De Novo Ostomy Placement Is Associated with Increased Outpatient Opioid Use In Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Aims: Opioid use is associated with poor outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to identify novel factors associated with increased outpatient opioid (OPRx) use following IBD-related hospitalization. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of IBD patients ≥ 18 years old, hospitalized during 2018. The primary outcome was receiving ≥ 1(OPRx) in the year following index hospitalization (IH), excluding prescriptions written within 2 weeks of discharge. Secondary outcomes included having 1–2 vs ≥ 3 OPRx and rates of healthcare utilization. Univariate and multivariate analyses tested associations with OPRx. Results: Of 526 patients analyzed, 209 (40%) received at least 1 OPRx; with a median of 2 [1–3] OPRx. Presence or placement of ostomy at IH, exposure to opioids during IH, ulcerative colitis (UC), mental health comorbidities, admission for surgery and managed on the surgical service, and IBD surgery within 1 year prior to IH were associated with ≥ 1 OPRx on univariate analysis. On multivariable analysis, UC, ostomy placement during IH, anxiety, and inpatient opioid exposure were independently associated with ≥ 1 OPRx. A majority (> 70%) of both inpatient and outpatient opioid prescriptions were written by surgeons. Patients requiring ≥ 3 OPRx had the highest rates of unplanned IBD surgery (56% p = 0.04), all-cause repeat hospitalization (81%, p = 0.003), and IBD-related repeat hospitalization (77%, p = 0.007) in the year following IH. Conclusions: A multimodal approach to pain management for IBD patients, as well as increased recognition that any patient with a de novo ostomy is at particular risk of opioid use, is needed.