Recent research has identified key factors associated with long-term opioid use in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), such as substance use disorder, history of suicide or self-harm, and current smoking. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 opioid initiations in patients with AxSpA and PsA from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Gold. The findings revealed that patients with higher comorbidity scores, co-existing fibromyalgia, high opioid doses at initiation, and those prescribed gabapentinoids or antidepressants were at greater risk of long-term opioid use. Socioeconomic deprivation further increased this risk, with those from the most deprived areas having double the risk compared to those from the least deprived areas.
Conversely, being female, taking benzodiazepines, and belonging to mixed or non-white ethnicities were linked to a reduced risk of long-term opioid use, particularly among patients with PsA. The study emphasizes the need for personalized pain management strategies in AxSpA and PsA, including non-pharmacological treatments, smoking cessation support, and comprehensive medication reviews.
Reference: Johnson V. Research Identifies Risk Factors for Long-Term Opioid Use in Patients With PsA, AxSpA. HCP Live. Published August 20, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/risk-factors-long-term-opioid-use-psa-axspa
Link: https://www.hcplive.com/view/risk-factors-long-term-opioid-use-psa-axspa
