@article{ref1,
title="Association of buprenorphine retention and subsequent adverse outcomes following non-fatal overdose: an analysis using statewide linked Maryland databases",
journal="Drug and alcohol dependence",
year="2024",
author="Sugarman, Olivia K. and Saloner, Brendan and Richards, Thomas M. and Lasser, Elyse C. and Heath, Teresa and Idries, Shima and Weiner, Jonathan P. and Bandara, Sachini",
volume="258",
number="",
pages="e111281-e111281",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Patients receiving buprenorphine after a non-fatal overdose have lower risk of future nonfatal or fatal overdose, but less is known about the relationship between buprenorphine retention and the risk of adverse outcomes in the post-overdose year. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the total number of months with an active buprenorphine prescription (retention) and the odds of an adverse outcome within the 12 months following an index non-fatal overdose. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a cohort of people with an index non-fatal opioid overdose in Maryland between July 2016 and December 2020 and at least one filled buprenorphine prescription in the 12-month post-overdose observation period. We used individually linked Maryland prescription drug and hospital admissions data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine buprenorphine retention and associated odds of experiencing a second non-fatal overdose, all-cause emergency department visits, and all-cause hospitalizations. <br><br>RESULTS: Of 5439 people, 25% (n=1360) experienced a second non-fatal overdose, 78% had an (n=4225) emergency department visit, and 37% (n=2032) were hospitalized. With each additional month of buprenorphine, the odds of experiencing another non-fatal overdose decreased by 4.7%, all-cause emergency department visits by 5.3%, and all-cause hospitalization decreased by 3.9% (p<.0001, respectively). Buprenorphine retention for at least nine months was a critical threshold for reducing overdose risk versus shorter buprenorphine retention. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Buprenorphine retention following an index non-fatal overdose event significantly decreases the risk of future overdose, emergency department use, and hospitalization even among people already on buprenorphine.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0376-8716",
doi="10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111281",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111281"
}