Study Links Opioid Use to Increased Risk of Pneumococcal Infection

Overview of Opioid Use in North America

A recent study highlighted in the British Medical Journal explores the relationship between pneumococcal infection and opioid consumption. Over the past few decades, opioid use has surged in North America, prompting a closer examination of the potential risks associated with these medications. Opioids, which act on the brain similarly to opium, are commonly used for their pain-relieving capabilities. However, they also carry significant risks, including addiction, overdose, and cardiovascular issues.

Opioids and Infection Risks

Previous animal studies have suggested that opioid use may be linked to an increased susceptibility to infections, yet the implications for human health remain unclear. Gaining insights into these risks can aid healthcare providers in making informed choices when prescribing opioids such as morphine or oxycodone, as well as when discussing illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl.

Study Findings

The article in the British Medical Journal summarizes findings from a study conducted in the United States involving 1,233 patients with pneumococcal disease and 24,399 healthy controls. Results indicated that pneumococcal disease patients were 62% more likely to have received a recent opioid prescription compared to controls. Furthermore, those prescribed high doses of opioids had a 72% increased likelihood, individuals using stronger opioids were also 72% more likely, and patients on long-acting opioids faced an 87% higher risk of pneumococcal disease compared to their counterparts.

Implications for Clinical Practice

Overall, the study suggests a significant association between opioid use and an elevated risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. Clinicians may benefit from considering this risk when prescribing opioids to patients. The researchers propose that the association could be partially attributed to the immunosuppressive effects documented in animal studies involving opioids like morphine and fentanyl. It is important to note that the study evaluated opioid use based solely on prescriptions, meaning the impact of illicit opioid use was not assessed.

Conclusion

As the understanding of opioid-related risks continues to evolve, this study underscores the need for careful consideration of potential health implications, including the risk of serious infections, when prescribing these medications.

Reference

Wise, J. (2018). Opioid use is linked to risk of serious infections. BMJ. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k657