Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain Management in Sickle Cell Disease: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2026 Jun 16;28(3):25r04126. doi: 10.4088/PCC.25r04126.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To summarize current evidence on the use of buprenorphine for chronic pain management in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and identify gaps for future research.

Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were systematically searched from database inception through August 2025 using keywords related to buprenorphine, SCD, chronic pain, and analgesia. Searches were limited to human studies published in English.

Study Selection: Seven studies were included involving pediatric or adult patients with SCD treated with buprenorphine for chronic pain. Eligible studies reported at least 1 patient-centered outcome, including pain severity, opioid utilization, health care use, or quality of life. Included study designs were case reports, case series, observational studies, and qualitative studies. Abstract-only publications and studies not specific to SCD were excluded.

Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted data using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

Data Synthesis: A descriptive synthesis was performed. Most studies evaluated buprenorphine initiation using microinduction strategies. Buprenorphine was generally well tolerated and associated with reduced full opioid agonist use, fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and improvements in functional outcomes and patient-reported autonomy. Study heterogeneity and small sample sizes limited comparative analysis.

Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that buprenorphine may be a safe and effective option for chronic pain management in SCD. Larger prospective studies with standardized induction protocols and validated outcome measures are needed to guide clinical practice.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2026;28(3):25r04126.

Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.

PMID:42314758 | DOI:10.4088/PCC.25r04126