Can genetics help inform postoperative opioid protocols?

Researchers explored whether a genetics-based approach could be effective in improving postoperative pain management.

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, the researchers randomly assigned 351 participants with planned surgical procedures expected to subsequently result in pain for up to 10 days to undergo either cytochrome P450 2D6-guided postoperative opioid therapy or standard postoperative pain management involving opioid prescription without CYP2D6 genotyping.

There was greater concordance between the participants’ CYP2D6 phenotype and their opioid treatment with CYP2D6-guided opioid therapy compared with standard pain management. The researchers noted that the participants who were poor and intermediate CYP2D6 metabolizers were advised to avoid certain opioids, including hydrocodone, tramadol and codeine. CYP2D6-guided opioid therapy was ineffective in improving the study’s primary outcomes. For instance, there were no statistically significant differences in numeric pain intensity ratings and overall opioid use between the participants in the CYP2D6-guided opioid therapy group and those in the standard pain management group.

As a result of the negative findings, the researchers indicated that CYP2D6-guided opioid therapy may have no benefit regarding pain and opioid use in the postoperative setting.

Read more: JAMA Network Open

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.