Prevalence and Patterns of Opioid Use in Chronic Pancreatitis

Opioids are used to treat pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about current use patterns. The aim of this study was to characterize the utilization of opioids and associations with clinical characteristics in adult patients with CP.

This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from participants with definite CP enrolled in a cohort study in the United States (PROspective Evaluation of CP for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies). Data on demographics, pain medication use, healthcare utilization, disability, and pain patterns were systematically collected in case report forms while quality of life was assessed with patient-reported outcome instruments. Opioid use was classified according to strength (weak or strong) and frequency (scheduled or as-needed).

A total of 681 participants (n = 364, 53% male) were included: 299 (44%) were current opioid users (22% only weak opioids and 22% at least 1 strong opioid). Increasing frequency and severity of pain was associated with increase of weak, strong, as-needed, or scheduled opioids. Neuromodulators were used by ∼40% of participants; increasing use was associated with increasing frequency and severity of pain. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors associated with strength and frequency of current opioid use were pain patterns (odds ratios [ORs] 1.84-8.32 and ORs 1.92-8.52, respectively, P < 0.001) and prior celiac plexus block (OR 3.54, 95% confidence intervals 1.82-6.87 and OR 3.42, 95% confidence intervals 1.76-6.64, respectively). Participants using opioids had higher prevalence of disability, healthcare utilization, and poorer quality of life.

Opioid use in CP is common and associated with increased pain severity and constancy. These data provide foundational estimates for future trials that can elucidate the complex interactions between patient factors, pain, and interventions.