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Editorial
. 2020 Nov;29(6):671-680.
doi: 10.1097/MNH.0000000000000646.

Pain management in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease

Payel J Roy  1 , Melanie Weltman  2 , Laura M Dember  3   4 , Jane Liebschutz  1 , Manisha Jhamb  5 ; HOPE Consortium
Affiliations
Editorial

Pain management in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease

Payel J Roy et al. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review evaluates current recommendations for pain management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with a specific focus on evidence for opioid analgesia, including the partial agonist, buprenorphine.

Recent findings: Recent evidence supports the use of physical activity and other nonpharmacologic therapies, either alone or with pharmacological therapies, for pain management. Nonopioid analgesics, including acetaminophen, topical analgesics, gabapentinoids, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and TCA may be considered based on pain cause and type, with careful dose considerations in kidney disease. NSAIDs may be used in CKD and ESKD for short durations with careful monitoring. Opioid use should be minimized and reserved for patients who have failed other therapies. Opioids have been associated with increased adverse events in this population, and thus should be used cautiously after risk/benefit discussion with the patient. Opioids that are safer to use in kidney disease include oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, and buprenorphine. Buprenorphine appears to be a promising and safer option due to its partial agonism at the mu opioid receptor.

Summary: Pain is poorly managed in patients with kidney disease. Nonpharmacological and nonopioid analgesics should be first-line approaches for pain management. Opioid use should be minimized with careful monitoring and dose adjustment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: Laura M. Dember receives compensation for her role as Deputy Editor of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases and consulting fees from Merck.

Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Challenges in pain management in patients with kidney disease
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Barriers and potential solutions for increasing use of buprenorphine for chronic pain in patients with kidney disease
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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