Do Long-Term Opioids for Pain Improve HIV Suppression?

Among HIV patients with chronic pain, the rate of virologic failure was lower in those receiving versus not receiving opioid therapy.

Chronic pain is common among persons living with HIV infection. Long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) is often prescribed for chronic pain, but there is increased alarm about the risks associated with LTOT, including for overdose death.

To evaluate the effect of chronic pain and LTOT on HIV outcomes, investigators conducted a prospective cohort study involving 2334 patients in five HIV primary care clinics from July 2015 to July 2016. Chronic pain was defined as moderate pain for at least 3 months (on the Brief Chronic Pain Questionnaire) and a score of at least 4/10 on the Pain Enjoyment of Life and General Activity Questionnaire. Levels of retention (clinic visit attendance) and virologic failure (≥1000 copies/mL) were assessed for 1 year.

Result…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Do Long-Term Opioids for Pain Improve HIV Suppression?

Topics

Reviewing Author