Loading...
In 2021, NEJM Journal Watch covered many studies that are not included in our detailed Year in Review features but nevertheless are highly relevant for clinical practice. Here are brief synopses of some of those studies.
An international comparison of postdischarge opioid prescribing after surgery showed a dramatic difference between the U.S. and other countries: U.S. patients — including those with minimal pain — were much more likely to receive prescriptions for opioids than were similar patients from many other countries (NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 15 2021 and J Am Coll Surg 2020; 231:639).
Overdose and respiratory complications were more likely in patients who received gabapentinoids plus opioids for postoperative pain, c…