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CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Oct 2023Higher doses of opioids, mental health comorbidities, co-prescription of sedatives, lower socioeconomic status and a history of opioid overdose have been reported as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Higher doses of opioids, mental health comorbidities, co-prescription of sedatives, lower socioeconomic status and a history of opioid overdose have been reported as risk factors for opioid overdose; however, the magnitude of these associations and their credibility are unclear. We sought to identify predictors of fatal and nonfatal overdose from prescription opioids.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science up to Oct. 30, 2022, for observational studies that explored predictors of opioid overdose after their prescription for chronic pain. We performed random-effects meta-analyses for all predictors reported by 2 or more studies using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies (23 963 716 patients) reported the association of 103 predictors with fatal or nonfatal opioid overdose. Moderate- to high-certainty evidence supported large relative associations with history of overdose (OR 5.85, 95% CI 3.78-9.04), higher opioid dose (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.08-3.18 per 90-mg increment), 3 or more prescribers (OR 4.68, 95% CI 3.57-6.12), 4 or more dispensing pharmacies (OR 4.92, 95% CI 4.35-5.57), prescription of fentanyl (OR 2.80, 95% CI 2.30-3.41), current substance use disorder (OR 2.62, 95% CI 2.09-3.27), any mental health diagnosis (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.73-2.61), depression (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.57-3.14), bipolar disorder (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.77-2.41) or pancreatitis (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.52-2.64), with absolute risks among patients with the predictor ranging from 2-6 per 1000 for fatal overdose and 4-12 per 1000 for nonfatal overdose.
INTERPRETATION
We identified 10 predictors that were strongly associated with opioid overdose. Awareness of these predictors may facilitate shared decision-making regarding prescribing opioids for chronic pain and inform harm-reduction strategies SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/vznxj/).
Topics: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Chronic Pain; Drug Overdose; Opiate Overdose; Prescriptions; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37871953
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230459 -
Health & Place Sep 2023The objective of this prospectively registered systematic review was to identify the factors that contribute to sense of safety, victimization, and overdose risk in... (Review)
Review
The objective of this prospectively registered systematic review was to identify the factors that contribute to sense of safety, victimization, and overdose risk in homeless shelters, as well as groups that are at greater risk of shelter-based victimization. Fifty-five articles were included in the review. Findings demonstrated that fears of violence and other forms of harm were prominent concerns for people experiencing homelessness when accessing shelters. Service users' perceptions of shelter dangerousness were shaped by the service model and environment, interpersonal relationships and interactions in shelter, availability of drugs, and previous living arrangements. 2SLGBTQ+ individuals were identified as being at heightened risk of victimization in shelters. No studies examined rates of shelter-based victimization or tested interventions to improve safety, with the exception of overdose risk. These knowledge gaps hinder the establishment of evidence-based practices for promoting safety and preventing violence in shelter settings.
Topics: Humans; Ill-Housed Persons; Drug Overdose; Housing; Interpersonal Relations; Crime Victims
PubMed: 37515964
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103092 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Oct 2023Limited real-world data show that rivaroxaban following dosage criteria from either ROCKET AF [20 mg/day or 15 mg/day if creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 50 mL/min]... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparisons of effectiveness and safety between on-label dosing, off-label underdosing, and off-label overdosing in Asian and non-Asian atrial fibrillation patients treated with rivaroxaban: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
AIMS
Limited real-world data show that rivaroxaban following dosage criteria from either ROCKET AF [20 mg/day or 15 mg/day if creatinine clearance (CrCl) < 50 mL/min] or J-ROCKET AF (15 mg/day or 10 mg/day if CrCl < 50 mL/min) is associated with comparable risks of thromboembolism and bleeding with each other in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We are aimed to study whether these observations differ between Asian and non-Asian subjects.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic review and meta-analysis with random effects was conducted to estimate the aggregate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using PubMed and MEDLINE databases from 8 September 2011 to 31 December 2022 searched for adjusted observational studies that reported relevant clinical outcomes of NVAF patients receiving rivaroxaban 10 mg/day if CrCl > 50 mL/min, on-label dose rivaroxaban eligible for ROCKET AF or J-ROCKET AF, and rivaroxaban 20 mg/day if CrCl < 50 mL/min. Effectiveness and safety endpoints were compared between ROCKET AF and J-ROCKET AF dosing regimen in Asian and non-Asian subjects, separately. Also, risks of events of rivaroxaban 10 mg/day despite of CrCl > 50 mL/min and rivaroxaban 20 mg/day despite of CrCl < 50 mL/min were compared to that of 'ROCKET AF/J-ROCKET AF dosing'. Sensitivity analyses were performed by sequential elimination of each study from the pool. The meta-regression analysis was performed to explore the influence of potential factors on the effectiveness and safety outcomes. Eighteen studies involving 67 571 Asian and 54 882 non-Asian patients were included. Rivaroxaban following J-ROCKET AF criteria was associated with comparable risks of thromboembolism in the Asian subgroup, whereas rivaroxaban following J-ROCKET AF criteria was associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (HR:1.30; 95% CI:1.05-1.60) compared with that of ROCKET AF criteria in the non-Asian population. There were no differences in risks of major bleeding between rivaroxaban following J-ROCKET AF vs. ROCKET AF criteria either in the Asian or non-Asian population. The use of rivaroxaban 10 mg despite of CrCl > 50 mL/min was associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism (HR:1.64; 95% CI:1.28-2.11) but lower risk of major bleeding (HR:0.72; 95% CI:0.57-0.90) compared with eligible dosage criteria. The use of rivaroxaban 20 mg despite of CrCl < 50 mL/min was associated with worse clinical outcomes in the risks of thromboembolism (HR:1.32; 95% CI:1.09-1.59), mortality (HR:1.33; 95% CI:1.10-1.59), and major bleeding (HR:1.26; 95% CI:1.03-1.53) compared with eligible dosage criteria. The pooled results were generally in line with the primary effectiveness and safety outcomes by removing a single study at one time. Meta-regression analyses failed to detect the bias in most potential patient characteristics associated with the clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Rivaroxaban dosing regimen following J-ROCKET criteria may serve as an alternative to ROCKET AF criteria for the Asian population with NVAF, whereas the dosing regimen following ROCKET AF criteria was more favourable for the non-Asian population. The use of rivaroxaban 10 mg despite of CrCl > 50 mL/min was associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism but a lower risk of major bleeding, while use of rivaroxaban 20 mg despite of CrCl < 50 mL/min was associated with worse outcome in most clinical events.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Hemorrhage; Off-Label Use; Rivaroxaban; Stroke; Thromboembolism; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37738425
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad288 -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Sep 2023Novel strategies are required to address rising overdose deaths across the globe. We sought to identify the breadth and depth of the existing evidence around electronic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Novel strategies are required to address rising overdose deaths across the globe. We sought to identify the breadth and depth of the existing evidence around electronic harm reduction (e-harm reduction) interventions that aimed to reduce the harms associated with substance use.
METHODS
We conducted a scoping review according to the PRISMA-ScR and PRISMA for Searching guidelines. A health sciences librarian systematically searched seven health databases from inception until January 20, 2023. Citation chaining and reference lists of included studies were searched to identify additional articles. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted and charted the data. Additionally, we conducted a gray literature search and environmental scan to supplement the findings.
RESULTS
A total of 51 studies met the criteria for inclusion (30 peer-reviewed articles and 21 non-peer reviewed). Most peer-reviewed studies were conducted in Western countries (USA = 23, Canada = 3, Europe = 3, China = 1) and among adult samples (adult = 27, youth/adults =1, unspecified = 2). Study designs were predominantly quantitative (n = 24), with a minority using qualitative (n = 4) or mixed methods (n = 2). Most e-harm reduction interventions were harm reduction (n = 15), followed by education (n = 6), treatment (n = 2), and combined/other approaches (n = 7). Interventions utilized web-based/mobile applications (n = 15), telephone/telehealth (n = 10), and other technology (n = 5).
CONCLUSIONS
While e-harm reduction technology is promising, further research is required to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of these novel interventions.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Harm Reduction; Drug Overdose; Substance-Related Disorders; Europe; Telemedicine
PubMed: 37441959
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110878 -
Harm Reduction Journal Oct 2023Providing sterile drug smoking materials to people who use drugs can prevent the acquisition of infectious diseases and reduce overdose risk. However, there is a lack of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Providing sterile drug smoking materials to people who use drugs can prevent the acquisition of infectious diseases and reduce overdose risk. However, there is a lack of understanding of how these practices are being implemented and received by people who use drugs globally.
METHODS
A systematic review of safer smoking practices was conducted by searching PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase for relevant peer-reviewed, English-language publications from inception or the availability of online manuscripts through December 2022.
RESULTS
Overall, 32 peer-reviewed papers from six countries were included. 30 studies exclusively included people who use drugs as participants (n = 11 people who use drugs; generally, n = 17 people who smoke drugs, n = 2 people who inject drugs). One study included program staff serving people who use drugs, and one study included staff and people who use drugs. Sharing smoking equipment (e.g., pipes) was reported in 25 studies. People who use drugs in several studies reported that pipe sharing occurred for multiple reasons, including wanting to accumulate crack resin and protect themselves from social harms, such as police harassment. Across studies, smoking drugs, as opposed to injecting drugs, were described as a crucial method to reduce the risk of overdose, disease acquisition, and societal harms such as police violence. Ten studies found that when people who use drugs were provided with safer smoking materials, they engaged in fewer risky drug use behaviors (e.g., pipe sharing, using broken pipes) and showed improved health outcomes. However, participants across 11 studies reported barriers to accessing safer smoking services. Solutions to overcoming safer smoking access barriers were described in 17 studies and included utilizing peer workers and providing safer smoking materials to those who asked.
CONCLUSION
This global review found that safer smoking practices are essential forms of harm reduction. International policies must be amended to help increase access to these essential tools. Additional research is also needed to evaluate the efficacy of and access to safer smoking services, particularly in the U.S. and other similar countries, where such practices are being implemented but have not been empirically studied in the literature.
Topics: Humans; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Crack Cocaine; Substance-Related Disorders; Narration; Harm Reduction; Drug Overdose; Smoking; Substance Abuse, Intravenous
PubMed: 37891658
DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00875-x -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024Methotrexate is an off-label therapy for atopic dermatitis. A lack of consensus on dosing regimens poses a risk of underdosing and ineffective treatment or overdosing... (Review)
Review
Methotrexate is an off-label therapy for atopic dermatitis. A lack of consensus on dosing regimens poses a risk of underdosing and ineffective treatment or overdosing and increased risk of side effects. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence on dosing regimens.A literature search was conducted, screening all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and guidelines published up to 6 July 2023, in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.Five RCTs and 21 guidelines were included. RCTs compared methotrexate with other treatments rather than different methotrexate dosing regimens. The start and maintenance doses in RCTs varied between 7.5-15 mg/week and 14.5-25 mg/week, respectively. Despite varied dosing, all RCTs demonstrated efficacy in improving atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms. Guidelines exhibited substantial heterogeneity but predominantly proposed starting doses of 5-15 mg/week for adults and 10-15 mg/m/week for children. Maintenance doses suggested were 7.5-25 mg/week for adults and 0.2-0.7 mg/kg/week for children. One guideline suggested a test dose and nearly half advised folic acid supplementation.This systematic review highlights the lack of methotrexate dosing guidelines for atopic dermatitis. It identifies commonly recommended and utilized dosing regimens, serving as a valuable resource for clinicians prescribing methotrexate off-label and providing input for an upcoming consensus study.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Methotrexate; Dermatitis, Atopic
PubMed: 38124505
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2292962 -
Value in Health : the Journal of the... May 2024Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) provide a safe place where people can consume preobtained drugs under supervision so that a life-saving medical response can be... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) provide a safe place where people can consume preobtained drugs under supervision so that a life-saving medical response can be provided quickly in the event of an overdose. OPCs are programs that are established in Canada and have recently become legally sanctioned in only a few United States jurisdictions.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review that summarizes and identifies gaps of economic evidence on establishing OPCs in North America to guide future expansion of OPCs.
RESULTS
We included 16 final studies that were evaluated with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and Drummond checklists. Eight studies reported cost-effectiveness results (eg, cost per overdose avoided or cost per quality-adjusted life-year), with 6 also including cost-benefit; 5 reported only cost-benefit results, and 3 cost offsets. Health outcomes primarily included overdose mortality outcomes or HIV/hepatitis C virus infections averted. Most studies used mathematical modeling and projected OPC outcomes using the experience of a single facility in Vancouver, BC.
CONCLUSIONS
OPCs were found to be cost-saving or to have favorable cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit ratios across all studies. Future studies should incorporate the experience of OPCs established in various settings and use a greater diversity of modeling designs.
Topics: Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Opiate Overdose; North America; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Canada
PubMed: 38401795
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.02.004 -
Cureus Aug 2023Calcium channel blocker poisoning is one of the most common poisonings encountered which presents with life-threatening complications. However, there is no unified... (Review)
Review
Calcium channel blocker poisoning is one of the most common poisonings encountered which presents with life-threatening complications. However, there is no unified approach for treating these patients in the existing literature. This study aimed to assess the effects of different treatment modalities used in calcium channel blocker poisoning, as reported by previous studies. The primary outcomes studied were mortality and hemodynamic parameters after treatment. The secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, duration of vasopressor use, functional outcomes, and serum calcium channel blocker concentrations. A thorough literature search was performed through Ovid, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 2014 to December 31, 2022, to identify all studies analyzing the effects of the treatment of calcium channel blocker poisoning on the desired outcomes. Two reviewers reviewed 607 published articles from January 2014 to December 2022 to identify studies analyzing the effects of the treatment of calcium channel blocker poisoning on desired outcomes. In this review, 18 case reports, one case series, and one cohort study were included. Most patients were treated with an injection of calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. The use of calcium along with dopamine and norepinephrine was found to have lower mortality rates. A few patients were also treated with injection atropine for bradycardia. High-dose insulin therapy was used in 14 patients, of whom two did not survive. In the cohort study, 66 calcium channel blocker toxicity patients were included. These patients were treated with high-dose insulin therapy. A total of 11 patients with calcium channel blocker toxicity succumbed. Although it was found to be associated with improved hemodynamic parameters and lower mortality, side effects such as hypokalemia and hypoglycemia were noted. Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy (administered to eight patients), extracorporeal life support (used in three patients with refractory shock or cardiac arrest), injection glucagon, methylene blue, albumin infusion, and terlipressin were associated with a lower mortality rate as well as improvement in hemodynamic parameters. None of the case reports provided any information on end-organ damage on long-term follow-up.
PubMed: 37664357
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42854 -
Harm Reduction Journal Apr 2024Psychological and social status, and environmental context, may mediate the likelihood of experiencing overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. The aim of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Psychological and social status, and environmental context, may mediate the likelihood of experiencing overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise psychosocial factors associated with overdose among people who use drugs.
METHODS
This review was registered on Prospero (CRD42021242495). Systematic record searches were undertaken in databases of peer-reviewed literature (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cinahl) and grey literature sources (Google Scholar) for work published up to and including 14 February 2023. Reference lists of selected full-text papers were searched for additional records. Studies were eligible if they included people who use drugs with a focus on relationships between psychosocial factors and overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. Results were tabulated and narratively synthesised.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included in the review, with 150,625 participants: of those 3,383-4072 (3%) experienced overdose. Twenty-one (81%) studies were conducted in North America and 23 (89%) reported polydrug use. Psychosocial factors associated with risk of overdose (n = 103) were identified and thematically organised into ten groups. These were: income; housing instability; incarceration; traumatic experiences; overdose risk perception and past experience; healthcare experiences; perception of own drug use and injecting skills; injecting setting; conditions with physical environment; and social network traits.
CONCLUSIONS
Global rates of overdose continue to increase, and many guidelines recommend psychosocial interventions for dependent drug use. The factors identified here provide useful targets for practitioners to focus on at the individual level, but many identified will require wider policy changes to affect positive change. Future research should seek to develop and trial interventions targeting factors identified, whilst advocacy for key policy reforms to reduce harm must continue.
Topics: Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; Drug Overdose; Housing; Illicit Drugs; North America
PubMed: 38622647
DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00999-8