Impact of hospital‐administered extended‐release naltrexone on readmission rates for patients with alcohol use disorder

Abstract

AbstractBackground and AimsAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a persistent public health concern, contributing significantly to mortality and morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of in‐hospital extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) administration on alcohol‐related outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study, conducted at an academic medical centre, included 141 adult patients with AUD who received XR‐NTX between December 2020 and June 2021. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed 90 days before and after XR‐NTX administration to identify number of alcohol‐related hospitalisations, emergency department (ED) visits and average length of hospital stay. Subgroup analyses assessed outcomes in high hospital utilisers and marginally housed or unhoused populations.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in ED visits and length of hospital stay post XR‐NTX and no significant difference in the number of rehospitalisations. Subgroup analysis showed significant reduction in hospital readmissions and ED visits among high hospital utilisers. Our sample was a predominantly middle‐aged, male and white patient population.ConclusionsIn‐hospital initiation of XR‐NTX for AUD was associated with a significant decrease in ED visits and length of hospital stay. While no significant impact on the number of hospitalisations was observed overall, there was a substantial reduction in hospital readmissions and ED visits among high utilisers. Our findings suggest the potential benefits of in‐hospital XR‐NTX, emphasising the need for further research to establish causal relationships, assess cost‐effectiveness and explore effectiveness across diverse patient populations. Effective in‐hospital interventions, such as XR‐NTX, hold promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing the healthcare burden associated with AUD.