Predictive factors of daily opioid use and quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease. Issue 10 (26th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karafin, Matthew S.; Singavi, Arun; Hussain, Jawad; Wandersee, Nancy; Heinrich, Thomas; Hurley, Robert W.; Zhang, Liyun; Simpson, Pippa; Field, Joshua J.
• Is Part Of: Hematology. Volume 23:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 856
• Page End: 863
• Publication Date: 2018-11-26
• Subjects: Sickle cell disease -- quality of life -- opioid use -- chronic pain -- clinical practice; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; 616.15005
• DOI: 10.1080/10245332.2018.1479997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1024-5332

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: In adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), pain often necessitates opioid use. Few studies have examined the relationship between opioid use and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with SCD. We tested the hypothesis that higher doses of opioids are associated with worse HRQOL. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study was performed in adults with SCD who completed standardized and validated HRQOL questionnaires: Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Medical Outcome Study 36 Item Short Form (SF-36), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7). Daily outpatient opioid dose was converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and categorized as < 90 mg/day or ≥ 90 mg/day. Subject's questionnaire scores were compared by opioid dose. Results: Ninety-nine adults completed questionnaires. The majority had HbSS and median age was 30 years. The median MME was 80 mg/day. When the association between HRQOL and opioid dose was compared, those prescribed ≥ 90 MME had significantly lower SF-36 subscale scores in 7 of 8 domains, and significantly higher severity scores in the PHQ-15, GAD-7, and the PHQ-9 in comparison those prescribed < 90 MME. Using a multivariable regression tree analysis, in addition to the presence of chronic pain, mental health, physical health, and somatic burden were key predictors of ≥ 90 MME opioid use. Conclusion: Higher daily opioid dose is associated with chronic pain. Among those with chronic pain, opioid dose ≥ 90 MME is associated with worse HRQOL.