,23-0,39) and 67% lower with oxycodone and morphine (mean ratio=0,33, 95% CI=0,22-0,48) compared to transdermal buprenorphine and transdermal fentanyl.Conclusions: One in four patients received opioid treatment. It is not clear whether this reflects under- or overtreatment, but these results can serve as a benchmark for geriatric units to guide future pain management practices. The utilization of transdermal fentanyl and buprenorphine, resulting in higher doses of morphine equivalent, poses significant risks for side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Henri Janssens
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Geriatrics, AZ Oudenaarde, Oudenaarde, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Mouton
- Department of Geriatrics, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Desmet
- Department of Geriatrics, VITAZ, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | | | - Elke Steen
- Department of Geriatrics, AZ Sint-Lucas Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Maere
- Department of Geriatrics, AZ Sint-Lucas Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Bart Werbrouck
- Department of Geriatrics, AZ Jan Yperman, Ypres, Belgium
| | | | - Ruth D. Piers
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Pickering G, Kotlińska-Lemieszek A, Krcevski Skvarc N, O'Mahony D, Monacelli F, Knaggs R, Morel V, Kocot-Kępska M. Pharmacological Pain Treatment in Older Persons. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:959-976. [PMID: 39465454 PMCID: PMC11634925 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacological pain treatment in older persons is presented by a multi-disciplinary group of European pain experts. Drugs recommended for acute or chronic nociceptive pain, also for neuropathic pain and the routes of administration of choice are the same as those prescribed for younger persons but comorbidities and polypharmacy in older persons increase the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. Not all drugs are available or authorised in all European countries. For mild-to-moderate pain, non-opioids including paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first-line treatments, followed by nefopam and metamizole. Codeine, dihydrocodeine and tramadol are prescribed for moderate to severe pain and 'strong' opioids, including morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, methadone and tapentadol, for severe pain. Chronic neuropathic pain treatment relies on coanalgesics, including anti-epileptics (gabapentinoids) and anti-depressants with additional option of topical lidocaine and capsaicine. The choice of analgesic(s) and the route of administration should be guided by the pain characteristics, as well as by the patient's comorbidities, organ function and medications. Several directions have been highlighted to optimise pharmacological pain management in older individuals: (1) before starting pain treatment adequately detect and assess pain and always perform a full geriatric assessment, (2) consider kidney function systematically to adjust the doses of analgesics and avoid the risks of overdose, (3) start with the lowest dose of an analgesic and increase it gradually under the control of the effect, (4) involve the older persons and family in their treatment, (5) reevaluate pain regularly during treatment and (6) combine pharmacological treatment with non-pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisèle Pickering
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, PIC/CIC Inserm 1405-University Hospital CHU and Faculty of Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Aleksandra Kotlińska-Lemieszek
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Pharmacotherapy in Palliative Care Laboratory, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Nevenka Krcevski Skvarc
- Institute for Palliative Medicine and Care, Faculty of Medicine of University Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Roger Knaggs
- University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
- Primary Integrated Community Services, Nottingham, UK
| | - Véronique Morel
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, PIC/CIC Inserm 1405-University Hospital CHU and Faculty of Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Magdalena Kocot-Kępska
- Department for Pain Research and Treatment, Medical College Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Janssens WH, Verhoestraete P, Piers RD, Van Den Noortgate NJ. Short-Term Opioid Treatment of Acute Locomotor Pain in Older Adults: Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety between Tramadol and Oxycodone: A Randomized Trial. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:46. [PMID: 38667513 PMCID: PMC11050500 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a head-to-head comparison of step 2 (tramadol) and step 3 (oxycodone) of the WHO pain ladder in older adults with moderate to severe acute locomotor pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multi-center prospective randomized study. Patients were 70 years or older, admitted to the acute geriatric ward of three hospitals, suffering from acute moderate to severe locomotor pain, and opioid-naive. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups: tramadol versus oxycodone. The Consort reporting guidelines were used. RESULTS Forty-nine patients were included. Mean numeric rating scale (NRS) decreased significantly between day 0 and 2 of the inclusion in both groups. A sustained significant decrease in mean NRS was seen at day 7 in both groups. Nausea was significantly more prevalent in the tramadol group, with a trend towards a higher prevalence of delirium and falls and three serious adverse events in the same group. CONCLUSIONS Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term effective treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults. Oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for geriatric practice, showing that opioids for treatment of acute moderate to severe locomotor pain in older patients are effective and safe if carefully monitored for side effects. Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults, if carefully monitored for (side) effects, while oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for daily practice in geriatric, orthopedic, and orthogeriatric wards, as well as in terminal care, more precisely for the treatment of moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Henri Janssens
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Ghent, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Razlansari M, Ulucan-Karnak F, Kahrizi M, Mirinejad S, Sargazi S, Mishra S, Rahdar A, Díez-Pascual AM. Nanobiosensors for detection of opioids: A review of latest advancements. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 179:79-94. [PMID: 36067954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are generally used as analgesics in pain treatment. Like many drugs, they have side effects when overdosing and causeaddiction problems.Illegal drug use and misuse are becoming a major concern for authorities worldwide; thus, it is critical to have precise procedures for detecting them in confiscated samples, biological fluids, and wastewaters. Routine blood and urine tests are insufficient for highly selective determinations and can cause cross-reactivities. For this purpose, nanomaterial-based biosensors are great tools to determine opioid intakes, continuously monitoring the drugs with high sensitivity and selectivity even at very low sample volumes.Nanobiosensors generally comprise a signal transducer nanostructure in which a biological recognition molecule is immobilized onto its surface. Lately, nanobiosensors have been extensively utilized for the molecular detection of opioids. The usage of novel nanomaterials in biosensing has impressed biosensing studies. Nanomaterials with a large surface area have been used to develop nanobiosensors with shorter reaction times and higher sensitivity than conventional biosensors. Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing methods are two kinds of optical sensor systems based on nanomaterials. Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), such as silver and gold, are the most frequently applied nanomaterials in colorimetric techniques, owing to their unique optical feature of surface plasmon resonance. Despite the progress of an extensive spectrum of nanobiosensors over the last two decades, the future purpose of low-cost, high-throughput, multiplexed clinical diagnostic lab-on-a-chip instruments has yet to be fulfilled. In this review, a concise overview of opioids (such as tramadol and buprenorphine, oxycodone and fentanyl, methadone and morphine) is provided as well as information on their classification, mechanism of action, routine tests, and new opioid sensing technologies based on various NPs. In order to highlight the trend of nanostructure development in biosensor applications for opioids, recent literature examples with the nanomaterial type, target molecules, and limits of detection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Razlansari
- Inorganic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir 35100, Turkey.
| | | | - Shekoufeh Mirinejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 98167-43463, Iran.
| | - Saman Sargazi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan 98167-43463, Iran.
| | - Sachin Mishra
- NDAC Centre, Kwangwoon University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea; RFIC Lab, Department of Electronic Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea.
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, University of Zabol, Zabol, P.O. Box. 98613-35856, Iran.
| | - Ana M Díez-Pascual
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Tapentadol Versus Tramadol: A Narrative and Comparative Review of Their Pharmacological, Efficacy and Safety Profiles in Adult Patients. Drugs 2021; 81:1257-1272. [PMID: 34196947 PMCID: PMC8318929 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a narrative review of the literature to compare the pharmacological, efficacy and safety profiles of tapentadol and tramadol, and to assess the clinical interest of tapentadol in adult patients. Tapentadol and tramadol share a mixed mechanism of action, including both mu-agonist and monoaminergic properties. Tapentadol is approximately two to three times more potent than tramadol and two to three times less potent than morphine. It has no identified analgesically active metabolite and is not significantly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes, thus overcoming some limitations of tramadol, including the potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions and interindividual variability due to genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes. The toxicity profiles of tramadol and tapentadol are similar; however tapentadol is likely to result in less exposure to serotoninergic adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, hypoglycaemia) but cause more opioid adverse effects (constipation, respiratory depression, abuse) than tramadol. The safety of tapentadol in real-world conditions remains poorly documented, particularly in at-risk patient subgroups and also in the ability to assess the risk associated with its residual serotonergic activity (serotonin syndrome, seizures). Because of an earlier market introduction, more real-world safety data are available for tramadol, including data from at-risk patient subgroups. The level of evidence on the efficacy of both tramadol and tapentadol for the treatment of chronic pain is globally low. The trials published to date show overall that tapentadol does not provide a clinically significant analgesic improvement compared to existing treatments, for which the safety profile is much better known. In conclusion, tapentadol is not a first-line opioid but represents an additional analgesic in the therapeutic choices, which some patients may benefit from after careful examination of their clinical situation, co-morbidities and co-medications.
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Pitchumoni CS. Acute Pancreatitis. GERIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021:1449-1481. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30192-7_55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2025]
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Al-Qurain AA, Gebremichael LG, Khan MS, Williams DB, Mackenzie L, Phillips C, Russell P, Roberts MS, Wiese MD. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Analgesic Prescribing in Poly-Medicated Elderly Patients. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:291-300. [PMID: 32016823 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-019-00742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is common in older patients and management guidelines rarely consider the effect of multiple comorbidities and concurrent medications on analgesic selection. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence and pattern of analgesic prescribing and associated factors in older patients with polypharmacy. METHODS Older patients (aged ≥ 75 years) admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital between September 2015 and August 2016 and with polypharmacy were included and their comorbidities and medications prescribed at discharge were recorded. Drug Burden Index and Charlson Comorbidity Index were calculated. The number of medications that increased the risk of orthostatic hypotension were recorded. Logistic regression was used to compute the association between analgesic use and participant characteristics, and results were presented as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Drug Burden Index and orthostatic hypotension. RESULTS Over 15,000 admissions were identified, of which 1192 patients were included, 824 (69%) of whom were prescribed an analgesic medication. Paracetamol (used by 89% of analgesic users), opioids (34%) and adjuvants (17%) were used more frequently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8%). Analgesic users had a higher Drug Burden Index, were prescribed more medications and were less likely to be male compared with non-users. Charlson Comorbidity Index across the cohort was high (7.3 ± 1.9) but there was no difference between analgesic users and non-users, but analgesic users were more likely to have a documented diagnosis of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and falls. Opioid use was associated with the Drug Burden Index, while adjuvant use was associated with orthostatic hypotension. Opioid use was associated with having a diagnosis of osteoporosis and falls. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort of poly-medicated elderly patients, prescription of analgesic medications was common, and these patients are likely to have an increased rate of adverse drug reactions and falls compared with those who were not prescribed analgesic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Ali Al-Qurain
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia.,Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, Ministry of Education, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lemlem G Gebremichael
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Muhammad Suleman Khan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Desmond B Williams
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lorraine Mackenzie
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia
| | - Craig Phillips
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Michael S Roberts
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Australia.,Therapeutics Research Centre, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
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8
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Hesari E, Sabzi Z, Kolagari S. The effects of teaching methods of palliative care on life pattern of old women with chronic pain. Eur J Transl Myol 2019; 29:8472. [PMID: 31908745 PMCID: PMC6926431 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2019.8472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is among problems of old people and causes changes in their life pattern and processes. Teaching palliative care can help old people suffering from chronic pain to live an active life. The aim of this research was to determine effects of educating of palliative care on life pattern of elderly women with chronic pain. The present study was a Quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post test was conducted on 30 elderly women suffering from chronic pain in 2018 in Iran. The Questionnaire for evaluating the Pattern of Life with Pain in the elderly was filled before the intervention, group educating of palliative care was carried out using an educational package, and the questionnaire was completed again immediately and one and three months after. The data was analyzed using mean, standard deviations, Fisher's F test, and Greenhouse-Geisser and Bonferroni post-hoc test by employing SPSS- 16. Mean changes before teaching palliative care significantly differed from those of immediately and one and three months after the educational program (p = 0.0), (p = 0.004). There were significant differences between the stages of immediately and one month after the educational program and that of three months after it (p = 0.001), (p = 0.002). Concerning the personal life patterns, there were statistically significant differences between the stage immediately after the educational program and those before the intervention and three months after it (p = 0.005), (p = 0.000). Regarding the social life pattern, only the stage of one month after the educational program significantly differed from that of three months (p = 0.005). Mean growth in life pattern of the old women suffering from chronic pain in the stages after the intervention indicated the importance of and the necessity for palliative care during old age. Moreover, the success of this education three months after the educational program as compared to immediately and one month after it indicates that allocation of sufficient time plays a very important role in transferring information and in teaching methods of palliative care to old people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hesari
- MSc in Geriatric Nursing, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Zahra Sabzi
- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shohreh Kolagari
- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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Varrassi G, Fusco M, Skaper SD, Battelli D, Zis P, Coaccioli S, Pace MC, Paladini A. A Pharmacological Rationale to Reduce the Incidence of Opioid Induced Tolerance and Hyperalgesia: A Review. Pain Ther 2018; 7:59-75. [PMID: 29594972 PMCID: PMC5993687 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-018-0094-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is an important health and social problem. Misuse and abuse of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain management seem to be a huge problem, in some countries. This could probably affect the normal use of such analgesics in patients in need of them. Basic and clinical researches should find the solution to mitigate the potential damage. Dysregulation of mast cell and microglia activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and management of chronic pain. Persistent mast cell activation sensitizes nociceptors and initiates central nervous system inflammatory processes, involving microglial cell activation and sensitization of spinal somatosensory neurons. Exposure of mast cells and microglia to opioids is well known to provoke activation of these non-neuronal immune cell populations, thereby contributing to an exacerbation of pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive processes and promoting, over the long-term, opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. This review is intended to provide the reader with an overview of the role for these non-neuronal cells in opioid-induced chronic pain and tolerance as a consequence of prolonged exposure to these drugs. In addition, we will examine a potential strategy with the aim to modulate opioid-induced over-activation of glia and mast cells, based on endogenous defense mechanisms and fatty acid amide signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giustino Varrassi
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mariella Fusco
- Center for Medical Documentation and Information, Epitech, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Battelli
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, San Marino Hospital, San Marino, San Marino
| | - Panagiotis Zis
- Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stefano Coaccioli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Paladini
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Guerriero F. Guidance on opioids prescribing for the management of persistent non-cancer pain in older adults. World J Clin Cases 2017; 5:73-81. [PMID: 28352631 PMCID: PMC5352962 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i3.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
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 moderate-to-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.
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Prostran M, Vujović KS, Vučković S, Medić B, Srebro D, Divac N, Stojanović R, Vujović A, Jovanović L, Jotić A, Cerovac N. Pharmacotherapy of Pain in the Older Population: The Place of Opioids. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:144. [PMID: 27378916 PMCID: PMC4909762 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom in older people. It is possible that pain is underreported in older persons due to an incorrect belief that it is an inevitable part of aging. Opioid analgesics are potent medications, with confirmed efficacy for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. These drugs are commonly used in older persons. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding safety of opioids in older patients. One of the reasons for this is the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials. People of advanced age often have comorbidites and use other prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) compounds, thus making them more suceptible to the risk of interactions with opioids. Significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that occur with advancing age increase the risk of adverse effects of opioids. There are also some discrepancies between guidelines, which recommend the use of lower doses of opioids in older patients, and the findings in the literature which suggest that pain is often undertreated in this age group. It seems that there are significant variations in the tolerability of different opioid analgesics in older people. Morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and buprenorphine are still the preferred evidence-based choices for add-on opioid therapy for these patients. However, the safety and efficacy of other opioids in older patients, especially if comorbidities and polypharmacy are present, is still questionable. This review addresses the most important aspects of the use of opioids in older persons, focusing on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Prostran
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Savić Vujović
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Vučković
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislava Medić
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Srebro
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevena Divac
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Radan Stojanović
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Lepa Jovanović
- Institute for Gerontology and Palliative Care Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Jotić
- Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Cerovac
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
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Hall T. Management of persistent pain in older people. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tony Hall
- Advanced Pharmacist in Persistent Pain and Senior Lecturer; School of Clinical Sciences; Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Comment on “Pain in the Frail or Elderly Patient: Does Tapentadol Have a Role?”. Drugs Aging 2015; 32:871-3. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-015-0313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Author’s Reply to Zekry and Inderjeeth: “Pain in the Frail or Elderly Patient: Does Tapentadol Have a Role?”. Drugs Aging 2015; 32:875. [DOI: 10.1007/s40266-015-0314-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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