News — A new study sheds light on the potential for personalized pain management through genetic testing. With the current opioid crisis, researchers are investigating how a person’s genetic makeup could influence their use of painkillers, particularly opioids, after surgery.
The study looked at 100 patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery to see if their genetics played a role in how they used opioids to manage pain after the procedure. Researchers focused on genes that affect how the body processes these medications, including CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, OPRM1, and COMT. Participants' DNA was collected through a simple cheek swab, making the process non-invasive and cost-effective.
The results showed that patients with certain genetic variations in the CYP2D6 and COMT genes consumed more opioid tablets after surgery compared to those without these variations. Specifically, poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 and high metabolizers of COMT used more opioids. However, other genes studied, like CYP3A4 and OPRM1, didn’t appear to affect opioid use in this group.
“This finding has the potential to shape the future of orthopedic care by guiding surgeons to create individualized postoperative pain management plans with unique drug regimens and educational content specific to each patient’s needs,” said lead author Rebecca Cox, FNP, of MedStar Health in Baltimore, MD. Cox added that more research is needed to fully understand the connection between genetics and opioid use.
Cox will present “,” on November 22 at 10:30 am PT during the ASRA Pain Medicine at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV. The abstract received one of three Resident/Fellow Travel Awards from ASRA Pain Medicine. Coauthors are Austin Collins, Emily Demaio, Rebecca Haley, Greg Darville, Nicole Greene, and John Xerogeanes.
ASRA Pain Medicine is a professional society of more than 5,000 health care professionals devoted to advancing evidence-based practice of pain medicine across the pain continuum, from acute pain to chronic pain. Our mission is to advance the science and practice of regional anesthesia and pain medicine to improve patient outcomes through research, education, and advocacy. Our vision is to relieve the global burden of pain. We are committed to integrity, innovation, inclusiveness, service, compassion, and wellness. Learn more at .
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