In older adults with chronic non-cancer pain, short-term use of opioids reduces pain and physical disability but does not benefit mental health, and 25% discontinue due to adverse effects.

摘要

There have been a number of previously published systematic reviews on short-term outcomes associated with opioid treatment from chronic non-cancerous pain. However, none of these reviews had focused upon older populations or had made any attempt to stratify the population by age. This review by Papaleontiou and colleagues addresses this omission, an important element for consideration as chronic non-cancer pain is very prevalent in later life.