M-A | Opioids for breathlessness in heart failure have no significant benefits and increase adverse effects

Summary: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of opioids in treating breathlessness in patients with heart failure and to evaluate their adverse effects. The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included eight studies with 271 patients.

The results showed that opioids did not provide significant benefits in managing breathlessness in advanced HF and significantly increased the risk of adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

The authors suggest that opioids should be considered only as a last resort when other interventions have failed or in emergency situations.

Article: Effect of opioids for breathlessness in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Heart