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Chronic Pain and Opioid Use in Older People With HIV
Vasudev C Mandyam1, R Douglas Bruce1
1Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Chronic pain affects many older adults with HIV, stemming from multiple causes. Management requires a comprehensive approach, including careful opioid prescribing for safe and effective pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic pain is a prevalent issue in the aging population with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- The causes of chronic pain in this demographic are complex and multifactorial.
- Effective pain management necessitates a thorough initial assessment and consideration of contributing conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unique aspects of chronic pain in people with HIV.
- To discuss multimodal management strategies, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options.
- To provide recommendations for the safe use and monitoring of opioids in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on chronic pain in older adults with HIV.
- Analysis of current pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic pain management strategies.
- Examination of opioid risks and benefits, with a focus on safe prescribing practices.
Main Results:
- Chronic pain in older adults with HIV is multifactorial and requires individualized assessment.
- Multimodal treatment plans incorporating various strategies are effective.
- Opioids can be utilized but demand careful consideration of risks and vigilant monitoring.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive, individualized approach is crucial for managing chronic pain in older adults with HIV.
- Safe opioid prescribing guidelines are essential to mitigate potential harms.
- Further research into optimized pain management strategies for this population is warranted.
Abstract:
Chronic pain is common among older people with HIV. Etiologies of chronic pain are multifactorial in this population. A careful and thorough initial assessment of pain is important. Associated conditions that can contribute to pain should be explored and managed as indicated. Special consideration is warranted for some of the unique aspects of pain in people with HIV. Chronic pain management is multimodal; a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies are effective. Among medications, opioids can be used but carry a risk of significant harms. The use and monitoring of opioids is discussed here, and recommendations are made for the safe prescribing of opioids for chronic pain.
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