Buprenorphine Initiation Regimen for Pain in Two Pregnant Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.
Sharon Jia, Sarah Minor, Jennifer Hardcopf Stagg
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
Two pregnant patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experiencing chronic pain were transitioned to buprenorphine for pain management. The inpatient palliative care team initiated the regimen, which was later managed by outpatient providers. However, both patients faced challenges that prevented them from remaining on buprenorphine throughout their pregnancies, highlighting the complexities of opioid management in this population.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware of the potential challenges in managing pain with buprenorphine in pregnant patients with sickle cell disease, as continuity of treatment may be difficult.
Why it matters
This case underscores the need for further research on opioid management strategies in pregnant patients with sickle cell disease to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.