Premium
American Journal of Transplantation: Volume 19, Number 12, December 2019
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/ajt.15692
Subject(s) - medicine , opioid , intensive care medicine , transplantation , medical prescription , organ transplantation , addiction , opioid epidemic , psychiatry , pharmacology , receptor
On the Cover: Patients in need of organ transplantation often have prior exposure to prescription opioids—the understandable consequence of end‐stage organ failure. However, concern has grown nationally about the addictive potential of even appropriately prescribed opioids and their long‐term consequences. This month, Lentine et al (page 3405) analyze the relationship between pre‐ and posttransplant opioid use and heart transplant outcome, and demonstrate a striking association between opioid use and patient death. These data raise significant concern regarding the use of opioids in the transplant setting and highlight the need for substantially closer monitoring of individuals who, for whatever reason, require opioids prior to or after a transplant. Cover design by Megan Llewellyn, Duke University Department of Surgery .