Opioid use and risks in candidates and recipients of liver transplant

Abstract

Opioid use is extremely prevalent among cirrhosis and liver transplant (LT) patients, despite concerns regarding opioid-related risks in this population. While there are many theoretical risks of opioids in patients with hepatic dysfunction, there is limited evidence on the effect of opioid use on clinical outcomes in cirrhosis and pre- and post-LT patients specifically. As a result there is significant center-level variability in opioid-related practice and policies. The existing data–largely based on retrospective observational studies–does suggest that opioids are associated with increased health resource utilization pre- and post-LT, and that they may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with cirrhosis and increase risk of graft loss and death post-LT. The strongest predictor of opioid use post-LT is opioid use prior to transplant; thus, a focus on safe opioid use in the pre- and peri-transplant periods is essential for minimizing opioid-related harms. We describe three strategies to guide LT providers, including: 1) Improved characterization of pain, mental health symptoms, and opioid and polysubstance use; 2) Minimization of opioid prescriptions for those at highest risk of adverse events; and 3) Safe prescribing strategies for those who do use opioids and for management of opioid use disorder (OUD). Ultimately, our goal is to improve quality of life and transplant outcomes among cirrhosis and LT patients, particularly those living with concurrent pain, mental health, and substance use disorders.