Persistent Opioid Use Following Pediatric Nonfatal Firearm Injury.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Trauma
• Pain Management
• Opioid Use Disorder

Background:

• Firearm injuries are a leading cause of pediatric injury.
• Previous research has not specifically analyzed opioid use patterns after pediatric firearm injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of persistent opioid use among pediatric nonfatal firearm injury victims.
• To identify factors associated with persistent opioid use in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study using 2015-2018 claims data (Merative MarketScan Medicaid and Commercial Databases).
• Identified firearm injuries and opioid use via ICD-10 and National Drug Codes.
• Defined persistent opioid use as opioid claims between 90-270 days post-injury.

Main Results:

• The cohort included 2110 children with nonfatal firearm injuries; 28.8% were exposed to opioids.
• 10.4% of opioid-exposed children developed persistent opioid use.
• Each additional day of opioid exposure post-injury increased the odds of persistent use by 5%.

Conclusions:

• Children experiencing firearm injuries are at risk for developing persistent opioid use.
• Clinicians must carefully weigh the benefits of pain control against the risks of long-term opioid dependence in pediatric firearm injury patients.