A retrospective chart review of outcomes resulting from a three-day tramadol taper for acute opioid withdrawal

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe patient outcomes with a 3-day tramadol taper for acute opioid withdrawal on the detoxification unit at Summa Health System. The primary endpoint was the change in Clinical Institute Narcotic Assessment (CINA) score from the start of the taper until completion or discharge. Secondary endpoints were length of stay, use of adjuvant medications, taper completion rates, highest CINA score, adverse events, and 30-day readmission rates. A retrospective, quality improvement, cohort study was performed describing outcomes of opioid dependent patients in acute withdrawal admitted on the detoxification unit between September 2014 and September 2016 receiving the 3-day tramadol taper. All patients ≥18 years of age admitted for opioid dependence were included. Pregnant patients were excluded. Forty-five patients were included in the analysis. Patient ages ranged from 18-67 and 25 (55.6%) were male. The full taper was completed in 67.7% of admissions and 75.8% of patients were discharged by the physician. There was a statistically significant change of the pre-taper score compared to the score at completion or discharge in the per protocol group (-1.58, p = 0.010). There were no reported seizures or falls. The 3-day tramadol taper proved to be safe and effective therapy for treating acute opioid withdrawal. In the Summa Health System detoxification unit, patients treated with a 3-day tramadol taper for acute opioid withdrawal had their pre-taper CINA scores reduced by over 25% at the completion of the taper or discharge.

Keywords:

• Tramadol
• opioid
• withdrawal
• taper

Acknowledgement

David Gothard provided statistical support.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Funding & support

This study had no funding.