Opioids for chronic low back pain management: a Bayesian network meta-analysis

Migliorini, Filippo; Maffulli, Nicola; Baroncini, Alice; Eschweiler, Jörg; Tingart, Markus; Quack, Valentin

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is common, and some patients require opiates therapy. This Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) analyzed available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of opioids for LBP.

Methods: All RCTs comparing two or more opioids for chronic LBP and reporting results under the Numeric Rating Scale were included. The following drugs were analyzed: fentanyl, morphine, tapentadol, oxycodone, buprenorphine, oxymorphone, tramadol. The NMA was performed through the STATA routine for Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis, with standardized mean difference (SMD) effect measure. Data regarding the rate of adverse events and different drug formulations were also reported.

Results: Data from 2933 patients were obtained, with a mean age of 53.30 ± 6.95 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to beginning the trial was 95.16 ± 47.29 months. The mean follow-up was 3.29 ± 1.72 months. Among the analyzed compounds, oxymorphone, tapentadol and fentanyl showed the highest efficacy in terms of pain reduction.

Conclusion: According to published level I evidence, oxymorphone, tapentadol and fentanyl were the most effective drugs in the treatment of chronic LBP. However, different formulation and pharmacokinetic characteristics need to be taken into consideration when choosing the ideal compound for a given patient.

Citation

Migliorini, F., Maffulli, N., Baroncini, A., Eschweiler, J., Tingart, M., & Quack, V. (2021). Opioids for chronic low back pain management: a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 14(5), 635-641. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1903316

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 11, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2021
• Publication Date: May 4, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2024
• Journal: Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology
• Print ISSN: 1751-2433
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 635-641
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2021.1903316
• Keywords: Pharmacology (medical), General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, General Medicine