title: A review of opioid prescribing practices and associations with repeat opioid prescriptions in a contemporary outpatient HIV clinic.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Among persons in current HIV outpatient care, data on opioid prescribing are lacking. This study aims to evaluate predictors of repeat opioid prescribing and to characterize outpatient opioid prescribing practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective cross-sectional study of persons ≥18 years in HIV outpatient care who completed an annual behavioral assessment between June 2008 and June 2009. Persons were grouped by ≤1 and ≥2 opioid prescriptions (no-repeat-opioid and repeat-opioids, respectively). Independent predictors for repeat-opioids were evaluated. Opioid prescribing practices were characterized in a sub-study of persons prescribed any opioid.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 659 persons were included, median age 43 years, 70% men, and 68% African American. Independent predictors of repeat-opioids (88 [13%] persons) included opportunistic illnesses (both current and previous), depression, peripheral neuropathy, and hepatitis C coinfection (P<0.05). In the subgroup, 140 persons received any opioid prescription (96% short-acting, 33% tramadol). Indications for opioid prescribing were obtained in 101 (72%) persons, with 97% for noncancer-related pain symptoms. Therapeutic response was documented on follow-up in 67 (48%) persons, with no subjective relief of symptoms in 63%. Urine drug screens were requested in 6 (4%) persons, and all performed were positive for illicit drugs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Advanced HIV disease and greater medical and neuropsychiatric comorbidity predict repeat opioid prescribing, and these findings reflect the underlying complexities in managing pain symptoms in this population. We also highlight multiple deficiencies in opioid prescribing practices and nonadherence to guidelines, which are of concern as effective and safe pain management for our HIV-infected population is an optimal goal.
authors: Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. nonen@dom.wustl.edu
authors: Nur F
authors: NF
authors: Önen
authors: Ernie-Paul
authors: EP
authors: Barrette
authors: Enbal
authors: E
authors: Shacham
authors: Toshibumi
authors: T
authors: Taniguchi
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Donovan
authors: Edgar T
authors: ET
authors: Overton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid