Tramadol addiction can be a killer for Covid-19 patients

Elhaitham  Taha; Abubaker  M. Hamad; Osama  Salah Eldin Soliman

Authors

Elhaitham Taha Department of Anesthesiology, Al Rayan National College of Health Sciences and Nursing
Abubaker M. Hamad Department of Nursing, Al Rayan National College of Health Sciences and Nursing
Osama Salah Eldin Soliman Department of Anesthesiology, Al Rayan National College of Health Sciences and Nursing

Abstract

Background: Tramadol abuse has emerged as a significant public health concern, with potential exacerbation during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased stress, self-medication, and reduced healthcare access.

Objectives: This study examines the association between tramadol addiction, comorbidities, and COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 60 participants aged 40–70 years, predominantly male (81.7%). Data on demographics, medical history (hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, COPD, smoking), COVID-19 diagnosis, tramadol abuse, and mortality were collected. Statistical correlations were assessed using chi-square and logistic regression.

Results: Most participants had hypertension (86.7%), diabetes (58.3%), and a COVID-19 diagnosis (90%). Tramadol addiction was present in 25% of cases and showed a highly significant association with mortality (P = 0.000), with 86% of addicted patients dying. No significant correlations were found between tramadol abuse and other variables, except for COVID-19, which demonstrated a strong interaction with tramadol-related deaths.

Conclusion: Tramadol addiction is strongly associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 patients, likely due to compounded respiratory risks. These findings highlight the need for increased public awareness about addiction, and further research to achieve patient tailored sedation doses.