Opioid addiction

Opioid Prescriptions More Common Among Women

Individuals with complications from opioid and substance use disorders are presenting to emergency radiology departments in increasing numbers across the United States, according to a recent study.

Findings from the 12-year study were presented on November 30, 2017, at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2017 103rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting.1
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Substance use disorders associated with highly addictive opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone have reached epidemic levels in the United States.

To assess the prevalence of opioid-related complications among patients presenting to emergency radiology departments, the researchers assessed 1031 participants who presented to emergency radiology for substance-use–related complications between 2015 and 2016.

A total of 1673 imaging examinations were performed. Results indicated that 310 (30%) patients had a history of opioid prescriptions before their first imaging examination, with a mean of 10 prescriptions per patient. History of opioid prescription was much higher in women vs men (36% vs 27%).

Patients with substance use disorders had a higher rate of complications, including symptoms related to injections, respiratory issues, and back pain. A total of 121 (11.7%) patients had died before the end of the study period, with a mortality rate of 14% among patients with a positive imaging diagnosis of substance-abuse-related complications (compared with 10% among patients with no history of substance abuse).

The researchers noted that 5-year mortality rates were also higher among patients with prior opioid prescriptions and imaging complications.

“Radiology is central to patient care in the emergency department setting,” the researchers said in a press release. “We need to be actively advocating for these patients and giving them an opportunity to take steps into recovery.”2

—Christina Vogt

References:

  1. Flores EJ. Radiology in the midst of the opioid epidemic: 12-year analysis of imaging findings, mortality and opioid prescription history among patients with intravenous substance use disorders (IV-SUDs) presenting to emergency radiology. Paper presented at: Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) 2017 103rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting; November 26-30, 2017; Chicago, IL.
  2. Emergency radiologists see inner toll of opioid use disorders [press release]. Chicago, IL. Radiological Society of North America. November 30, 2017. https://press.rsna.org/timssnet/Media/pressreleases/14_pr_target.cfm?id=1987.