A mechanistic investigation of thrombotic microangiopathy associated with IV abuse of Opana ER

Blood. 2017 Feb 16;129(7):896-905. doi: 10.1182/blood-2016-08-736579. Epub 2016 Nov 18.

Abstract

Since 2012, a number of case reports have described the occurrence of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) following IV abuse of extended-release oxymorphone hydrochloride (Opana ER), an oral opioid for long-term treatment of chronic pain. Here, we present unique clinical features of 3 patients and investigate IV exposure to the tablet's inert ingredients as a possible causal mechanism. Guinea pigs were used as an animal model to understand the hematopathologic and nephrotoxic potential of the inert ingredient mixture (termed here as PEO+) which primarily contains high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide (HMW PEO). Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury were found in a group of 3 patients following recent injection of adulterated extended-release oxymorphone tablets. Varying degrees of cardiac involvement and retinal ischemia occurred, with TMA evident on kidney biopsy. A TMA-like state also developed in guinea pigs IV administered PEO+. Acute tubular and glomerular renal injury was accompanied by nonheme iron deposition and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α upregulation in the renal cortex. Similar outcomes were observed following dosing with HMW PEO alone. IV exposure to the inert ingredients in reformulated extended-release oxymorphone can elicit TMA. Although prescription opioid abuse shows geographic variation, all physicians should be highly inquisitive of IV drug abuse when presented with cases of TMA.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / blood
  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced
  • Acute Kidney Injury / complications
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Humans
  • Kidney / drug effects
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Oxymorphone / administration & dosage
  • Oxymorphone / adverse effects*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / blood
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / chemically induced*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / complications
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / pathology*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Oxymorphone