High prevalence of constipation and reduced quality of life in opioid-dependent patients treated with opioid substitution treatments. (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lugoboni, Fabio; Mirijello, Antonio; Zamboni, Lorenzo; Faccini, Marco; Casari, Rebecca; Cossari, Anthony; Gasbarrini, Antonio; Addolorato, Giovanni; on behalf of GICS,
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. Volume 17:Number 16(2016)
• Page Start: 2135
• Page End: 2141
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Constipation -- opioid induced constipation -- opioid induced bowel dysfunction -- opioid substitution treatment -- methadone -- buprenorphine; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1232391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6566

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives To evaluate prevalence and severity of constipation and quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of opioid-addicted patients treated with opioid substitution treatments (OST). Methods : A total of 1057 heroin-dependent patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine were enrolled in a multicenter observational study. Constipation was assessed by Wexner Constipation Scoring System (Wexner CSS), QoL by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results : 38.5% patients reported mild constipation, 33.3% reported moderate constipation, 14.8% severe constipation and 5.1% very severe constipation. Mean Wexner CSS score was 6.6 ± 4.8. 44.9% patients showed a GHQ-12 score ≥14; of these 18.3% patients showed a GHQ-12 score ≥20. Mean GHQ score was 13.8 ± 6.5. Mean Wexner CSS score was significantly higher in methadone patients (p = 0.004), in those taking psychoactive drugs (p = 0.0001) and in female (p < 0.0001) with respect to counterparts. Similarly, GHQ-12 mean scores were higher methadone group (p = 0.003), in those taking psychoactive drugs (p < 0.0001), and in female (p = 0.039) with respect to counterparts. ANOVA and ANCOVA showed a significant influence of methadone and female gender on Wexner CSS score while psychoactive drugs significantly influenced both tests. Conclusions : The present study shows that patients affected by opioid-dependence in OST with methadone and buprenorphine have a high prevalence of constipation and reduced QoL.