Is opioid therapy for chronic non ‐cancer pain associated with a greater risk of all‐cause mortality compared to non‐opioid analgesics? A systematic review of propensity score matched observational studies

ConclusionsPossibly, opioids are associated with an increased all ‐cause mortality risk compared to non‐opioid analgesics. When considering treatment options for patients with CNCP, the possible risk of increased all‐cause mortality with opioids should be discussed.SignificanceAn increased all ‐cause mortality associated with opioid use compared to non‐opioid analgesics for CNCP was identified by a systematic review of four propensity score matched cohort studies in real‐world settings. The number needed to harm for an additional excess death per 10,000 person‐years was 116. Despi te extensive propensity score matchings and sensitivity analyses, all studies could not fully exclude confounding by indication. The potential risk of increased all‐cause mortality with opioids should be discussed with patients when considering opioid treatment.

Source: European Journal of Pain - February 28, 2021 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Thomas T ölle, Mary‐Ann Fitzcharles, Winfried Häuser Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research