Opioid Reduction
Study register · detail Retrospektive Mirror-Image-Studie · Opioid Reduction · 2018

Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis

Clear benefit GRADE Very low 46 citations
Samplen = 29 Pat.
Duration3 months
EndpointEQ-5D / PQAS
Blindingn.a.
DesignRetrospektive Mirror-Image-Studie
Cannabinoidvollspektrum
Key finding

Medical cannabis significantly improved quality of life and pain intensity compared to baseline and reduced opioid consumption as well as treatment costs.

Summary

Retrospective mirror-image study in n=29 patients with chronic pain (medical cannabis in New York State); 3-month follow-up. Improvement in quality of life measured by EQ-5D (pre 36 → post 64, p<0.0001). Reduction in opioid consumption as well as cost savings in analgesic prescriptions. Adverse effects in 10% of participants.

P
PopulationAdults with chronic pain and MC-qualifying conditions in New York State, n=29
I
InterventionMedical cannabis (MC), 3 months, application not specified
O
OutcomeSignificant improvement in quality of life (EQ-5D: 36 → 64, p<0,0001) and pain reduction (PQAS paroxysmal: 6,76 → 2,04, p<0,0001); reduction in opioid consumption and analgesic costs; adverse effects in 10% of patients
Confidence in the evidence
Very low

The lowest GRADE level, the effect estimate remains uncertain.

Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size
Blinding
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year
Authors
Bellnier T, Brown GW, Ortega TR
DOI 10.9740/mhc.2018.05.110
Design: Retrospektive Mirror-Image-Studie
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The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius