Roles of Community Pharmacists in Screening and Disseminating of Information about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Risks: Implications for Drug Safety Assessment

Background: The increasing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both on prescription and over the counter raises a major global health concern because of the risks associated with their use if no proper guidance is given by the health care provider. This study assessed the roles of community pharmacists in screening and disseminating information about the risks associated with NSAID use in Zambia. Methodology: This was a national cross-sectional study in which a structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to 245 registered community pharmacists in Zambia. Stata/BE, version 15.1 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) and multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs. Results: 231 of the 245 distributed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 94.3%. All (100%) participating community pharmacists claimed to have practiced dispensing NSAIDs. However, only 26 (11.0%) and 71 (30.8%) regularly screened for risk factor of selective COX-2 NSAIDS (SC2-NSAIDS) and non-selective NSAIDS (NS-NSAIDs) respectively. Information dissemination on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of SC2-NSAIDS was regularly provided by only 22 (9.5%) of pharmacists while that of NS-NSAIDs was regularly provided by 49 (21.2%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, being the owner of a pharmacy (AOR: 5.4, CI: 1.84 - 16.4) was significantly associated with information dissemination about ADRs of NS-NSAIDs while an hour increase in the working hours per day (AOR: 0.9, CI: 0.64 - 0.95) was associated with less likelihood of information dissemination. Conclusion: Pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Zambia did not regularly screen and disseminate information about the risks associated with NSAID use. Therefore, pharmacists should be able to screen and monitor patients at risk and be aware of the majority of risk factors while dispensing NSAIDs to minimize the associated complications.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in postoperative hand fracture management:Do they positively or negatively impact recovery?

This editorial explores the impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)on postoperative recovery in hand fracture patients,amidst shifting pain management strategies away from opioids due to their adverse effects.With hand fractures being significantly common and postoperative pain management crucial for recovery,the potential of NSAIDs offers a non-addictive pain control alternative.However,the controversy over NSAIDs'effects on bone healing—stemming from their Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition and associated risks of fracture non-union or delayed union—necessitates further investigation.Despite a comprehensive literature search,the study finds a lack of specific research on NSAIDs in postoperative hand fracture management,highlighting an urgent need for future studies to balance their benefits against possible risks.

Opinion on double strategy to fight against COVID-19:Vaccination and home treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The goals of global vaccination are to control,eliminate,or eradicate infectious diseases in a sustainable way that strengthens public health systems.Although the use of vaccines is essential for the control of epidemics,the vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)proved to be inadequate to end the pandemic and thus are considered incomplete.These vaccines failed to prevent infection,so their primary purpose has been shifted to prevent severe disease and reduce hospitalizations and deaths.Therefore,we believe that all the strategies available to reduce transmission,hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 will be put in place.It is reported that uncontrolled inflammation and thrombosis are the principal mechanisms for aggravation and death in patients with COVID-19.Unlike corticosteroids that should not be administered at the beginning of the symptoms for their immunosuppressive action,which could worsen the evolution of the disease,the usefulness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the early at-home treatment of the disease is becoming evident.

Efficacy and safety of rabeprazole in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcer in Japan

AIM: To investigate the effi cacy and safety of rabepra-zole under continuous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration for NSAID-induced ulcer in Japan. METHODS: Subjects comprised patients undergoing NSAID treatment in whom upper gastrointestinal en-doscopy revealed an ulcerous lesion (open ulcer) with diameter ≥ 3 mm, who required continuous NSAID treatment. Endoscopies were performed at the start of treatment, during the treatment period, and at the conclusion (or discontinuation) of treatment. Findings were evaluated as size (maximum diameter) and stage based on the Sakita-Miwa classifi cation. An ulcer was regarded as cured when the "white coating" was seen to have disappeared under endoscopy. As criteria for evaluating safety, all medically untoward symptoms and signs (adverse events, laboratory abnormalities, accidental symptoms, etc.) occurring after the start of rabeprazole treatment were handled as adverse events.RESULTS: Endoscopic cure rate in 38 patients in the efficacy analysis (endoscopic evaluation) was 71.1% (27/38). Among those 38 patients, 35 had gastric ulcer with a cure rate of 71.4% (25/35), and 3 had duodenal ulcer with a cure rate of 66.7% (2/3). Three adverse drug reactions were reported from 64 patients in the safety analysis (interstitial pneumonia, low white blood cell count and pruritus); thus, the incidence rate for adverse drug reactions was 4.7% (3/64).CONCLUSION: The treatment efficacy of rabeprazole for NSAID-induced ulcer under continuous NSAID ad-ministration was confi rmed.

Prevention and management of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small intestinal injury

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug （NSAID）-induced small bowel injury is a topic that deserves attention since the advent of capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy. NSAID enteropathy is common and is mostly asymptomatic. However, massive bleeding, stricture, or perforation may occur. The pathogenesis of small intestine injury by NSAIDs is complex and different from that of the upper gastrointestinal tract. No drug has yet been developed that can completely prevent or treat NSAID enteropathy. Therefore, a long-term randomized study in chronic NSAID users is needed.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prophylactic role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM: To critically appraise the published randomized, controlled trials on the prophylactic effectiveness of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), in reducing the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis. METHODS: A systematic literature search(MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception of the databases until May 2015) was conducted to identify randomized, clinical trials investigating the role of NSAIDs in reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Random effects model of the meta-analysis was carried out, and results were presented as odds ratios(OR) with corresponding 95%CI.RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials on 3378 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. There were 1718 patients in the NSAIDs group and 1660 patients in non-NSAIDs group undergoing ERCP. The use of NSAIDs(through rectal route or intramuscular route) was associated with the reduced risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis [OR, 0.52(0.38-0.72), P = 0.0001]. The use of pre-procedure NSAIDs was effective in reducing approximately 48% incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, number needed to treat were 16 with absolute risk reduction of 0.05. But the risk of post-ERCP pancreattis was reduced by 55% if NSAIDs were administered after procedure. Similarly, diclofenac was more effective(55%) prophylactic agent compared to indomethacin(41%).CONCLUSION: NSAIDs seem to have clinically proven advantage of reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on intestinal permeability and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) is widespread worldwide thanks to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. However, even more attention is placed upon the recurrence of digestive system complications in the course of their use. Recent data suggests that the complications of the lower gastro-intestinal tract may be as frequent and severe as those of the upper tract. NSAIDs enteropathy is due to enterohepatic recycling of the drugs resulting in a prolonged and repeated exposure of the intestinal mucosa to the compound and its metabolites. Thus leading to so-called topical effects, which, in turn, lead to an impairment of the intestinal barrier. This process determines bacterial translocation and toxic substances of intestinal origin in the portal circulation, leading to an endotoxaemia. This condition could determine a liver inflammatory response and might promote the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, mostly in patients with risk factors such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and a high fat diet, which may induce a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis. This alteration of gut microbiota may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its related disorders in two ways: firstly causing a malfunction of the tight junctions that play a critical role in the increase of intestinal permeability, and then secondly leading to the development of insulin resistance, body weight gain, lipogenesis, fibrogenesis and hepatic oxidative stress.

Lansoprazole prevents experimental gastric injury induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs through a reduction of mucosal oxidative damage

AIM:This study investigated the mechanisms of protection afforded by the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole against gastric injury induced by different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally treated with indomethacin (100 μmol/kg), diclofenac (60 μmol/kg), piroxicam (150 μmol/kg) or ketoprofen (150 μmol/kg). Thirty minutes before NSAIDs, animals were orally treated with lansoprazole 18 or 90 umol/kg. Four hours after the end of treatments, the following parameters were assessed: gastric mucosal PGE2, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) or non-proteic sulfhydryl compounds (GSH) levels; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of mucosal COX-2 mRNA; gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated animals; in vitro effects of lansoprazole (1-300 μmol/L) on the oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) induced by copper sulphate. RESULTS: All NSAIDs elicited mucosal necrotic lesions which were associated with neutrophil infiltration and reduction of PGE2 levels. Increments of MPO and MDA contents, as well as a decrease in GSH levels were detected in the gastric mucosa of indomethacin- or piroxicam-treated animals. Indomethacin enhanced mucosal cyclooxygenase-2 expression, while not affecting cyclooxygenase-1. At the oral dose of 18 μmol/kg lansoprazole partly counteracted diclofenac-induced mucosal damage, whereas at 90 μmol/kg it markedly prevented injuries evoked by all test NSAIDs. Lansoprazole at 90 μmol/kg reversed also the effects of NSAIDs on MPO, MDA and GSH mucosal contents, without interfering with the decrease in PGE2 levels or indomethacin-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression. However, both lansoprazole doses markedly inhibited acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. Lansoprazole concentration-dependently reduced the oxidation of LDLs in vitro. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that, besides the inhibition of acid secretion, lansoprazole protection against NSAID-induced gastric damage depends on a reduction in mucosal oxidative injury, which is also responsible for an increment of sulfhydryl radical bioavailability. It is also suggested that lansoprazole does not influence the down-regulation of gastric prostaglandin production associated with NSAID treatment.

Capsule endoscopy in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-enteropathy and miscellaneous,rare intestinal diseases

Despite significant advances over the last decade, mucosal lesions of the small bowel are poorly detected by imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI-enteroclysis and contrast-enhanced abdominal ultrasound. Capsule endoscopy (CE) has dramatically changed the diagnostic approach to intestinal diseases. Moreover, the use of CE can be extended to include other conditions. However, it is diffi cult to assess the positive influence of CE on patient outcomes in conditions involving a small number of patients, or in critically ill and diff icult to examine patients. CE has the advantage of diagnosing intestinal lesions and of directing the use of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in order to obtain biopsy specimens. Moreover, CE allows repeated assessment in chronic conditions, especially to detect relapse of an infectious disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:What is the actual risk of liver damage?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute a family of drugs, which taken as a group, represents one of the most frequently prescribed around the world. Thus, not surprisingly NSAIDs, along with antiinfectious agents, list on the top for causes of DrugInduced Liver Injury (DILI). The incidence of liver disease induced by NSAIDs reported in clinical studies is fairly uniform ranging from 0.29/100 000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-051] to 9/100 000 (95% CI: 6-15). However, compared with these results, a higher risk of liver-related hospitalizations was reported (3-23 per 100 000 patients). NSAIDs exhibit a broad spectrum of liver damage ranging from asymptomatic, transient, hyper-transaminasemia to fulminant hepatic failure. However, under-reporting of asymptomatic, mild cases, as well as of those with transient liver-tests alteration, in conjunction with reports non-compliant with pharmacovigilance criteria to ascertain DILI and flawed epidemiological studies, jeopardize the chance to ascertain the actual risk of NSAIDs hepatotoxicity. Several NSAIDs, namely bromfenac, ibufenac and benoxaprofen, have been withdrawn from the market due to hepatotoxicity; others like nimesulide were never marketed in some countries and withdrawn in others. Indeed, the contro-versy concerning the actual risk of severe liver disease persists within NSAIDs research. The present work intends (1) to provide a critical analysis of the dissimilar results currently available in the literature concerning the epidemiology of NSAIDS hepatotoxicity; and (2) to review the risk of hepatotoxicity for each one of the most commonly employed compounds of the NSAIDs family, based on past and recently published data.

Italian survey on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugsand gastrointestinal bleeding in children

AIM: To investigate gastrointestinal complications associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs) use in children.METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2005 and January 2013, with the participation of 8 Italian pediatric gastroenterology centers. We collected all the cases of patients who refer to emergency room for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding following NSAIDs consumption, and underwent endoscopic evaluation. Previous medical history, associated risk factors, symptoms and signs at presentation, diagnostic procedures, severity of bleeding and management of gastrointestinal bleeding were collected. In addition, data regarding type of drug used, indication, dose, duration of treatment and prescriber(physician or selfmedication) were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, including 34 males, were enrolled(median age: 7.8 years). Ibuprofen was the most used NSAID [35/51 patients(68.6%)]. Pain was the most frequent indication for NSAIDs use [29/51 patients(56.9%)]. Seven patients had positive family history of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection or peptic ulcer, and 12 had associated comorbidities. Twenty-four(47%) out of 51 patients used medication inappropriately. Hematemesis was the most frequent symptom(33.3%). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastric lesions in 32/51(62%) patients, duodenal lesions in 17(33%) and esophageal lesions in 8(15%). In 10/51(19.6%) patients, a diagnosis of H. pylori gastritis was made. Forty-eight(94%) patients underwent medical therapy, with spontaneous bleeding resolution, while in 3/51(6%) patients, an endoscopic hemostasis was needed.CONCLUSION: The data collected in this study confirms that adverse events with the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract secondary to NSAID use are also common in

Does aspirin or non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use prevent colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease?

AIM: To determine whether aspirin or non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NA-NSAIDs) prevent colorectal cancer(CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched for articles reporting the risk of CRC in patients with IBD related to aspirin or NANSAID use. Pooled odds ratios(OR) and 95%CIs were determined using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and the I2 statistic.RESULTS: Eight studies involving 14917 patients and 3 studies involving 1282 patients provided data on the risk of CRC in patients with IBD taking NA-NSAIDs and aspirin respectively. The pooled OR of developing CRC after exposure to NA-NSAIDs in patients with IBD was 0.80(95%CI: 0.39-1.21) and after exposure to aspirin it was 0.66(95%CI: 0.06-1.39). There was significant heterogeneity(I2 > 50%) between the studies. There was no change in the effect estimates on subgroup a na ly s e s o f t he po pulat io n s t udie d o r w he t he r adjustment or matching was performed.CONCLUSION: There is a lack of high quality evidence on this important clinical topic. From the available evidence NA-NSAID or aspirin use does not appear to be chemopreventative for CRC in patients with IBD.

Helicobacter pylori-negative,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug:Negative idiopathic ulcers in Asia

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection in the stomach,the bacteria infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)use had been considered to be the 2 main causes of peptic ulcers.However,there have been recent reports of an increase in the proportion of peptic ulcers without these known risk factors;these are termed idiopathic peptic ulcers.Such trend was firstly indicated in 1990s from some reports in North America.In Asia,numerous studies reported that idiopathic ulcers accounted for a small percentage of all ulcers in the 1990s,but in the2000s,multiple studies reported that the proportion of idiopathic ulcers had reached 10%-30%,indicating that the incidence of idiopathic ulcers in Asia has also been rising in recent years.While a decline in H.pylori infection rates of general population in Asia is seen as the main reason for the increased incidence of idiopathic ulcers,it is also possible that the absolute number of idiopathic ulcer cases has increased.Advanced age,serious systemic complication,and psychological stress are considered to be the potential risk factors for idiopathic ulcers.Management of idiopathic ulcers is challenging,at present,because there is no effective preventative measure against recurrence in contrast with cases of H.pylori-positive ulcers and NSAIDs-induced ulcers.As it is expected that H.pylori infection rates in Asia will decline further in the future,measures to treat idiopathic ulcers will also likely become more important.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and statins in relation to colorectal cancer risk

AIM： To investigate the association between individual or combined use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） or statins and colorectal cancer risk.METHODS： In a population-based case-control study in women, we examined the association between NSAIDs and statin use and the risk of colorectal cancers. We further investigated whether the use of statins modifies the protective effect of NSAIDs. Female cases （n = 669）of colorectal cancer aged 50-74 years were identified from a storewide registry in Wisconsin during 1999-2001. Community control women （n = 1375） were randomly selected from lists of licensed drivers and Medicare beneficiaries. Medication use and risk factor information were gathered during a structured telephone interview. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratio （OR） and 95% confidence interval （CI）.RESULTS： Overall, NSAIDs users had a 30% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer （95% CI： 0.56-0.88）. Statin use was not associated with colorectal cancer risk （OR = 1.17, 95% CI： 0.74-1.85）, regardless of structural type （lipophilic or hydrophilic）, duration of use, or recency. There was no evidence of an interaction between NSAIDs and statins and colorectal cancer risk （P-interaction = 0.28）.CONCLUSION： Although our results confirm the inverse association between NSAIDs use and colorectal cancer risk, they do not support a risk reduction in statin users, or an interaction effect of combined NSAIDs and statin use.

Impact of discontinuing non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs on long-term recurrence in colonic diverticular bleeding

AIM: To determine the effect of discontinuing nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) on recurrence in long-term follow-up patients with colonic diverticular bleeding(CDB).METHODS: A cohort of 132 patients hospitalized for CDB examined by colonoscopy was prospectively enrolled. Comorbidities, lifestyle, and medications(NSAIDs, low-dose aspirin, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, acetaminophen, and corticosteroids) were assessed. After discharge, patients were requested to visit the hospital on scheduled days during the followup period. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate recurrence.RESULTS: Median follow-up was 15 mo. The probability of recurrence at 1, 6, 12, and 24 mo was 3.1%, 19%, 27%, and 38%, respectively. Of the 41 NSAID users on admission, 26(63%) discontinued NSAID use at discharge. Many of the patients who could discontinue NSAIDs were intermittent users, and could be switched to alternative therapies, such as acetaminophen or an antiinflammatory analgesic plaster. The probability of recurrence at 12 mo was 9.4% in discontinuing NSAID users compared with 77% in continuing users(P < 0.01, log-rank test). The hazard ratio for recurrence in the discontinuing NSAIDs users was 0.06 after adjusting for age > 70 years, right-sided diverticula, history of hypertension, and hemodialysis. No patients developed cerebrocardiovascular events during follow-up.CONCLUSION: There is a substantial recurrence rate after discharge among patients hospitalized for diverticular bleeding. Discontinuation of NSAIDs is an effective preventive measure against recurrence. This study provides new information on risk reduction strategies for diverticular bleeding.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced small intestinal injury and probiotic agents

Intestinal bacteria play a role in the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAID）-induced small intestinal injury. Agents such as probiotics, able to modi~ the gut ecology, might theoretically be useful in preventing small intestinal damage induced by NSAIDs. The clinical studies available so far do suggest that some probiotic agents can be effective in this respect.

Helicobacter pylori infection in bleeding peptic ulcer patients after non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug consumption

AIM： TO establish the prevalence of He/icobacterpy/on （H. pylori） infection in patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer after consumption of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs （NSAIDs）.METHODS： A very early upper endoscopy was performed to find the source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and to take biopsy specimens for analysis of H. pylori infection by the rapid urease （CLO） test, his- tological examination, and bacterial culture. TgG anti- CagA were also sought. The gold standard for identifying H. pylori infection was positive culture of biopsy specimens or contemporary positivity of the CLO test and the presence of H. pylori on tissue sections.RESULTS： Eighty patients, 61 males （76.3%）, mean age 61.2 ~ 15.9 years, were consecutively enrolled. Forty-seven （58.8%） patients occasionally consumed NSAIDs, while 33 （41.3%） were on chronic treatment with low-dose aspirin （LD ASA）. Forty-four （55.0%） patients were considered infected by H. pylori. The infection rate was not different between patients who occasionally or chronically consumed NSAIDs. The culture of biopsy specimens had a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 100%; corresponding figures for histological analysis were 65.9% and 77.8%, for the CLO test were 68.2% and 75%, for the combined use of histology and the CLO test were 56.8% and 100%, and for IgG anti-CagA were 90% and 98%. The high- est accuracy （92.5%） was obtained with the culture of biopsy specimens.CONCLUSION： Patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer after NSAID/LD ASA consumption frequently have H. pylori infection. Biopsy specimen culture after an early upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy seems the most efficient test to detect this infection.

Maligned non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:Misunderstanding of their safety profile in patients with renal insufficiency

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a fundamental and pivotal position in management of many of the disorders managed by rheumatologists.Promulgation of a false perspective of their toxicity has compromised our ability to advise our patients and participate in the management of their disorders. The literature sources, from which the false perspective derives, do not accurately reflect safety and fail to address the value of appropriate drug use monitoring.We, as rheumatologists, must stand up and proactively address engrained misconceptions-if we are to be able to continue to provide safe, effective care for our patients.

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on fracture healing in children:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.Although they are safe and effective means of analgesia for children with broken bones,there is considerable variation in their clinical use due to persistent concerns about their potentially adverse effect on fracture healing.AIM To assess whether NSAID exposure is a risk factor for fracture nonunion in children.METHODS We systematically reviewed the literature reporting the effect of NSAIDs on bone healing.We included all clinical studies that reported on adverse bone healing complications in children with respect to NSAID exposure.The outcomes of interest were delayed union or nonunion.Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for non-randomized studies.A final table was constructed summarizing the available evidence.RESULTS A total of 120 articles were identified and screened,of which 6 articles were included for final review.Nonunion in children is extremely rare;among the studies included,there were 2011 nonunions among 238822 fractures(0.84%).None of the included studies documented an increased risk of nonunion or delayed bone healing in those children who are treated with NSAIDs in the immediate post-injury or peri-operative time period.Additionally,children are likely to take these medications for only a few days after injury or surgery,further decreasing their risk of adverse side-effects.CONCLUSION This systematic review suggests that NSAIDS can be safely prescribed to pediatric orthopaedic patients absent other contraindications without concern for increased risk of fracture non-union or delayed bone healing.Additional prospective studies are needed focusing on higher risk fractures and elective orthopaedic procedures such as osteotomies and spinal fusion.

The Pattern of Eosinophil Count among Nigerians with Frequent Use of the Commonly Available Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use is very common. NSAIDs use could be associated with elevated eosinophil count which could be a class effect or patient-related. Inflammation could be the link between NSAIDs use and eosinophilia. Aims: To compare the pattern of eosinophil count in the peripheral blood of frequent users of NSAIDs and healthy controls. Methodology: Two hundred (one hundred frequent users of NSAIDs and 100 healthy controls) participants who had no known risk factor for kidney disease and had given informed consent were recruited. Blood was taken to determine the white cell count and differentials, serum electrolyte and creatinine, and random blood sugar. Results: The mean age of NSAIDs users was not significantly different from controls, P = 0.3. The mean eosinophil count was higher in males than females. The incidence of eosinophilia in NSAIDs users was 4%. The mean Eosinophil count of NSAIDs users was insignificantly higher than controls, 164.3 ± 51 6 vs 135. 6 ± 53.4, P = 0.4. The mean platelet count of NSAIDs users was significantly higher compared to controls, P = 0.04. The mean hematocrit of NSAIDs users was significantly lower than the controls, P = 0.02. Propionic acid derivatives were associated with the highest eosinophil count. Eosinophil count was positively related to age and serum creatinine and inversely related to blood glucose, hematocrit and glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: The incidence of eosinophilia was 4%. The eosinophil count was higher in frequent NSAIDs users than occasional and non-users, in males than females and with use propionic acid derivatives compared to other NSAIDs. The Eosinophil count was positively related to age and platelet count. Being commoner in inflammatory states, the tissue destruction associated with elevated EC can be avoided by the prevention and prompt treatment of inflammatory conditions.