Opioids, respiratory depression, and sleep-disordered breathing

Abstract

The increasing use of opioids in the perioperative period has increased opioid-associated morbidity and mortality. There is a well-established connection between opioids, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and respiratory depression. The treatment of postoperative pain with opioids in patients with SDB may result in respiratory depression. In an unmonitored setting, it may lead to life-threatening respiratory events. More studies are required to evaluate the effective management and prevention of respiratory depression in patients with SDB. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge relating to the pathophysiology of respiratory depression by opioids and opioid-related respiratory depression and appraises the association between opioids and SDB.

Keywords: opioids; postoperative pain; respiratory depression; sleep-disordered breathing.