Incidence rates of and risk factors for opioid overdose in new users of prescription opioids amongUSMedicaid enrollees: A cohort study
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
Authors: Nam, Young Hee; Bilker, Warren B.; DeMayo, Francesco J.; Neuman, Mark D.; Hennessy, Sean
Abstract
Purpose To measure incidence rates of and risk factors for opioid overdose among new users of prescription opioids in the Medicaid population. Methods A cohort study using Medicaid claims from four states (1999-2012) among adults continuously enrolled in Medicaid for >= 3 years free of opioid prescriptions and opioid overdose before cohort entry. Exposure and outcome of interest were prescription opioid use and apparent incident opioid overdose identified in inpatient and outpatient claims (sensitivity approximate to 97%; positive predictive value approximate to 87%), respectively. Results Among new prescription opioid users (1 336 140 persons; 246 466 person-years), the overall opioid overdose incidence rate per 100 000 person-years was 247.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 227.5-266.7), with 251.0 (CI, 188.6-313.5) in 2002 and 225.5 (CI, 142.0-309.0) in 2012. A lower hazard for opioid overdose was seen for age 65-80 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; CI, 0.37-0.66) and 80-100 years (0.35; 0.23-0.52) vs 18-35 years; females (0.79; 0.67-0.93) vs males; and other/unknown race/ethnicity (0.71; 0.54-0.93) vs whites. A higher hazard was seen for initial opioid dose in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), 50-100 MME/day (1.52; 1.24-1.86) and >100 MME/day (1.98; 1.55-2.53), vs <50 MME/day; prior diagnosis of substance use disorders (2.30; 1.91-2.79) or mental health conditions (1.75; 1.47-2.08); and prior prescriptions for benzodiazepines (1.43; 1.13-1.81). Conclusion In Medicaid enrollees in four study states during 2002 to 2012, opioid overdose incidence rate per 100 000 person-years among apparent new users of prescription opioids was 247.1, with 251.0 in 2002 and 225.5 in 2012. Younger ages, white race/ethnicity, higher MME opioid daily doses, prior substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and benzodiazepine prescriptions were associated with a higher risk of opioid overdose incidence.
Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Decreases Medial Meniscal Extrusion and Improves Clinical Outcomes and Return to Activity
ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
Authors: Astur, Diego Costa; Novaretti, Joao Victor; Gomes, Marcelo Lins; Rodrigues, Adilson Goes, Jr.; Kaleka, Camila Cohen; Cavalcante, Elton Luiz Batista; Debieux, Pedro; Amaro, Joicemar Tarouco; Cohen, Moises
Abstract
Background: Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is defined as displacement of the meniscus that extends beyond the tibial margin. Knee varus malalignment increases MME. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to quantify MME before and after medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and to correlate the reduction of MME with clinical outcomes and return to activity. It was hypothesized that MME would decrease after HTO and that patients with lower MME after surgery would have improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at short-term follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 66 patients who underwent HTO to correct the anatomic axis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. MME was measured using magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and 6 weeks after surgery (study protocol). Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and Tegner score. Results: The mean +/- SD preoperative and postoperative MME values were 3.9 +/- 0.6 mm and 0.9 +/- 0.5 mm, respectively. At 2 years after surgery, KOOS, pain VAS, and Tegner scores were higher than those found preoperatively (P < .001). Patients with less than 1.5 mm of MME after surgery had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had MME of 1.5 mm or more (P < .05). Conclusion: Medial opening wedge HTO decreased MME after 6 weeks and improved clinical outcomes and return to activity at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Additionally, patients with postoperative MME of less than 1.5 mm had better clinical outcomes and return to activity compared with patients who had postoperative MME of 1.5 mm or more.