Implementing a Protocol to Reduce Opioid Prescriptions in Military Otolaryngology: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: To compare pain medication refill rates for adult septoplasty and rhinoplasty patients before and after initiating a multimodal analgesic protocol for reducing opioid prescriptions (PROP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 58 adult patients were retrieved by retrospective chart review (19 septoplasties and 10 rhinoplasties before initiating PROP in September 2018 and 21 septoplasties and 8 rhinoplasties after PROP). We selected consecutive septoplasties and rhinoplasties, at which time a new discharge order set was implemented. The new order set consisted of 10 oxycodone tabs (5 mg), 100 acetaminophen tabs (325 mg), and 28 celecoxib tabs (200 mg). The primary outcome variable was the number of initial opioid prescriptions and refills filled by any provider. RESULTS: Among the septoplasties, there was a 46% decrease in total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed, from a mean of 202.0 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 235.4, 174.6) to 108.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 135.8, 81.4), with no difference in refill rates. Among the rhinoplasties, there was a 51% decrease in total MME prescribed, from a mean of 258.8 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 333.4, 184.1) to 126.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 168.1, 85.0) with no difference in refill rates. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes after PROP implementation for septoplasty and rhinoplasty at our institution suggest that opioid prescription rates can be significantly decreased to manage postoperative pain, with no difference in opioid refill rates. The results also warrant further investigation into patient pain, satisfaction, provider efficiency, and healthcare costs.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Snoring and Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the international literature for studies evaluating the effect of alcohol consumption on the occurrence and severity of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and to use the available data to perform a meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL/EBASCO, and Scopus. REVIEW METHODS: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO in March 2018. Following PRISMA guidelines, 2 independent researchers conducted a search from their inception through July 2018. Polysomnography (PSG) data were collected for sleep stages, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index, and/or lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT). Data concerning the frequency and severity of snoring intensity and sleep architecture were also collected. Only studies with PSG data were evaluated, with exclusion of studies with home sleep testing data. A multivariate regression and pooled analysis with forest plot was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1266 manuscripts were screened, and 13 manuscripts with 279 patients met inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis of AHI for control versus alcohol consumption revealed a mean difference (MD) of 3.98 events per hour (95% CI, 3.27 to 4.68; P < .001). Pooled analysis of LSAT for control versus alcohol consumption revealed an MD of -2.72% (95% CI, -3.69 to -1.76; Z score, 5.53; P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption is associated with worsening severity of snoring, altered sleep architecture, AHI, as well as lowest oxygen saturation among patients susceptible to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Vitamin D and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of these studies and report the findings. PATIENTS/METHODS: Authors searched for studies (through January 1, 2017) reporting 25(OH)D serum levels in OSA patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 4937 subjects met inclusion criteria. There were 1513 controls and 3424 OSA patients. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and mild OSA patients were 28.16 ± 9.39 ng/mL (95% CI 27.64, 28.68) and 27.41 ± 9.42 ng/mL (95% CI 26.87, 27.95), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and moderate OSA patients were 28.21 ± 9.38 ng/mL (95% CI 27.70, 28.72) and 25.48 ± 10.34 ng/mL (95% CI 24.68, 26.28), respectively. The 25(OH)D serum levels for controls and severe OSA patients were 28.32 ± 9.65 ng/mL (95% CI 27.80, 28.84) and 21.88 ± 10.24 ng/mL (95% CI 21.08, 22.68), respectively. Using random effects modeling, the 25(OH)D serum levels were decreased for patients with OSA when compared to control groups (mean differences were -2.7% for mild OSA, -10.1% for moderate OSA and -17.4% for severe OSA). CONCLUSIONS: There was a relative insufficiency in serum 25(OH)D levels among OSA patients compared to control patients, which was incrementally exacerbated with increasing severity of sleep apnea. It was unclear whether a low 25(OH)D was a risk factor for OSA or if OSA was a risk factor for 25(OH)D. It was also possible that the association between 25(OH)D and OSA was due to body mass index (BMI).