Evidence of specific cognitive deficits in patients with chronic low back pain under long-term substitution treatment of opioids

摘要: Background There is a growing number of patients worldwide being treated with long-term opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, although there limited evidence their effectiveness in improving pain and function. Opioid-use related adverse effects, especially cognitive functioning these patients, are rarely evaluated. Objectives The present study investigated the functions back who underwent opioid treatment comparison those without usage healthy controls. Study design A prospective, nonrandomized, cross-sectional study. Setting Multidisciplinary management clinic, specialty referral center, University Hospital Germany. Methods In prospective design, 37 therapy (OP) were compared 33 (NO) 25 controls (HC). Assessment primary outcome included function such as information processing speed, choice reaction time, pattern recognition memory, executive Other data function, depression anxiety, use medication, education status. relationship between anxiety/depression was analysed. Results Both patient groups needed significantly longer time when to HC (Group 1: 41.87 ± 20.47 Group 2: 38.29 19.99 3: 30.25 14.19). Additionally, OP had reduced spatial memory capacity, flexibility concept change, impaired performance working assessment NO HC. outcomes associated intensity, scores, medication use. Limitations include small heterogeneous nonrandomized observational nature Conclusions Our findings give differential view into changes from treatment. Chronic itself impairs some distinct functions. Long-term adds further impairment.