Effect of butorphanol-soaked nasal packing after endoscopic nasal surgery: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Objective This study was designed to investigate the effect of butorphanol-soaked nasal packing on analgesia and sleep quality in patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic nasal surgery. Methods Sixty-six patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into three groups: group B1 (butorphanol 0.03 mg/kg), group B2 (butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg) and group N (control group). The primary outcome was postoperative pain scores evaluated by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 2 h (T1), 8 h (T2), 24 h (T3) and 48 h (T4) after surgery. Secondary outcome was postoperative sleep quality measured using Subjective Sleep Quality Value (SSQV). Results Postoperative VAS scores of butorphanol groups were significantly lower than the control group at T2, T3 and T4. VAS scores at each time point did not differ between groups B1 and B2. On the first and second nights after surgery, SSQV was higher in butorphanol groups than in the control group. There were no significant differences in SSQV1 and SSQV2 between group B1 and group B2. The incidence of respiratory depression, dizziness, agitation and rescue analgesic use did not show difference among three groups. Conclusions Butorphanol-soaked nasal packing can reduce pain and improve sleep quality after bilateral endoscopic nasal surgery without increasing adverse effects. A concentration of 0.03 mg/kg may be appropriate for clinical application. Level of Evidence Level 1B.

Amapola, lindísima amapola: de los opiáceos y los opioides, utilidad y riesgos / Poppy, beautiful poppy: opiates and opioids, utility and risks

Resumen El opio y sus derivados, y recientemente los opioides, han acompañado a la humanidad desde las civilizaciones más antiguas hasta la actualidad. Sus efectos analgésicos, hipnóticos y placenteros no pasaron desapercibidos para los antiguos, los consideraron de utilidad médica y beneficiosa para el estado de ánimo. Hoy en día no existe otro tipo de medicamentos que puedan tratar el dolor más intenso tan eficientemente como estos potentes analgésicos. Sin embargo, el uso médico y recreativo de los opiáceos y los opioides conlleva riesgos para la salud, como la tolerancia, la hiperalgesia y la adicción. Actualmente, además de ser indiscutiblemente el tratamiento médico más poderoso para mitigar el sufrimiento ocasionado por el dolor, se ha convertido también en un problema de salud pública debido a la alta cantidad de personas con trastorno por uso de opioides y por las muertes ocasionadas por sobredosis. En esta revisión se hará mención de las bondades de los opiáceos y opioides, y también de los efectos no deseados que estos producen.

Abstract Opium and its derivatives, and recently the opioids have accompanied the humankind since the ancient civilizations to the present day. Its analgesic, hypnotic and pleasant effects did not go unnoticed by ancient people, which considered most of these effects of medical utility and noticed that they had remarkable mood benefits. Currently, there are no other kind of drugs that can palliate intense pain as efficiently as these powerful analgesics. However, the medical and recreational use of opiates and opioids may carry health risks such as tolerance, hyperalgesia, and addiction. Nowadays, in addition to being indisputably the most powerful medical treatment to alleviate the suffering caused by pain, it has also become a public health problem due to the high number of people with opioid use disorder that have facilitated deaths caused by opioids overdose. In this review we will discuss the medical benefits of opiates and opioids, as much as the unwanted effects they produce.

Fentanyl and other New Psychoactive Synthetic Opioids. Challenges to Prevention and Treatment

ABSTRACT Synthetic opioids have played a significant role in the current opioid crisis in the United States (U.S.) and Canada and are a matter of concern worldwide. New psychoactive opioids (NPOs) are classified in the internationally recognized new psychoactive substances (NPSs) category. This group comprises compounds that may have been synthesized decades ago but appeared only recently in the illicit drug market. Such is the case of fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and non-fentanyl opioids. Most NPOs have effects similar to morphine, including euphoria and analgesia, and can produce fatal respiratory depression. Here, we present an overview of the systemic and molecular effects of main NPOs, their classification, and their pharmacological properties. We first review the fentanyl group of NPOs, including the four compounds of clinical use (fentanyl, alfentanil, sufentanil, and remifentanil) and the veterinary drug carfentanil. We also provide essential information on non-medical fentanyl analogs and other synthetic opioids such as brorphine, etonitazene, and MT-45, used as adulterants in commonly misused drugs. This paper also summarizes the scarce literature on the use of NPOs in Mexico. It concludes with a brief review of the challenges to prevention and treatment posed by NPOs and some recommendations to face them.

Effect of acupoint stimulation assisted anesthetics on the agitation during recovery and the levels of serum opioids and amyloid A in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupoint stimulation assisted anesthesia on the agitation during recovery and the levels of serum opioids (Opiorphin) and amyloid A (SAA) in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery.Methods:Eighty-six older patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in Shaoxing Second Hospital from February 2020 to September 2021 were randomly divided into the routine group and the research group, each with 43 patients. They were given acupoint sham stimulation and acupoint stimulation respectively, and the general indexes of the two groups, recovery quality, cognitive function and changes in serum Opiorphin and SAA levels were compared.Results:There were no differences in operation time, anesthesia time, recovery time and intraoperative blood transfusion between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dosage of remifentanil in the research group was significantly lower than that in the routine group: (270.64 ± 17.62) μg vs. (291.82 ± 23.34) μg, P<0.05. The incidence of agitation during the recovery period in the research group was significantly lower than that in the routine group: 13.95% (6/43) vs. 48.84% (21/43), P<0.05. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores in the research group at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly higher than those in the routine group: (22.80 ± 2.04) scores vs. (19.31 ± 3.61) scores, (24.92 ± 2.44) scores vs. (21.49 ± 3.58) scores, (26.73 ± 2.57) scores vs. (24.23 ± 3.95) scores, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The serum Opiorphin level at 24 h after operation in the research group was higher than that in the routine group: (32.74 ± 8.57) mg/L vs. (25.40 ± 6.36) mg/L; and the SAA level was lower than that in the routine group: (157.36 ± 10.24) mg/L vs. (204.37 ± 15.56) mg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Acupoint stimulation adjuvant anesthesia can reduce the occurrence of agitation during the recovery period of elderly patients with hip fracture, reduce the dosage of anesthetics, reduce postoperative cognitive impairment, regulate serum Opiorphin and SAA levels, and help early postoperative recovery.

Comparison of two analysis methods of opioid consumption sum in medical institutions / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To compare the similarities and differences of the two methods in analyzing the use of opioids in third grade class A medical institutions and provide a reference for the management of opioids in medical institutions. METHODS Two methods， Defined Daily Dose （DDD） and Oral Morphine Equivalent （OME）， were used to count the opioid prescription data of five comprehensive medical institutions of third grade class A （named H1-H5） in Shanxi province in 2020， calculate consumption sum of opioid， annual per capita consumption sum， patient cost burden and drug consumption sum ratio， compare the index results presented by the two analysis methods， and explore the application scenarios of the advantages of each of the two evaluation methods. RESULTS The ranking of consumption sum of opioid and patient cost burden calculated by the two methods was the same in the five sample medical institutions， but the ranking of per capita consumption sum was different. Taking the 5 medical institutions as a whole， the top 4 rankings of consumption sum ratio for each species of opioid compared by both methods were the same， i. e. remifentanil＞sufentanil＞oxycodone＞morphine. The ratio of remifentanil was close to 50%. When comparing the ranking of consumption sum ratio in each medical institution， the ranking calculated by the two methods was different for those medical institutions except for H1 medical institutions. The consumption sum ratio of fentanyl calculated by DDD method was significantly higher than that of OME method； whereas consumption sum ratio of remifentanil calculated by OME method was significantly higher than that of DDD method. Perioperative patients had the highest consumption sum ratio， about 50%. The consumption sum ratio of critically ill patients in H3 jwsydey@163.com medical institutions and inpatient patients with cancer pain and other patients in H5 medical institutions calculated by DDD method was significantly higher than that by OME method. There were differences in the order of cost burden of different types of patients calculated by two methods. CONCLUSIONS DDD method can accurately reflect the dosage of opioid drugs and facilitate the monitoring and management of the dosage； OME method can more reflect the analgesic effect and compare the cost burden of patients.

Influencing factors and interventions of defecation disorders after orthopedic surgery: a review / 预防医学

Abstract@#Defecation disorder is one of the most common complications after orthopedic surgery, which seriously affects patients' quality of life. Based on review of national and international publications pertaining to influencing factors and interventions of postoperative defecation disorders, this review analyzes the associations of orthopedic surgery-related factors with postoperative defecation disorders, and summarizes the common interventions for postoperative defecation disorders, including medication, physical therapy and daily life management, so as to provide insights into prevention and treatment of defecation disorders after orthopedic surgery.

Continuous flow Aza-Michael reaction for preparing the fast-acting synthetic opioid drug Remifentanil

Abstract Remifentanil is a modern fentanyl analogue with ultrashort-action granted by an esterase-labile methyl propanoate chain. Here, we present the development of a continuous flow methodology for the key N-alkylation step of remifentanil preparation in a biphasic, "slug-flow" regime. We screened parameters under microwave-assisted reactions, translated conditions to flow settings, and obtained remifentanil under 15-min residence time in a 1-mL microreactor, with a space-time yield of 89 mg/mL·h and 94% yield.

Impacto cognitivo del uso crónico de opioides

Introducción: El impacto del uso crónico de opioides se ha relacionado con una amplia gama de desórdenes cognitivos, que abarcan desde deficiencias menores en habilidades cognitivas hasta problemas en habilidades como atención, aprendizaje, memoria y funciones ejecutivas. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática para investigar el impacto cognitivo en pacientes que usan opioides crónicamente y evaluar la gravedad de ese impacto. Método: Se evaluaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios de casos y controles, cohortes prospectivas y retrospectivas en dos bases de datos: PubMed y Cochrane Central, con la utilización de los siguientes términos en su búsqueda: "analgesic opioids", "cognitive dysfunction"," cognition impairments", "chronic disease" y "abuse, substance". La búsqueda fue en los idiomas inglés, español y portugués de estudios realizados en humanos adultos en uso crónico de opioides y su impacto cognitivo. Resultados: Fueron seleccionados 7 estudios, 5 de los cuales los pacientes hicieron uso de tramadol y fue constatado el impacto cognitivo negativo, un estudio con el uso de tapentadol con impacto positivo sobre la cognición y un estudio con el uso de hidrocodona con impacto positivo en la neurocognición de los pacientes. Conclusiones: A pesar de las limitaciones encontradas, como conclusión se considera que el tramadol tiene un impacto negativo en la neurocognición, lo que no ocurre en relación con el tapentadol y la hidrocodona, que presentarán una mejoría en la calidad de vida y cognición de los pacientes.

Introduction: The impact of chronic opioid use has been related to a wide range of cognitive disorders, ranging from minor deficiencies in cognitive abilities to problems in abilities such as attention, learning, memory, and executive functions. Objective: To carry out a systematic review to research the cognitive impact in patients who use opioids chronically and to assess the severity of this impact. Method: Randomized clinical trials, case-control studies, prospective and retrospective cohorts were evaluated in two databases: PubMed and Cochrane Central, using the following search terms: "analgesic opioids", "cognitive dysfunction", "cognition impairments", "chronic disease" and "abuse, substance". The search was in English, Spanish, and Portuguese for studies conducted in adult humans with chronic opioid use and its cognitive impact. Results: Seven studies were selected, five of which the patients used tramadol and the negative cognitive impact was verified, a study with the use of tapentadol with a positive impact on cognition and a study with the use of hydrocodone with a positive impact on neurocognition of patients. Conclusions: despite the limitations found, as a conclusion it is considered that tramadol has a negative impact on neurocognition, which does not occur in relation to tapentadol and hydrocodone, which will present an improvement in the quality of life and cognition of patients.

Introdução: O impacto do uso crônico de opioides tem sido relacionado a uma ampla gama de distúrbios cognitivos, desde pequenas deficiências nas habilidades cognitivas até problemas em habilidades como atenção, aprendizado, memória e funções executivas. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática para investigar o impacto cognitivo em pacientes que fazem uso crônico de opioides e avaliar a gravidade desse impacto. Método: Ensaios clínicos randomizados, estudos de caso-controle, coortes prospectivas e retrospectivas foram avaliados em duas bases de dados: PubMed e Cochrane Central, usando os seguintes termos em sua busca: "analgesic opioids", "cognitive dysfunção", "cognitive impairments", "doença crônica" e "abuso, substância". A busca foi em inglês, espanhol e português para estudos conduzidos em humanos adultos sobre o uso crônico de opioides e seu impacto cognitivo. Resultados: Foram selecionados 7 estudos, 5 dos quais os pacientes usaram tramadol e foi verificado o impacto cognitivo negativo, um estudo com o uso de tapentadol com impacto positivo na cognição e um estudo com o uso de hidrocodona com impacto positivo na neurocognição de pacientes. Conclusões: Apesar das limitações encontradas, como conclusão considera-se que o tramadol tem impacto negativo na neurocognição, o que não ocorre em relação ao tapentadol e hidrocodona, que apresentarão melhora na qualidade de vida e cognição dos pacientes.

Study on the correlation between opioid-induced constipation and gene polymorphism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of gene polymorphism on opioid-induced constipation. METHODS The target genes related to opioid-induced constipation were screened out through searching guidelines， databases and evidence-based medical data， and then 100 cancer pain patients who received opioid drugs for analgesia were included as the study subjects. According to whether there were adverse effects of constipation after medication or not， they were divided into test group and control group， with 50 cases in each group. The target gene was detected by PCR or fluorescence in situ hybridization. The SNPStats program was used to carry out Hardy-Weinberg balance test and correlation analysis between gene polymorphism and opioid-induced constipation. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relevant predictive factors of opioid-induced constipation， and receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve of subjects was drawn to analyze the effectiveness of each predictive factor in predicting opioid-induced constipation. RESULTS CYP2D6， CYP3A5*3， ABCB1 and OPRM1 were selected as target genes for detection. The results of genotype detection showed that the frequency distribution of CYP2D6 （rs1065852， rs1135822， rs16947， rs28371725， rs28371735）， CYP3A5*3 （058rs776746）， ABCB1 （062rs1045642）， OPRM1 （047rs1799971） alleles were consistent with Hardy-Weinbergbalance test. The correlation analysis results showed that the proportion of genotype GG and AG in CYP3A5*3 （058rs776746， 163.com A＞G） and genotype AA and AG in OPRM1 （047rs1799971， A＞G） of patients was significantly higher in test group than that in the control group （P＜0.05）. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that medication duration， CYP3A5*3 and OPRM1 gene polymorphism could be used as predictors of opioid- induced constipation in patients （P＜0.05）. The ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the ROC curves for medication duration and CYP3A5*3， OPRM1 gene polymorphism were 0.648， 0.640 and 0.670， respectively， with the optimal cutoff values of 124.0， 0.5 and 0.5， respectively. CONCLUSIONS Genotype GG and AG in CYP3A5*3 （058rs776746，A＞G） and genotype AA and AG in OPRM1 （047rs1799971，A＞G） are associated with opioid-induced constipation， which are expected to become clinical predictors of opioid-induced constipation， and more attention should be paid to the occurrence of constipation in patients who have been taking opioids for a long time.

Analgesic effect and safety of using an epidural analgesia pump versus an intravenous analgesia pump for uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the analgesic effect and safety of using an epidural analgesia pump versus an intravenous analgesia pump for uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Methods:Fifty patients with uterine fibroids undergoing uterine artery embolization admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into an observation group and a control group ( n = 25/group). Patients in the observation group used an epidural analgesia pump for pain relief, while patients in the control group used an intravenous analgesia pump for pain relief. At 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, pain severity was compared between the two groups using the Visual Analogue Scale. Comfort level was compared between the two groups using the Bruggemann Comfort scale. Before and after surgery, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results:At 1 hour after surgery, the Visual Analogue Scale score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [3.00 (2.00, 5.50) vs. 7.00 (6.00, 8.00), Z = -3.84, P < 0.05]. At 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, there was a significant difference in the Visual Analogue Scale score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Within 24 hours after surgery, the use of opioid analgesics in the observation group was less than that in the control group [16.00% (4/25) vs. 88.00% (22/25), χ2 = 25.96, P < 0.001]. At 1 hour after surgery, the Bruggemann Comfort Scale score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [0.00 (0.00, 0.50) vs. 0.00 (0.00, 0.00), Z = 2.08, P < 0.05]. At 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, there was no significant difference in the Bruggemann Comfort Scale score between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After surgery, heart rate was significantly decreased in each group compared with before surgery (both P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in respiratory rate and mean arterial pressure between the two groups before and after surgery (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidences of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and fever between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion:The epidural analgesia pump used for uterine artery embolization in the treatment of uterine fibroids has a better analgesic effect and provides more comfort and is safer than the intravenous analgesia pump. The former is worthy of clinical promotion.

Acute pancreatitis associated with scoliosis surgery: Could opioids be a determinant factor in its development?

Various medical complications can occur after spinal surgery in the pediatric population. Current surgical techniques have allowed a greater degree of scoliosis correction, but at the same time, unusual complications have been described that seem to be associated and have a multifactorial etiology. We present a case series of three pediatric patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgery with continuous use of full-dose opioids, and during hospitalization and post-operative surveillance developed acute pancreatitis. The association between prolonged exposure to high-dose opioids and the onset of pancreatitis in the context of major surgery suggests a potential relationship that warrants further study

Opioid consumption and prescription in Brazil: integrative review / Uso e prescrição de opioides no Brasil: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the past twenty years, the number of deaths caused by opioid overdose has tripled in the United States. There is, in literature, a scarcity of up-to-date evidence regarding opioids consumption in the Brazilian scenario. The objectives of this study was to know, through a literary review, the pattern of opioid analgesics consumption in Brazil. METHODS: An integrative review of the literature, performed in the PubMed, BVS and Scielo databases from August 30 to October 22, 2020. The search strategy included the following terms, "Opioid-related disorders" or "Opioid epidemic" or "Opioid analgesics" and "Brazil". Inclusion criteria: published in the last five years; studies on humans. Exclusion criteria: studies not related to the objective of this review; letters, editorials, commentaries and secondary studies. RESULTS: The results showed patients' dissatisfaction with pain management when compared to patients from developed countries, the lack of knowledge and adequate public policies on the use of opioids among health professionals make them view opioids as the last treatment alternative. The practice of analgesic self-medication is frequent in patients with chronic diseases, which may be the cause of the low prescription of opioid analgesics by health professionals. CONCLUSION: It is noteworthy that there is a lack of data related to the prescription and use of opioids in Brazil. Further studies should be conducted to assess the use of opioids in general medical practice.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Nos últimos 20 anos, o número de mortes causadas por overdose de opioides triplicou nos Estados Unidos. São escassas na literatura evidências atualizadas sobre o consumo de opioides no cenário brasileiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer, por meio de revisão literária, o padrão de consumo de analgésicos opioides no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, BVS e Scielo, no período de 30 de agosto a 22 de outubro de 2020. A estratégia de busca incluiu os termos "Transtornos relacionados ao uso de opioides" ou "Epidemia de opioides" ou "Analgésicos opioides" e "Brasil". Critérios de inclusão: publicação nos últimos cinco anos; estudos em humanos. Critérios de exclusão: estudos não relacionados ao objetivo desta revisão; cartas, editoriais, comentários e estudos secundários. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram a insatisfação dos pacientes com o manejo da dor quando comparados a pacientes de países desenvolvidos, a falta de conhecimento e de políticas públicas adequadas sobre o uso de opioides entre os profissionais de saúde faz com que estes vejam os opioides como a última alternativa de tratamento. A prática da automedicação analgésica é frequente em pacientes com doenças crônicas, o que pode ser a causa da baixa prescrição de analgésicos opioides pelos profissionais de saúde. CONCLUSÃO: Faltam dados relacionados à prescrição e uso de opioides no Brasil. Novos estudos devem ser realizados para avaliar o uso de opioides na prática médica geral.

Refractory cancer pain in young child at end?of?life: Can we alleviate the suffering?

Pain is a common and highly distressing symptom in children with advanced malignancies and it is often multifactorial at the end?of?life. The prognosis of cancer pain is reported to be worse in those with mixed pain type, high pain severity, daily opioid use, and poor emotional well?being. We describe a case of 13?year?old boy, known case of metastatic Ewing sarcoma right iliac bone, who presented to our palliative care ward with intractable pain and was finally discharged home for terminal care with high doses of morphine, ketamine, and midazolam infusion through elastomeric pump attached to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line). The suffering of imminently dying children should be reduced, and judicious dose escalation of opioids along with adjuvants is appropriate and often necessary.

Evaluación de las características de la prescripción de opioides mayores otorgados por las farmacias de un Hospital General Latinoamericano / Evaluation of the prescription characteristics of major opioids dispensed by the pharmacies of a Latin American General Hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Los opioides se han utilizado para el alivio del dolor en diversos contextos. Su uso puede favorecer efectos indeseables. Actualmente los países industrializados viven una crisis de opioides. Objetivos: Caracterizar los opioides mayores despachados en términos de especialidad médica y de dosis total en miligramos equivalentes a morfina (MME) en un Hospital General Latinoamericano. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de prescripciones de opioides mayores despachadas en las Farmacias de un Hospital General Latinoamericano entre el año 2017 y 2020. Se tomó información de la base de datos del Ministerio de Salud. Se excluyeron las recetas que contenían estupefacientes no opioides y fentanilo inyectable. Se realizó una estandarización a MME para analizar la distribución de la prescripción según médicos y pacientes. Resultados: La cantidad total de recetas despachadas correspondientes a opioides mayores fue de 5,366 prescripciones. La morfina inyectable fue el medicamento más prescrito (46%) y como principio activo obtuvo 54% de todas las recetas estudiadas (considerando todas las vías de administración). Medicina general prescribió la mayoría de las recetas con un 48%, lo que representó 42% del total de MME. Conclusiones: La morfina es el principio activo preferido por los médicos evaluados en este estudio, la vía de administración parenteral es la más utilizada. Medicina general es el área que más prescribe opioides. Es pertinente crear políticas educativas en materia de opioides; por ello, resulta conveniente caracterizar la prescripción de manera cualitativa considerando información como el diagnóstico y las dosis diarias utilizadas.

Abstract: Introduction: Opioids have been used for pain relief in various settings. Its use can promote undesirable effects. Industrialized countries are currently experiencing an opioid crisis. Objective: To characterize the prescription of major opioids considering the medical area that made the prescription and total dose in milligrams morphine equivalents (MME) at a general hospital in Latin America. Material and methods: A retrospective and observational study was carried out. The number of prescriptions for major opioids dispensed in the pharmacies of a general hospital in Latin America, between 2017 and 2020, were documented. Information was taken from the database of the Ministry of Health. Prescriptions containing non-opioid narcotic drugs and injectable Fentanyl were excluded. A standardization to MME was carried out to analyze the distribution of prescriptions. Results: The total number of prescriptions filled for major opioids was 5,366 prescriptions. Injectable morphine was the most prescribed drug (46%) and as an active principle it obtained 54% of all the prescriptions studied (considering all routes of administration). General medicine prescribed most prescriptions (48%), which represented 42% of the total MME. Conclusions: Morphine is the substance preferred by the doctors evaluated in this study, the parenteral route of administration is the most used. General medicine is the area that prescribes most of the opioids. It is pertinent to create educational policies on opioids; therefore, it is convenient to characterize the prescription qualitatively considering information such as the diagnosis and the daily doses used.

Acute pain in the critically ill patient: revisiting the literature / Dor aguda no paciente crítico: revisitando a literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the redefinition, acute pain is a somatic experience, with individual perception of physical or existential threat, comprising affective, cognitive and behavioral components. In critically ill patients, pain is a frequent and poorly controlled symptom, causing worse outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore the topic of acute pain in critically ill adult patients, focusing on some aspects of pathophysiology, in addition to updates regarding diagnosis, multimodal therapy and discussion of its control as a marker of good care practice. CONTENTS: A search strategy was performed with the descriptors previously defined in the Pubmed and Cochrane portals, in the period from 2011 to 2021, without a language restriction filter. Acute pain represents a physiological response to a nociceptive stimulus, with high relevance due to its ability to activate complex pathways (inflammatory, hormonal and immune), with systemic repercussions. Pain assessment is often performed using recognized scales, but with limited validation in patients with traumatic brain injury, burns and patients with severe delirium and/or dementia. Studies considering these patients point to the use of new technologies in an attempt to target this diagnosis, such as bedside pupillometry and the use of platforms capable of integrating multiparametric measurements. Regarding therapy, the concept of analgosedation, aiming at prioritizing analgesia in critically ill patients, presents an approach capable of improving clinical outcomes. In addition, there is a preference for multimodal therapy as a good medical practice through the association of different drugs with different mechanisms of no-ciceptive blockade as a strategy to achieve pain control and facilitate the reduction of opioid consumption. CONCLUSION: Due to its systemic effects and prevalence, acute pain is still a relevant problem in intensive care units. New diagnostic methods are being marketed with the aim of targeting this evaluation in complex patients. The approach to acute pain should prioritize the use of multimodal techniques, which present more consistent clinical responses, in addition to reducing the consumption of opioids. The existence of multidisciplinary teams specialized in pain control in the hospital environment is able to assist in difficult cases and help in quality audits.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Conforme redefinição, a dor aguda é uma experiência somática, com percepção individual de ameaça física ou existencial, compreendendo componentes afetivos, cognitivos e comportamentais. Em pacientes críticos, a dor representa um sintoma frequente e mal controlado, ocasionando piores desfechos. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a temática da dor aguda nos pacientes críticos adultos, com enfoque em alguns aspectos de fisiopatologia, além de atualizações em relação a diagnóstico, terapêutica multimodal e discussão de seu controle como um marcador de boa prática assistencial. CONTEÚDO: Foi realizada estratégia de busca com os descritores previamente definidos nos portais Pubmed e Cochrane, no período de 2011 a 2021, sem filtro de restrição para idioma. A dor aguda representa uma resposta fisiológica a um estímulo nociceptivo, tendo alta relevância por sua capacidade de ativar vias complexas (inflamatórias, hormonais e imunes), com repercussões sistêmicas. A avaliação da dor é frequentemente realizada através de escalas reconhecidas, porém com validação limitada em pacientes com trauma cranioencefálico, queimados e portadores de delirium e/ou demência acentuados. Os estudos considerando esses pacientes apontam para o uso de novas tecnologias na tentativa de objetivar esse diagnóstico, como a pupilometria à beira leito e o uso de plataformas capazes de integrar medidas multiparamétricas. Em relação à terapêutica, o conceito de analgosedação, objetivando priorização de analgesia nos pacientes críticos, apresenta abordagem capaz de melhorar desfechos clínicos. Além disso, há preferência da terapêutica multimodal como boa prática médica através da associação de diferentes fármacos com diversos mecanismos de bloqueio nociceptivo como estratégia para alcançar controle álgico e facilitar a redução do consumo de opioides. CONCLUSÃO: Por seus efeitos sistêmicos e sua prevalência, a dor aguda ainda é problemática relevante nas unidades de terapia intensiva. Novos métodos diagnósticos estão sendo comercializados com a proposta de objetivar essa avaliação em pacientes complexos. A abordagem da dor aguda deve priorizar o emprego de técnicas multimodais, que apresentam respostas clínicas mais consistentes, além de redução no consumo de opioides. A existência de equipes multidisciplinares especializadas no controle da dor no ambiente hospitalar é capaz de auxiliar em casos difíceis e ajudar nas auditorias de qualidade.

Availability and accessibility of opioids for pain and palliative care in Colombia: a survey study / Disponibilidad y accesibilidad de los opioides para manejo del dolor y cuidado paliativo en Colombia: estudio tipo encuesta

Abstract Introduction: Access to essential medicines, including opioids, is a component of the right to health. Objective: To identify barriers to opioid availability and accessibility for pain and palliative care. Methods: Online survey with Colombian prescribers. Availability barriers were analyzed for each facility (distribution and/or dispensing). Accessibility barriers were analyzed by type. Descriptive analyses were conducted using relative frequencies. Significance within categories and regions was measured using Fisher's exact test. Results: Out of 1,208 prescribers invited, 806 (66.7%) completed the survey. Availability: 76.43% reported barriers. The most cited barrier was "Pharmacies authorized by health insurance companies", where opioids are frequently unavailable. Accessibility: 74.6% reported barriers. Most frequently cited was "Difficulty securing payment authorization for medication from health insurance companies". Significant differences were observed in terms of regions and "Cost" (p=0.02). Lack of coordination among procuring and distributing agencies affects availability. Limited awareness and bureaucratic procedures affect accessibility. Conclusions: There are barriers to opioid availability and access in Colombia, related to the existing structure for guaranteeing equitable supply. From the perspective of healthcare providers, problems related to pharmacy availability, prescription and cost of medicines hinder pain treatment.

Resumen Introducción: El acceso a medicamentos esenciales, incluidos los opioides, es un componente del derecho a la salud. Objetivo: Identificar las barreras de disponibilidad y acceso a los opioides para dolor y cuidados paliativos. Métodos: Encuesta virtual a prescriptores colombianos. Las barreras de disponibilidad se analizaron para cada centro (distribución y/o dispensación) y las barreras de acceso se analizaron por tipo. Los análisis descriptivos se realizaron utilizando frecuencias relativas. La significancia dentro de categorías y regiones se midió utilizando la prueba exacta de Fischer. Resultados: De los 1208 prescriptores invitados, 806 (66.7%) respondieron la encuesta. Disponibilidad: el 76,43% reportó barreras. La barrera más citada fue la relacionada con las "farmacias autorizadas por las aseguradoras de salud", donde los opioides con frecuencia no están disponibles. Acceso: el 74,6% reportó barreras. Se citó con mayor frecuencia la "Dificultad para obtener la autorización de pago de medicamentos por parte de las aseguradoras". Se observaron diferencias significativas entre regiones y "costos" (p=0,02). La falta de coordinación entre las entidades de adquisición y distribución afecta la disponibilidad. La limitada conciencia y los procedimientos burocráticos afectan la accesibilidad. Conclusiones: Existen barreras de disponibilidad y acceso a los opioides en Colombia, las cuales están relacionadas con la estructura disponible para garantizar un suministro equitativo. Desde el punto de vista de los prescriptores, los problemas relacionados con la disponibilidad de las farmacias, la prescripción y el costo de los medicamentos, obstaculizan el tratamiento adecuado del dolor.

Pain management & opioid dose reduction with topical sevoflurane instillations in intractable venous ulcers: a case report

Abstract Vascular ulcers (VU) constitute a major cause of pain and disability, and significantly compromise quality of life. VU have a natural tendency to become chronic and in many cases exhibit anunsatisfactoryresponse to many of the standard therapeutic options.The case of a 73 year-old Caucasian female with severe pain and poorly-controlled pain (Visual Analogic Scale-VAS- of 8-9) due to three lower leg long-standing VUs is reported and discussed herein. The patient was treated with topical instillations of undiluted sevoflurane as per institutional off-label protocol (starting doses of 1mL/cm2 twice a day, and up-titrated according to response to a maximum of 7 mL twice daily). The VAS score dropped to 0-1 shortly after initiation of therapy and remained stable throughout treatment up until the closure of the observations. Subsequently, opioid therapy was gradually tapered down and ultimately abandoned.Sevoflurane application resulted on adequate and sustained pain management of refractory VU, with no significant side effects. On account of its beneficial effectivity and safety profiles, topical sevoflurane emerges as an add-on alternative for the long-term management of VU, and potentially other painful conditions.

Pain catastrophizing as a predictor for postoperative opioid requirements for breakthrough pain in patients undergoing elective surgery admitted in a private institution from January 2021 to June 2021

BACKGROUND@#Post-operative pain management is a major challenge encountered by anesthesiologists. Opioids remain to be the most frequently administered analgesic for acute pain despite its many untoward side effects. Little is known about pre-operative pain perception and the psychophysiologic aspects of pain control and response, such as Pain Catastrophizing. The observer aims to identify if pain catastrophizing could be a good predictor for post- operative opioid requirement for breakthrough pain.@*METHODS@#Patients scheduled for elective surgery were stratified pre-operatively as Catastrophizers and Non- Catastrophizers using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Their patient profile, and total opioid consumption in the following stages of surgery: intra- operatively, recovery room admission, and the first post-operative day, were recorded and converted to morphine equivalent doses.@*RESULTS@#The comparative analysis of the morphine equivalent doses between catastrophizers and non- catastrophizers show that it is significantly different between the two groups of patients for opioid consumption for breakthrough pain in the recovery room and on the first post-operative day. The values suggest that there are significantly higher doses in catastrophizers than in the non-catastrophizers.@*CONCLUSION@#Pain Catastrophizers were shown to require a significantly higher amount of opioids for breakthrough pain during recovery room admission and first post-operative day versus Non-Catastrophizers. This finding is consistent with the existing literature suggesting that pain catastrophizing is a predictor of post-operative opioid consumption in patients undergoing various elective surgeries.

Urgencias en cuidado paliativo oncológico / Emergencies in palliative oncological care

El paciente oncológico de cuidados paliativos puede presentar una variedad importante de condiciones clínicas que producen sufrimiento y disminución en la calidad de vida; esto se presenta como un reto para el clínico en la identificación y correcto abordaje de los pacientes. El dolor se ha considerado por años como el síntoma cardinal a tratar en el paciente oncológico, donde se deben considerar sus condicionantes fisiopatológicos, la farmacología de las intervenciones, los posibles efectos secundarios y los condicionantes familiares, sociales y personales del dolor, pero a pesar de su relevancia, no es el único síntoma, estando acompañado de un abanico de patologías, como las afectaciones gastrointestinales, pulmonares, vasculares, hematológicas y neurológicas, que favorecen la pérdida de capacidad del paciente y, en muchas ocasiones, la muerte. Se realizó una revisión actualizada en bases de datos como EMBASE, PUBMED, SCIELO, además de la revisión de guías de asociaciones internacionales con el objetivo de acercar a todos los médicos, sin distinguir su especialidad o área de trabajo, al abordaje y manejo del paciente oncológico en cuidado paliativo, favoreciendo la sensibilización con estas patologías y la importancia en el curso de vida de los pacientes.

The palliative care cancer patient can present a significant variety of clinical conditions that produce suffering and a decrease in the quality of life. This is a challenge for the clinician in the identification and correct approach of patients. Pain has been considered for years as the cardinal symptom to be treated in cancer patients, where its pathophysiological factors, the pharmacology of the interventions, possible side effects and the family, social and personal conditions of pain must be considered, but despite its relevance is not the onset of symptoms and is accompanied by a range of pathologies such as gastrointestinal, pulmonary, vascular, hematological and neurological affectations that favor the loss of capacity of the patient and in many cases death. An updated review was carried out in databases such as EMBASE, PUBMED, SCIELO in addition to the revision of guides from international associations with the aim of bringing all doctors without distinguishing their specialty or area of work to the approach and management of cancer patients in palliative care favoring awareness of these pathologies and their importance in the life course of patients.

Risk of opioid abuse in non-oncologic chronic pain outpatient clinic / Risco de abuso de opioides em ambulatório de dor crônica não oncológica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain has become an extremely prevalent disease and an ever more recurrent reason for seeking medical attention. It has been treated with opioids, opening the possibility for abuse. This study's objective was to analyze the risk profile for opioid abuse in chronic pain outpatients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 72 patients seen in an outpatient clinic of a public hospital in the period of July and August 2019. The variables analyzed were age, gender, comorbidities, drugs in use, and aspects related to pain such as intensity, anatomical location, etiology, and need to be absent from work. In addition, a questionnaire was applied to assess the risk of opioid abuse. RESULTS: The study analyzed 72 patients with chronic pain, most of whom were women (84.7%). The mean age was 52.8 years. Patients were classified into three groups according to the risk of opioid abuse: high (21%), moderate (29%) and low (50%). There was an association of increased risk with opioid use (p=0.004) and presence of depression (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Half of the patients presented low risk for opioid abuse. Increased risk for opioid abuse is related to the presence of depression or depressive symptoms. No relationship was observed between benzodiazepines use and increased risk for opioid abuse. Patients considered at high risk for opioid abuse are more likely to develop aberrant behaviors. Knowing the patient's risk profile is necessary to increase the safety and effectiveness of chronic pain treatment.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica tem se tornado uma doença extremamente prevalente e um motivo cada vez mais recorrente para procura de atendimento médico. Tem sido tratada com opioides possibilitando o abuso de seu uso. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil de risco para abuso de opioides em pacientes ambulatoriais com dor crônica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 72 pacientes atendidos em ambulatório de um hospital público no período de julho e agosto de 2019. As variáveis analisadas foram idade, sexo, comorbidades, fármacos em uso e aspectos relacionados à dor como intensidade, localização anatômica, etiologia e necessidade de se afastar do trabalho. Além disso, foi aplicado um questionário para avaliar o risco de abuso de opioides. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 72 pacientes com dor crônica, sendo a maioria mulheres (84,7%). A média de idade foi de 52,8 anos. Os pacientes foram classificados em três grupos conforme o risco de abuso de opioides: alto (21%), moderado (29%) e baixo (50%). Houve associação do aumento do risco com o uso de opioides (p=0,004) e com a presença de depressão (p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: Metade dos pacientes apresentou baixo risco para abuso de opioides. O aumento do risco de abuso de opioides está relacionado à presença de depressão ou sintomas depressivos. Não foi observada relação entre o uso de benzodiazepínico e o aumento no risco de abuso para opioides. Pacientes considerados de alto risco para abuso de opioides têm mais chances de desenvolverem comportamentos aberrantes. É preciso conhecer o perfil de risco do paciente para aumentar a segurança e eficácia do tratamento da dor crônica.