Open AccessAllegations of Medical Malpractice in Chronic Opioid Analgesic Therapy Possibly Related to Collaborative/Split Treatment and the P‐450 Enzyme System: Forensic Case Report
Author(s) -
Fishbain David A.,
Lewis John E.,
Gao Jinrun
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00928.x
Subject(s) - allegation , malpractice , medicine , plaintiff , chronic pain , medical malpractice , analgesic , forensic science , family medicine , psychiatry , law , political science , veterinary medicine
Summary A medicolegal forensic case report of allegations of medical malpractice during chronic opioid analgesic therapy is presented. Here, issues relating to split treatment and the P450 enzyme system are discussed. Abstract Objectives. The objectives of this forensic medicolegal case report were the following: 1) present details of a patient on chronic opioid analgesic therapy (COAT) where a disastrous outcome resulted in allegations of malpractice; 2) detail the plaintiff's and defendant's medical experts' opinions on this allegation; and 3) discuss issues potentially related to these allegations, i.e., split treatment and the P450 enzyme system. Methods Case Report Results. Medicolegal issues surrounding these malpractice allegations are discussed. Conclusions. Split treatment can increase the difficulties in performing COAT. Clinicians should routinely consider the effects of all utilized drugs on the ability of the P450 enzyme system to metabolize/clear opioids.