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Outpatient Opioid Dispensing Patterns for SC Medicaid Children 1-36 Months Old
Laksika Banu M Sivaraj1, William T Basco2, Smith F Heavner1,3,4
1Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
Pediatric opioid prescriptions declined for respiratory, injury, nervous system, and digestive conditions in children aged 1-36 months. However, congenital anomalies and genitourinary conditions saw increased opioid use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Opioid prescriptions in young children (1-36 months) are a public health concern.
- Understanding diagnostic patterns associated with pediatric opioid use is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common diagnostic categories for opioid prescriptions in young children.
- To analyze trends in these diagnostic categories from 2000 to 2017.
Main Methods:
- Utilized South Carolina Medicaid claims data for pediatric outpatient opioid prescriptions (2000-2017).
- Identified major opioid-related diagnostic categories using primary visit diagnoses and the Clinical Classification System (AHRQ-CCS).
- Analyzed rates per 1,000 visits and relative percentages for each diagnostic category.
Main Results:
- Six major categories identified: Respiratory (RESP), Congenital anomalies (CONG), Injury (INJURY), Nervous system (NEURO), Digestive (GI), and Genitourinary (GU).
- Opioid prescription rates declined for RESP, INJURY, NEURO, and GI categories.
- Rates increased for CONG and GU categories, with CONG becoming the most prevalent by 2014.
Conclusions:
- Opioid dispensing rates decreased for most major diagnostic categories in young Medicaid beneficiaries.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative pain management strategies for congenital anomalies and genitourinary conditions in children.
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