Skin abscess after the use of transdermal buprenorphine. Case report / Abscesso cutâneo após o uso de buprenorfina transdérmica. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist semi-synthetic opioid used as an option in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe pain. The only presentation of buprenorphine available in Brazil is for transdermal use. This is an important route of drug administration, especially for the treatment of chronic pain, as it has several advantages, however it is not free from complications. The objective of this study was to present a serious adverse skin reaction after the use of transdermal buprenorphine, requiring surgical intervention. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 63 years old, hypertensive and diabetic, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome and lumbar disc herniation, with severe chronic pain, advised to use transdermal buprenorphine 10 mg to help control algic. After 24 hours of use, the patient developed erythema and local itching, requiring removal of the adhesive, but the lesion progressively worsened with the formation of an abscess and the need for surgical drainage. CONCLUSION: Transdermal buprenorphine has a favorable safety and tolerability profile, as it reduces the risk of unwanted effects such as respiratory depression, constipation and suicidal ideation. However, its use in senior patients with comorbidities, such as the immunosuppression described in this case, requires greater vigilance, due to the possibility of developing more serious adverse reactions.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A buprenorfina é um opioide agonista parcial semissintético utilizado como opção no tratamento de pacientes com dor de moderada a intensa. A única apresentação disponível da buprenorfina no Brasil é para uso por via transdérmica. Esta é uma via importante de administração de fármacos, principalmente para o tratamento de dor crônica, já que apresenta diversas vantagens, no entanto não é isenta de complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma reação cutânea adversa grave após o uso de buprenorfina transdérmica, com necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, hipertensa e diabética, com diagnósticos de artrite reumatoide, síndrome fibromiálgica e hérnia de disco lombar, portadora de dor crônica intensa, com orientação de utilizar buprenorfina transdérmica 10 mg para auxiliar o controle álgico. Após 24 h de uso, a paciente evoluiu com eritema e prurido local, sendo indicada a remoção do adesivo, porém a lesão piorou progressivamente com formação de abscesso e necessidade de drenagem cirúrgica. CONCLUSÃO: A buprenorfina transdérmica apresenta um perfil favorável de segurança e tolerabilidade, pois reduz o risco de efeitos indesejados, como depressão respiratória, constipação e ideação suicida. No entanto, seu uso em pacientes idosos portadores de comorbidades, como a imunossupressão descrita no caso, exige maior vigilância, devido à possibilidade de desenvolvimento de reações adversas mais graves.

Efectividad del programa de mantenimiento con opioides para el tratamiento de su dependencia, en prisión / Effectiveness of opioid maintenance programs for treating drug dependence in prisons

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad del programa de mantenimiento con opioides en el tratamiento de su dependencia en prisiones españolas. Material y método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica narrativa en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, Cochrane, IBECS, LILACS y HealthCare. Se eligieron preferentemente todos aquellos ensayos clínicos, así como artículos de revisión sistemática y algún artículo que se consideró relevante por su contenido. El periodo de tiempo se limitó entre enero de 2011 y noviembre de 2021. El idioma de búsqueda fue: inglés, español y catalán. Se rechazaron los artículos repetidos y los que no tuvieron relación con los objetivos. Los criterios de búsqueda fueron: methadone AND prisons; opiate substitution treatment AND prisons; methadone AND buprenorphine; methadone OR buprenorphine; prisons AND Methadone AND buprenorphine. Resultados: Fueron seleccionados 20 artículos de 647 consultados, tras la aplicación de los filtros correspondientes y tras descartar los artículos duplicados. Discusión: Se evidenció una ligera mayor efectividad de la buprenorfina frente a la metadona. Se destacó una elevada prevalencia del programa, así como variedad de efectos adversos de la metadona. Su utilidad sobre el comportamiento obtiene disparidad de opiniones. Se anuncia la posibilidad de nuevas alternativas de tratamiento con un mejor control farmacológico. (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of opioid maintenance programs in treating opioid dependence in Spanish prisons. Material and method: A narrative bibliographic review was carried out on the following databases: PubMed; Cochrane; IBECS; LILACS; HealthCare. All clinical trials were chosen as a preference, along with systematic review articles and some articles that were considered relevant for their content. The time period was limited to between January 2011 and November 2021. The languages chosen were English, Spanish and Catalan. Repeated articles and those that were not related to the objectives were rejected. The search criteria were: “methadone AND prisons”; “opiate substitution treatment AND prisons”; “methadone AND buprenorphine”; “methadone OR buprenorphine”; “prisons AND Methadone AND buprenorphine”. Results: 20 articles were selected out of 647 items consulted after applying the corresponding filters and after discarding duplicates. Discussion: There was a slightly greater effectiveness of buprenorphine versus methadone. The high prevalence of the program was highlighted, as well as the variety of adverse effects of methadone. Usefulness with regard to inmates’ behavior showed a range of opinions. The possibility of new treatment alternatives with better pharmacological control is mentioned. (AU)

Satisfacción y experiencia de pacientes en tratamiento con sustitutivos opioides en España. Estudio PREDEPO / Patients’satisfaction and experience in treatment with opioid substitution therapy in Spain. The PREDEPO study

El objetivo es comparar la satisfacción, experiencia, objetivos y opinión de los pacientes con trastorno por consumo de opioides (TCO) en base a su tratamiento sustitutivo de opioides (TSO) actual (metadona o buprenorfina/naloxona (B/N)). El estudio PREDEPO es un estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico desarrollado en España que incluyó pacientes adultos, diagnosticados de TCO y en TSO, quienes contestaron una encuesta sobre su tratamiento actual. Se incluyeron 98 pacientes (B/N:50%, metadona:50%): edad media de 47 ± 8 años y el 80% varones. A nivel de la satisfacción con su tratamiento, los resultados fueron similares entre grupos. El factor “muy/bastante satisfactorio” que se reportó con mayor frecuencia fue “poder repartir las dosis en varios momentos del día” (44% B/N vs. 63% metadona; p = ,122). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en “tener que recoger la medicación diariamente” donde una menor proporción en el grupo B/N contestaron “muy/bastante molesto” versus el grupo metadona (19% vs. 52%, p = ,032). Los objetivos reportados por la mayoría de los pacientes fueron similares entre grupos (“no sentir más síndrome de abstinencia”, “disminuir o dejar definitivamente mi consumo de drogas”, “mejorar mi estado de salud” y “dejar de pensar en consumir todos los días”) excepto en “no tener más problemas de dinero” (72% B/N vs. 92% metadona; p = ,012). Estos resultados evidencian que existen expectativas no cubiertas con los TSO actuales y la necesidad de nuevos tratamientos que disminuyan la carga de la enfermedad, eviten la necesidad de una dosificación diaria y reduzcan el estigma, mejorando así el manejo del paciente, su adherencia y calidad de vida. (AU)

The aim of this study was to compare patients’ satisfaction, experience, objectives, and opinion based on their current opioid substitution therapy (OST) (buprenorphine/naloxone (B/N) or methadone). The PREDEPO study is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentric study performed in Spain. Adult patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving OST were included. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding their current OST. A total of 98 patients were enrolled (B/N: 50%, methadone: 50%). Mean age was 47 ± 8 years old and 80% were male. Treatment satisfaction was similar between groups. The most frequently reported factor for being “very/quite satisfied” was “being able to distribute the dose at different times throughout the day” (44% B/N vs. 63% methadone; p = .122). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the B/N group versus the methadone group reported that having to collect the medication daily was “very/quite annoying” (19% vs. 52%, p = .032). Treatment objectives reported by the majority of patients were similar between groups (“not feeling in withdrawal anymore”, “reduce/definitely stop drug use”, “improve my health”, and “stop thinking about using daily”) except for “not having money problems anymore” (73% B/N vs. 92% methadone; p = .012). These results suggest there are several unmet expectations regarding current OST. There is a need for new treatments that reduce the burden of OUD, avoid the need for daily dosing, and are less stigmatizing which in turn could improve patient management, adherence and, quality of life. (AU)

Revisión sistemática sobre el manejo clínico del dolor crónico y el trastorno por uso de opioides simultáneo / Systematic review on the clinical management of chronic pain and comorbid opioid use disorder

La crisis causada por los opioides recetados y sus efectos secundarios relacionados son un problema de salud pública en todo el mundo. La mayoría de estos medicamentos se recetan para el afrontamiento del dolor crónico. La coexistencia del trastorno por uso de opioides (TUO)en pacientes con dolor crónico representa un desafío complejo debido ala necesidad de controlar tanto el dolor como el TUO. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es evaluar la eficacia de los tratamientos posibles para dicha población con TUO y dolor crónico. Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática usando las bases de datos Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO y ClinicalTrials.gov, conforme a las pautas PRISMA. Los artículos elegibles abordaron los resultados en pacientes con dolor crónico y diagnóstico comórbido de TUO, después de aplicar una intervención. De593 artículos identificados, nueve eran elegibles para la revisión cualitativa(n = 7 intervenciones farmacológicas; n = 2 intervenciones psicológicas). Lametadona, la buprenorfina, la terapia cognitivo-conductual y el mindfulness mostraron resultados prometedores, pero los datos no eran concluyentes (<2ECA con bajo riesgo de sesgo). No está claro si el tratamiento con agonistas opioides debe mantenerse o disminuirse y qué fármaco debe prescribirse para la terapia de sustitución de opioides (metadona o buprenorfina/naloxona). El mindfulness y la terapia cognitivo-conductual tienen un efecto discreto en la mejora del afecto negativo, pero no del dolor. El enfoque terapéutico podría individualizarse sobre la base de una toma de decisiones conjunta. (AU)

The crisis caused by prescribed opioids and their related side effects area public health problem worldwide. Most of these are prescribed forcoping with chronic pain. The coexistence of opioid use disorder (OUD)in patients with chronic pain represents a complex challenge due tothe need for managing both pain and OUD. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of feasible treatments for this population with OUD and comorbid chronic pain for both conditions. A systematic database search has been performed using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and ClinicalTrials.gov in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligible articles addressed the outcomes in chronic pain patients with comorbid opioid use disorder after treatment interventions were applied. Of 593 identified articles, nine were eligible for qualitative review (n = 7pharmacological interventions; n = 2 psychological interventions). Methadone, buprenorphine, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness showed promising results, but data were inconclusive (<2 RCT with low risk of bias). It is unclear whether the opioid agonist treatment should be maintained ortapered and which drug should be prescribed for the opioid substitution therapy (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone). Mindfulness andcognitive behavioral therapy have a discrete effect on improving negativeaffect but not pain. The therapeutic approach might be individualized under a shared decision-making basis. (AU)

Servicio de dispensación: interacción entre agonistas opioides parciales y puros / Dispensing service: interaction between partial and pure opioid agonists

PRESENTACIÓN: paciente que acude a retirar su medicación y al dispensar los parches de buprenorfina 35µg (1 parche cada 72 horas prescritos desde el 5/11/21) nos comenta que al usarlos lo pasó bastante mal con un cuadro que cursó con vómitos, vista fija, pensamientos extraños e inquietud. Por otro lado, asegura que el efecto analgésico se ha reducido de manera importante. Se le ofrece ir a la zona de atención personalizada para revisar su medicación y analizar si alguno de sus medicamentos puede estar relacionado con el problema de salud descrito. Su tratamiento está formado por tramadol 50mg (1 cada 8 horas desde el 27/10/21), tapentadol 50mg (1 cada 12 horas desde el 3/11/21), diclofenaco 100mg (1 cada 24 horas desde 5/11/21) y pregabalina 100mg (1 cada 12 horas desde el 12/10/21).EVALUACIÓN: el paciente aquejado de fuertes dolores de espalda ha tenido que ir incrementando la dosis y combinando varios medicamentos. Al estar tomando tramadol y tapentadol que son agonistas puros se ha conseguido un efecto sumatorio, pero al introducir en tercer lugar la buprenorfina que es un agonista parcial del receptor mu se ha podido producir una interacción de antagonismo con una bajada en la actividad analgésica y un posible caso de síndrome de abstinencia.INTERVENCIÓN: una vez explicado al paciente la sospecha de la causa del problema, se le escribe una carta al facultativo comentando los mecanismos de acción de la interacción y se sugiere un cambio en la estrategia de abordaje del dolor, con una retirada del agonista parcial. A su vez se le sugiere que no se vuelva a poner otro parche hasta no hablar con su traumatólogo. Resultados/seguimiento A consecuencia de la comunicación con su médico ha habido un cambio en la medicación, le subieron pregabalina a 150mg cada 12 horas (2/12/21) y tramadol a 100mg cada 8 horas (2/12/21). (AU)

Analgesia postoperatoria para craneotomías en pediatría: experiencia en un Hospital de Tercer Nivel / Postoperative analgesia for craniotomies in pediatrics: experience in a Third Level Hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Existe la creencia de que los pacientes no experimentan dolor intenso después de cirugía intracraneal. La estimulación simpática secundaria a dolor puede ocasionar hipertensión intracraneal y sangrado postoperatorio. Es controvertido el uso de opioides para analgesia postcraneotomías por temor a sus efectos colaterales que pueden enmascarar signos de alteración neurológica. En pediatría hay estudios limitados. Objetivo: Describir el nivel de control del dolor postcraneotomías al usar buprenorfina ketorolaco y ondansetrón en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte descriptivo. Incluimos niños de 0-17 años programados para cirugía intracraneal electiva. Para el control del dolor se administró buprenorfina, ketorolaco y ondansetrón en infusión por 30 horas. Se investigó dolor al iniciar la infusión a las cuatro, ocho, 12, 24 y 30 horas; variables hemodinámicas y grado de sedación. Resultados: 109 pacientes fueron incluidos. Se observó adecuado control del dolor en 71.56%, 28.4% tuvo control insuficiente con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.001). Hubo sedación moderada en 5.6% iniciando la infusión y a las 24 horas (4.5%) sin repercusión hemodinámica. Se detectó náusea en 8.2% y vómito en 6.64%; no se presentó sedación profunda, ni depresión respiratoria. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos sugieren que es una opción efectiva para tratar el dolor postcraneotomías en pediatría.

Abstract: Introduction: There is still a belief that patients do not experience intense pain after intracranial surgery. Sympathetic stimulation associated with pain can lead to elevated intracranial pressure and postoperative haemorrhage. There is controversy about the use of opioids for postoperative analgesia in craniotomies, owing to fear of its side effects, which can mask signs of neurological alteration. There are limited studies in the pediatric patient for post-craniotomy analgesia. Objective: To describe the postcraneotomies pain control level, using buprenorphine in partnership with ketorolac and ondansetron in pediatric patients. Methods: Descriptive cohort study. For postoperative pain control, patients were given continuous infusion buprenorphine, ketorolac and ondansetron for 30 hours. The main variables to investigate were pain at beginning of infusion, at four, eight, 12, 24 and 30 hours, hemodynamic variables and depth of sedation. Results: 109 patients were included. Adequate control of pain was observed in 71.56% of patients, whereas in 28.4% insufficient control was found, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). There was moderate sedation in 5.6% of the patients at the start of infusion and at 24 hours (4.5%), without significant impact on hemodynamic variables. Nausea was found in 8.2% and vomiting in 6.64%. No deep sedation, or respiratory depression was presented. Conclusions: These findings suggest that is an effective option to treat postcraneotomy pain in pediatric patients.

Eficacia terapéutica de la buprenorfina para tratamiento de dolor agudo postoperatorio en cirugía torácica por toracoscopía / Therapeutic efficacy of buprenorphine for treatment of acute postoperative pain in thoracic surgery by thoracoscopy

Resumen: Introducción: El dolor postoperatorio en toracoscopía tiene una incidencia del 80%. Estos procedimientos se realizan bajo anestesia general o sedoanalgesia. La buprenorfina en dosis de 4 μg/kg o más es un fármaco pilar para el tratamiento de dolor postoperatorio; sin embargo, dosis menores pueden ser suficientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar que dosis de 1-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina aporta una adecuada analgesia con menores efectos adversos durante el postoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a cirugía toracoscópica. Material y métodos: Se realizó el estudio prospectivo, transversal y doble ciego en 48 pacientes sometidos a toracoscopía, divididos en 3 grupos: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg) y C (3 μg/kg) tratados con buprenorfina, se evaluaron efectos adversos, intensidad de dolor por escala verbal numérica (EVN) y sedación con escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond (RASS) de los 0 a los 120 minutos postanestesia. Resultados: Las dosis de 1 a 3 μg/kg de buprenorfina no ocasionaron efectos adversos. El mantenimiento de analgesia es mayor con 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) y 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Las dosis de 1 y 2 μg/kg presentan un nivel de sedación menor. Conclusiones: La analgesia multimodal disminuyó un 200% el dolor postquirúrgico inmediato. Las dosis de 2-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina son efectivas para el control del dolor con menor incidencia de efectos adversos y un nivel de sedación superficial durante el postoperatorio.

Abstract: Introduction: Posterior pain in thoracoscopy has an 80% incidence. These procedures are done under general anesthesia or sedoanalgesia. The buprenorphin in dosage of 4 μg/kg it's the foundation for post-operatory pain treatment, nevertheless, smaller dosage can be sufficient. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a dosage of buprenorphin from 1-3 μg/kg provides suitable analgesia with less side effects during post-operatory in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Material and methods: We conducted a double-blind, prospective, transversal study, in 48 patients which underwent a thoracoscopy divided in 3 groups: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg), and C (3 μg/kg) treated with buprenorphin. We studied side effects, pain intensity (NVE), and sedative effect (RASS) from 0 to 120 minutes postanesthesia. Results: Dosage from 1 to 3 μg/kg did not generate side effects. The analgesia effect is higher with 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) and 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Dosage of 1 and 2 μg/kg have lower sedative effect. Conclusion: The multimodal analgesia was diminished by 200% inmidiate postsurgical pain. Dosage from 2-3 μg/kg of buprenorphine are effective for pain control with less side effects and a superficial sedative effect during post-operatory.

Exploración de la eficacia analgésica de dos parches transdérmicos analgésicos de opioides, buprenorfina y fentanilo, según sus variaciones de dosis en el control del dolor en pacientes paliativos oncológicos / Exploration of the analgesic efficacy of two-transdermal analgesic patches of opioids, buprenorphine and fentanyl, according to their dose variations in pain control in palliative cancer patients

Objetivo: El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo explorar la eficacia analgésica mediante la comparación de la respuesta analgésica de los parches transdérmicos (PTD) de buprenorfina y fentanilo en dolor oncológico y patrón de uso. Material y Método: Se obtuvieron los datos y variables desde los registros clínicos de pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos (UCP) del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) que estaban bajo tratamiento en mayo del 2017. Se incluyó en este estudio a 78 pacientes con PTD, que representan el 13% de los pacientes en control mensual. De estos, 66 estaban bajo tratamiento con buprenorfina y 8 bajo tratamiento con fentanilo. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el PTD de buprenorfina se utiliza más frecuentemente que el de fentanilo. El principal motivo de rotación fue dolor no controlado, seguido por imposibilidad de contar con la administración por vía oral. En pacientes con mayores intensidades de dolor somático o visceral se indicó fentanilo y en aquellos con componente neuropático se prefirió el uso de buprenorfina. PTD de fentanilo fue indicado en dosis mayores que buprenorfina, incluso al comparar sus dosis equianalgésicas, siendo la variación de dosis alta para ambos parches: aumentó en promedio 257%. Se logró una mejor respuesta analgésica con buprenorfina, con una variación de intensidad de escala numérica verbal (ENV) de 2,94 y 1,88 puntos de promedio para buprenorfina y fentanilo, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, se presentó mayor reacción local dérmica con fentanilo. Conclusiones: Se evidenció diferencias en patrón de uso y, a diferencia de lo esperado, se obtuvo una mejor eficacia analgésica con buprenorfina. Datos que deben ser corroborados en estudios con mayor número de pacientes bajo tratamiento con fentanilo.

Objective: This study aims to explore analgesic efficacy comparisons of buprenorphine and fentanyl transdermal patches (TDP) in cancer pain and it's usage pattern. Material and Method: Data and variables were collected from patient's clinical reports who were admitted in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Palliative Care Unit (PCU) and were under treatment with TDP in May 2017. 78 TDP patients were studied and represented 13% of the monthly control patients in the PCU. Of these, 66 were under buprenorphine treatment and 8 under fentanyl treatment. Results: The results showed that buprenorphine TDP is more frequently used than fentanyl TDP, and the main reason for exchange between them was uncontrolled pain, followed by oral administration impossibility. Fentanyl TDP was indicated in patients with higher somatic or visceral pain intensities and Buprenorphine TDP was preferred in patients with neuropathic pain. Fentanyl TDP was indicated in higher doses than buprenorphine, even when comparing its equianalgesic doses, the dose variation was high for both patches throughout the treatment: it increased on average by 257%. A better analgesic response was achieved with buprenorphine, with a variation of intensity of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS) of 2.94 and 1.88 average points, for buprenorphine and fentanyl respectively. Additionally, there was a higher local dermal reaction with fentanyl TDP. Conclusions: Differences in usage patterns were evidenced and, unlike what was expected, better analgesic efficacy was obtained with buprenorphine TDP. This data should be corroborated in receiving fentanyl treatment.

[Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review]. / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós­operatória: revisão sistemática.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. CONTENTS: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 8 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain.

Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós-operatória: revisão sistemática

Background and objectives: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ-agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. Contents: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 28 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. Conclusions: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain

Justificativa e objetivos: A dor pós-operatória ainda é uma queixa importante em vários procedimentos cirúrgicos. A analgesia multimodal é a melhor conduta para a dor pós-operatória, embora a terapia com opioides ainda seja o principal tratamento para a dor após procedimentos cirúrgicos. A buprenorfina transdérmica é um opioide agonista µ amplamente prescrito nas síndromes de dor crônica, mas com limitada evidência do seu uso para dor aguda no pós-operatório. Realizamos revisão sistemática de estudos que examinaram o papel da buprenorfina transdérmica no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória. Conteúdo: Revisamos os dados de PubMed, Embase, Registro Central de Ensaios Controlados Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost e LILACS, incluindo estudos clínicos randomizados que avaliaram a dor pós-operatória total, consumo de analgésicos pós-operatórios, efeitos colaterais relacionados a medicamentos e satisfação do paciente com esquema de analgesia. Dados de nove estudos (615 pacientes) foram incluídos nesta revisão. A maioria dos estudos iniciou o uso transdérmico de buprenorfina 6 a 48 horas antes da cirurgia, mantendo o uso de 1 a 28 dias após o procedimento. A maioria dos estudos encontrou valores semelhantes ou menores para o escore de dor pós-operatória, consumo pós-operatório de analgésicos e satisfação do paciente quando a buprenorfina foi comparada ao placebo, tramadol, celecoxibe, flurbiprofeno e parecoxibe. A incidência de efeitos colaterais oscilou nos estudos, e a maioria não mostrou aumento de efeito colateral relacionado ao uso de buprenorfina, exceto em dois estudos, um que comparou buprenorfina ao tramadol oral e outro ao fentanil transdérmico. No entanto, a maioria dos resultados foi obtida a partir de evidências com um risco geral alto ou risco de viés impreciso. Conclusões: Embora sejam necessários mais estudos, os resultados iniciais mostram que a buprenorfina transdérmica parece ser uma forma de administração segura e efetiva de opioide no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória

Efectividad del cambio de tratamiento desde Metadona a Buprenorfina/Naloxona en dependientes a opiáceos, Bilbao - España / Effectiveness of treatment change from methadone to Buprenorphine / Naloxone in opiate dependents, Bilbao - Spain

A nivel mundial la dependencia a opiáceos es un problema vigente, y los pacientes afectados por esta condición requieren programas de tratamiento sustitutivo farmacológico, que utilizan tradicionalmente Metadona. Actualmente, existe debate sobre el hecho de que la Buprenorfina/Naloxona podria ser utilizada como un reemplazo adecuado del fármaco tradicional. Las investigaciones aún no son totalmente concluyentes, faltando estudios que prueben los resultados en la práctica clínica. Objetivos: Determinar la efectividad del tratamiento con Buprenorfina/Naloxona como reemplazo de la metadona en pacientes dependientes de opiáceos tratados en un Módulo de Asistencia Psicosocial en la ciudad de Bilbao, España. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, cuantitativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, con 21 pacientes dependientes de opiáceos que formaban parte del Programa de mantenimiento con Metadona con dosis inferiores o iguales a 40 mg/día, en quienes se sustituyó ese tratamiento por el de Buprenorfina/Naloxona (8mg/2mg) siguiendo para esto los criterios de la Guía para el tratamiento de la adicción a opiáceos con Buprenorfina/Naloxona de la Sociedad Científica Española de estudios sobre alcohol, el alcoholismo y otras toxicomanías del 2010. Resultados: Después de tres meses de cambio de terapéutica a Buprenorfina/Naloxona se evidencio una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el consumo de opiáceos ilegales, medido a través de los controles de substancias en orina desde un promedio de 2,67 controles positivos con metadona, a 2,24 controles con Buprenorfina/Naloxona. La adherencia, se mantuvo similar a la previa, presentando además una retención del 100% de los pacientes. La calidad de vida, medida con el Test TECVASP, presento una mejora estadísticamente significativa, desde una puntuación de 76,76 cuando recibían Metadona (DE 6,41) hasta 90,33 (DE 5,77 ) con la nueva terapéutica. Conclusiones: Cambiar la terapia de mantenimiento con Metadona, en pacientes dependientes de opioides, por buprenorfina/naloxona es una buena opción, ya que tiene una efectividad similar en términos de adherencia y retención, y produce una mayor reducción en el uso de opiáceos ilegales, al tiempo que mejora la calidad de vida del paciente.

At the global level, opioid dependence is an ongoing problem, and patients with this condition require pharmacological substitution treatment programs, which traditionally use methadone. Currently there is debate over whether Buprenorphine / Naloxone could be used as a suitable replacement for the traditional drug. The investigations are not yet totally conclusive, lacking studies that prove the results in the clinical practice. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of treatment with Buprenorphine / Naloxone as a replacement for Methadone in opioid dependent patients treated in a Psychosocial Assistance Module in the city of Bilbao, Spain. Methods: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted with 21 opioid-dependent patients that were part of the maintenance program with Methadone at doses lower than or equal to 40 mg / day, in which treatment was replaced by that of Buprenorphine / Naloxone (8 mg/2 mg) following for this the criteria of the Guide for the treatment of the addiction to opiates with Buprenorphine / Naloxone of the Spanish Scientific Society of studies on alcohol, alcoholism and other drug addictions of 2010. Results: After a three-month change in therapy to Buprenorphine / Naloxone, a statistically significant reduction in illegal opioid use was observed, measured through urine substance controls from an average of 2.67 methadone-positive controls 2.24 controls with Buprenorphine / Naloxone. The Adherence remained similar to the previous one, presenting a retention of 100% of the patients. Quality of life, measured with the TECVASP test, showed a statistically significant improvement, from a score of 76.76 when receiving Methadone (DE 6.41) to 90.33 (DE 5.77) with the new therapy. Conclusions: Changing maintenance therapy with methadone, in opioid-dependent patients, by buprenorphine/naloxone is a good option, because it has a similar effectiveness in terms of adherence and retention, and produces a greater reduction in the use of illegal opiates, and the same time improves the quality of life of the patient.

[Demand for emergency department care for vertebral fractures treated with transdermal buprenorphine vs. other analgesics]. / Demanda asistencial urgente en pacientes con fracturas vertebrales en función de la administración de buprenofrina transdérmica u otros tratamientos analgésicos.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of emergency department management of spinal pain from vertebral fractures (in terms of revisits, adverse effects at 90 days, or need for hospitalization because of poor pain control at 6 months) in patients treated with transdermal buprenorphine or another analgesic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of cohorts in an emergency department database compiled prospectively over a period of 18 months. We included all patients over the age of 60 with a radiologic diagnosis of vertebral fracture or compression causing pain for more than 3 months. Records were stratified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic scale, which was used when the patients were treated. Variables related to effectiveness were revisits at 1 month, time between visits in days, and the need for hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients were included; 39 were treated with drugs on the first step of the WHO's analgesic ladder, 74 with second-step drugs (mainly tramadol), and 67 with transdermal buprenorphine, a third-step drug. Half the patients treated with buprenorphine had revisited at 50 days or later (interquartile range [IQR, 41-60 days); half those treated with first-step analgesics had revisited by 19 days IQR, 10-37 days), and half those on second-step drugs had revisited by 28 days (IQR, 21-53 days) (P<.001). After adjustment for other variables, patients treated with first-step drugs revisited 4.19-fold more (95% CI, 2.57-6.80; P<.001) and those treated with second-step drugs revisited 1.91-fold more (95% CI, 1.22-2.99; P=.005) more than patients treated with transdermal buprenorphine. CONCLUSION: Transdermal buprenorphine used to manage spinal pain seems to significantly reduce the need for revisits in comparison with treatments with first- or second-step analgesics.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados del manejo del dolor axial en pacientes con fracturas vertebrales, atendidos en un servicio de urgencias (SU) según hayan sido tratados con buprenorfina transdérmica u otro tratamiento analgésico, en términos de necesidad de nuevas consultas, aparición de efectos adversos a los 90 días o de necesidad de hospitalización por mal control analgésico a los 6 meses de la primera consulta. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo desde en una base de datos prospectiva de 18 meses, en un SU. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes mayores de 60 años, con diagnóstico radiológico de fractura/aplastamiento vertebral de más de 3 meses de evolución. Los registros fueron agrupados según el escalón analgésico de la OMS (Organización Mundial de la Salud) con el que fueron tratados los pacientes. Las variables de efectividad fueron: reconsulta al mes, tiempo de reconsulta en días y necesidad de hospitalización. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 180 pacientes, 39 tratados con fármacos del primer escalón analgésico de la OMS, 74 con fármacos del segundo escalón (fundamentalmente tramadol) y 67 con buprenorfina transdérmica (tercer escalón). El 50% de los pacientes tratados con buprenorfina reconsultaron a los 50 días o más (rango intercuartílico ­RIC­: 41- 60), mientras que en el grupo tratado con primer escalón a los 19 (RIC 10-37) y con el segundo escalón a los 28 (RIC 21-53) (p < 0,001). Al ajustar el tratamiento por el resto de las variables se determinó que los pacientes tratados con el primer escalón incrementaban la tasa de reconsulta en 4,19 veces (IC95%: 2,57-6,80; p < 0,001) y en los tratados con el segundo escalón 1,91 veces (IC95%: 1,22-2,99; p = 0,005) frente a los pacientes tratados con buprenorfina transdérmica. CONCLUSIONES: La administración de buprenorfina transdérmica en el control sintomático del dolor axial parece disminuir significativamente la necesidad de nuevas consultas repetidas comparada con terapias de primer y segundo escalón analgésico.

Efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos da buprenorfina, da acepromazina ou da associação buprenorfina e acepromazina em gatos / Antinociceptive and sedative effects of buprenorphine, acepromazine, or combination of both, in conscious cats

O efeito antinociceptivo da buprenorfina tem sido relatado em cães e gatos. No presente estudo, avaliou-se o limiar nociceptivo mecânico em felinos tratados com buprenorfina, acepromazina ou ambas associadas e foram comparados os efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos da associação em relação ao uso isolado desses fármacos determinados pelo mesmo observador, por meio de analgesiômetro e da escala analógica visual dinâmica interativa (DIVAS), respectivamente. Os oito animais empregados no estudo foram previamente familiarizados com os procedimentos utilizados. Após quatro mensurações basais, foram administrados, por via intramuscular, 0,02mg kg-1 de buprenorfina, 0,06mg kg-1 de acepromazina ou 0,01mg kg-1 de buprenorfina associada a 0,03mg kg-1 de acepromazina, em um estudo cego, com delineamento em quadrado latino e tratamento semanal. Os efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos foram avaliados aos 15, 30, 45 minutos e uma, duas, três, quatro, seis, oito e 12 horas após a administração do tratamento. O limiar nociceptivo mecânico se elevou significativamente apenas no grupo tratado com a associação buprenorfina-acepromazina (entre 45 minutos e uma hora). Em relação à sedação, nos grupos tratados com acepromazina e com a associação, os valores da DIVAS foram significativamente maiores, respectivamente, de 15 minutos até quatro horas e de 15 minutos até três horas pós-tratamento, não apresentando elevação desses valores com a buprenorfina. Concluiu-se que não foi possível verificar a superioridade da neuroleptoanalgesia em relação ao uso dos fármacos isoladamente.

The antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine have been reported in dogs and cats. This study evaluated changes in the mechanical nociceptive threshold and the sedative effects of buprenorphine, acepromazine and its combination in cats, determined by the same observer using a nociceptive threshold testing device and DIVAS, respectively. Eight animals were previously conditioned to the procedures. After four baseline measurements, 0.02mg kg-1 of buprenorphine, 0.06mg.kg-1 of acepromazine, or 0.01mg kg-1 of buprenorphine with 0.03mg kg-1 of acepromazine were administered intramuscularly in a blinded and experimental study using a Latin square design within a one week interval between treatments. The antinociceptive and sedative effects were evaluated at 15, 30, 45 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours post treatment. The nociceptive threshold increased significantly only after the combination buprenorphine-acepromazine (between 45 minutes and 1 hour). Regarding sedation, the use of acepromazine and the combination of both were associated with significantly higher DIVAS values from 15 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours post treatment, respectively. No increase in these values was noted with the use of buprenorphine. It was concluded that it could not be verified the superiority of neuroleptanalgesia over the use of drugs alone.

Buprenorfina en el manejo de dolor por cáncer / The Use of Buprenorphine to Control Cancer Pain

Actualmente los opioides son el soporte del manejo farmacológico, en particular del dolor moderado a severo. En este sentido, es importante disponer de distintas formulaciones y vías de administración, aún más en el contexto del paciente oncológico. La buprenorfina tiene un bajo peso molecular, de alta potencia y liposolubilidad combinada a una favorable tolerabilidad y un bajo potencial de abuso. Por dichas razones la buprenorfina es ideal para aplicación transdérmica. La evidencia clínica disponible demuestra eficacia y seguridad en el empleo de la buprenorfina transdérmica en el tratamiento de dolor de moderado a severo en el paciente oncológico. Sin embargo, la buprenorfina no ha sido extensamente estudiada en ciertas poblaciones como otros opioides y se requieren nuevas investigaciones para definir el rol de esta en circunstancias clínicas específicas.

Opiods are the current pharmalogical remedies of choice for the control of moderate to severe pain. Subsequently, it is important to rely on a number of prescriptions and applications for these drugs, particularly in the case of oncological patients. Low molecular weight, high potency and liposolubility of buprenorphine combine with its favorable tolerance and low abuse probability. Clinical evidence reveals that the use of transdermal buprenorphine in the treatment of moderate to severe pain in oncological patients is effective and safe. However, buprenorphine has not been widely studied among certain populations, as have other opiods, thus making further research necessary in order to define its role under specific clinical circumstances.

Uso de agonistas de los receptores opiáceos en anestesia epidural / Use of agonists opiate receptors in epidural anesthesia

A partir de 1981 se ha venido ensayando la administración de opiáceos epidurales e intratecales con bastante éxito según reportes de la literatura, con complicaciones mínimas y previsibles. Este es el motivo por el cual presentamos este estudio comparativo de dos grupos de 20 pacientes cada uno con clasificación ASA I y ASA II intervenidos de cirugías de hemiabdomen inferior en las especialidades de Cirugía General, Ginecología y Urología. En grupo I recibió una dosis de anestésico local + Buprenorfina 0,2-0,3mg por vía epidural y el grupo II recibió una dosis de anestesia y analgesia, necesidad mínima de drogas transoperatorias, complicaciones trans y postoperatorias manejables por el anestesiólogo; sin embargo, el grupo I tuvo una analgesia postoperatoria más prolongada que el grupo II sometidos a cirugía de hemi-abdomen inferior ofrecen seguridad en el procedimiento sobre todo con el uso de Buprenorfina cuyo efecto analgésico es más prolongado.

Epidural and intraspinal narcotics have been successfully used since 1981. Literature reports that potential complications are minimal and serious side effects are rare, for this reason we present the following comparative study between two narcotic drugs administered by epidural route and local anesthetics in order to produce surgical anesthesia. 40 classifed Physical state ASA I, ASA II patients were chosen and divided into two groups of 20 patients each one. They had elective lower abdominal surgery in Gynecology – Urology and General surgical areas. Both groups received a single dose of local anesthetic by epidural route. Group I was administered buprenorfine 0,2 – 0,3mg and group II was adicionally given Nalbufine 5mg. results showed that anesthesia and analgesia were excellent, other transoperatory drugs were not needed and the complications were handled by anesthesiologists in good performance; however, Group I had longer analgesia in potoperatory period than group II. We concluded that opiates administered by epidural route are safe and offer prolongued postoperatory pain relief specially with buprenorfine.