Treatment experience using a micro-induction buprenorphine protocol for
chronic pain in pediatric sickle cell sickle disease.
Abstract
Background: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience painful
vaso-occlusive episodes that increase with age; a subset develop chronic
pain (CP). CP is usually managed with acute pain management guidelines
despite evidence of ineffectiveness. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid
agonist, a potent analgesic with less liking and has a respiratory
‘ceiling effect’. Buprenorphine therefore provides an alternative ‘harms
reduction’ approach for CP management in pediatric SCD patients.
Methods: This single urban center retrospective study assessed the
feasibility of inpatient transition to buprenorphine-containing
analgesics in adolescents with SCD and CP. Patients aged 12-20 years
transitioned from FOA to buprenorphine between December 2020 and
September 2022 were included. Acute care utilization, hospital length of
stay, and FOA use in both inpatient and outpatient settings were
compared pre- and post-buprenorphine induction for at least 6 months.
Results: Fourteen adolescents with SCD underwent inpatient buprenorphine
induction and maintenance therapy. Inpatient transition using a
micro-induction approach was feasible and well tolerated in this
population. There were low rates of adverse events such as opioid
withdrawal signs. Maintenance on buprenorphine products was sustainable
over the one-year post-induction period. Three patients (21.4%)
discontinued buprenorphine during maintenance therapy. There was a
significant reduction (p<0.05) in acute care utilization, length
of stay, and FOA use (both inpatient and outpatient). Conclusion:
Inpatient micro-induction to buprenorphine from FOA in adolescent SCD
patients with CP is feasible with minimal signs of opioid withdrawals.
This study suggests decreased acute care utilization with buprenorphine.