Long-term opioid treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain: unproven efficacy and neglected safety?

摘要: BACKGROUND For the past 30 years, opioids have been used to treat chronic nonmalignant pain. This study tests following hypotheses: (1) there is no strong evidence-based foundation for conclusion that long-term opioid treatment of pain effective; and (2) main problem associated with safety such - assessment risk addiction has neglected. METHODS Scientometric analysis articles representing clinical research in this area was performed assess quality presented evidence (type study); duration phase. The sufficiency representation assessed by counting number represent editorials; top specialty journals; (3) titles clearly indicating addiction-related involved (topic-in-title articles). RESULTS Not a single randomized controlled trial lasting >3 months found. All studies ≥6 (n = 16) were conducted without proper control group. Such cannot provide consistent good-quality necessary recommendation. There profound differences related specifically patients general. An inadequate pain-related publications observed all three types counted articles: editorials, journals, topic-in-title articles. CONCLUSION effective. above identified signs neglect present.