Brief Report: Opioid-related disorders increase patient-directed discharge in admissions for hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Opioid use has been linked to increased stroke incidence and severity; however, data on effects during acute stroke hospitalization are limited.

METHODS

We used the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample to evaluate the effects of opioid disorders on patient-directed discharge (PDD) and length of stay (LOS) in 3,101,545 patients.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis, opioid disorders were independently associated with discharge AMA (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.98-2.65) and longer LOS (β: 1.5, SE: 0.138; p < .001).

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid disorders may predispose PDD and prolonged hospital courses in stroke admissions.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Opioid disorders may warrant targeted inpatient management and health system planning in stroke.