The study, conducted by researchers at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., looked at the effect of prescribed opioids on pneumonia risk in patients with HIV since opioids are often prescribed to these individuals for pain.
The researchers used data from patients treated at a VA facility between 2000 and 2012, including those with and without HIV. The team matched patients hospitalized for pneumonia with similar patients who did not have pneumonia. They examined length of time patients were taking opioids, dosages and whether the medications had known immunosuppressive properties.
Patients prescribed medium or high doses of opioid painkillers had a higher risk for pneumonia than those not taking the medications, the researchers found. The risk was compounded if the opioid contained immunosuppressive properties, and patients with HIV were more likely to develop pneumonia even at low doses of opioids and particularly with immunosuppressive opioids.
The findings could help mitigate this risk and add to the growing list of potential harms linked to opioids, the researchers said.
Providers may consider prescribing lower doses of opioids or opioids that do not suppress the immune system and be proactive about getting patients vaccinated against pneumonia, they added.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
‘Nowcasting’ approach helps predict local flu activity
C. diff patients most likely to receive diagnosis in the ED
$14B needed to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, global health fund says
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
