Neurology
From the Journals
No change in postoperative pain with restrictive opioid protocol
The implementation of an ultrarestrictive opioid prescribing protocol after gynecologic surgery was associated with significant declines in opioid...
Conference Coverage
Resection, neurostimulation combo found successful in eloquent cortical regions
NEW ORLEANS – Flanking the resection with electrodes can suppress seizures while allowing surgeons to leave as much brain tissue as possible.
From the Journals
Overprescribing opioids leads to higher levels of consumption
The study findings have troubling implications for opioid abuse among surgical patients.
Opinion
FDA approval of powerful opioid tinged with irony
The agency’s approval of Dsuvia comes at a time when the need is great for nonaddictive agents for pain control.
FDA/CDC
FDA approves sufentanil for adults with acute pain
The opioid is to used for only adult patients in settings that are closely controlled.
Video
Appendix linked to Parkinson’s disease in series of unexpected findings
Appendectomy reduces PD risk by about 20%.
Conference Coverage
Post-mastectomy pain strategy allows for safe, same-day discharge
Strategy offers the potential to minimize inpatient admissions while decreasing oral narcotic use.
Conference Coverage
Low-dose ketamine controls pain from severe chest injury, while sparing opioid consumption
SAN DIEGO – The drug may have a benefit among patients whose Injury Severity Score was greater than 15.
Conference Coverage
Signs point to growing abuse of gabapentinoids in the U.S.
LAS VEGAS – Several states have made gabapentin a Schedule V controlled substance while others have mandatory reporting of its dispensing and...
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA issues new REMS for immediate-release opioids
For the first time, training will be made available to health care providers, nurses, and pharmacists involved in pain management.
Conference Coverage
More than half of urine drug screens showed improper medication use
LAS VEGAS – One sample in every five showed a combination of opioids and benzodiazepines, at least one of which was an unprescribed medication.