Patient characteristics in relation to opioid exposure in a chronic non-cancer pain population.

Objectives: The efficacy of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) in treating patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CnCP) is questionable, and the potential risks of adverse effects are well established. The aims were as follows: (1) compare characteristics in patients exposed to LTOT vs non-exposed. (2) Regarding opioid-exposed patients, describe characteristics of patients with risk factors for opioid use disorder or overdose in relation to opioid dosage.

Swedish Chronic Pain Biobank: protocol for a multicentre registry and biomarker project.

Introduction: About 20% of the adult population have chronic pain, often associated with psychological distress, sick leave and poor health. There are large variations in the clinical picture. A biopsychosocial approach is used in investigation and treatment.

Prevalence of Long-Term Opioid Therapy in a Chronic Non-Cancer Pain Population Attending a University-Based Tertiary Pain Clinic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Opioid therapy is a common treatment for chronic pain, despite accumulating evidence regarding harm and a lack of data to support the efficacy of long-term treatment. The prevalence of opioid therapy in Swedish patients with chronic non-cancer pain is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess a short-term period prevalence of prescribed opioid-use and long-term opioid therapy in a population with complex chronic non-cancer pain.

Tapering of prescribed opioids in patients with long-term non-malignant pain (TOPIO)-efficacy and effects on pain, pain cognitions, and quality of life: a study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial with a 12-month follow-up.

Background: Opioids are still widely prescribed to long-term pain patients although they are no longer recommended for long-term treatments due to poor evidence for long-term efficacy, risks of serious side effects, and the possibility of inducing opioid hyperalgesia. In a Cochrane study from 2017, the authors identified an urgent need for more randomized controlled trials investigating the efficiency and effects of opioid tapering. The study aimed to assess (1) the efficiency of a structured intervention in causing stable reductions of opioid consumption in a population with long-term non-malignant pain and (2) effects on pain, pain cognitions, physical and mental health, quality of life, and functioning in response to opioid tapering.

Principles for managing OUD related to chronic pain in the Nordic countries based on a structured assessment of current practice.

Background: Long-term use of opioid analgesics (OA) for chronic pain may result in opioid use disorder (OUD). This is associated with adverse outcomes for individuals, families and society. Treatment needs of people with OUD related to chronic pain are different compared to dependence related to use, and also injection, of illicit opioids.