Systematic review and network meta-analysis of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)have been used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA).However,the optimal method for JIA has not yet been developed.AIM To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)from PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,CNKI,and Wanfang without restriction for publication date or language at August,2023.Any RCTs that comparing the effectiveness of NSAIDs with each other or placebo for JIA were included in this network meta-analysis.The surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)analysis was used to rank the treatments.P value less than 0.05 was identified as statistically significant.RESULTS We included 8 RCTs(1127 patients)comparing 8 different instructions including meloxicam(0.125 qd and 0.250 qd),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid),piroxicam,Naproxen(5.0 mg/kg/d,7.5 mg/kg/d and 12.5 mg/kg/d),inuprofen(30-40 mg/kg/d),Aspirin(60-80 mg/kg/d,75 mg/kg/d,and 55 mg/kg/d),Tolmetin(15 mg/kg/d),Rofecoxib,and placebo.There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding ACR Pedi 30 response.The SUCRA shows that celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)ranked first(SUCRA,88.9%),rofecoxib ranked second(SUCRA,68.1%),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid)ranked third(SUCRA,51.0%).There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding adverse events.The SUCRA shows that placebo ranked first(SUCRA,88.2%),piroxicam ranked second(SUCRA,60.5%),rofecoxib(0.6 mg/kg qd)ranked third(SUCRA,56.1%),meloxicam(0.125 mg/kg qd)ranked fourth(SUCRA,56.1%),and rofecoxib(0.3 mg/kg qd)ranked fifth(SUCRA,56.1%).CONCLUSION In summary,celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)was found to be the most effective NSAID for treating JIA.Rofecoxib,piroxicam,and meloxicam may be safer options,but further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger trials with higher quality studies.

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.

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.

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.

Role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis:a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The role of prophylactic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reduction of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is debated. We performed a meta-analysis of all published randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Six randomized clinical trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and addressed the clinical questions of this analysis were further assessed. Data were extracted by two independent observers according to predetermined criteria. RESULTS: The risk of pancreatitis was lower in the NSAID group than in the placebo, group (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.65, P < 0.0001). Two hours after ERCP, prophylactic administration of NSAIDs was associated with a lower serum amylase level (WMD: -91.09,95% CI: -149.78 to -32.40, P=0.002), but there was no difference in mean 24-hour serum amylase values (WMD: -379.00, 95% CI: -805.75 to 47.76, P=0.08). No deaths or NSAID-related complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic administration of NSAIDs can reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis; this administration in patients undergoing ERCP is recommended. Further randomized controlled trials are required before its introduction into routine care.

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.

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.

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.

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

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of gastric cancer

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） including cydooxygenase 2 （COX-2） selective inhibitors, are potential agents for the chemoprevention of gastric cancer. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that NSAID use is associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer although many questions remain unanswered such as the optimal dose and duration of treatment. The possible mechanisms for the suppressor effect of NSAIDs on carcinogenesis are the ability to induce apoptosis in epithelial cells and regulation of angiogenesis. Both COX-dependent and COX- independent pathways have a role in the biological activity of NSAIDs. Knowledge of how NSAIDs prevent neoplastic growth will greatly aid the design of better chemopreventive drugs and novel treatments for gastric cancer.

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.

Effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis:A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched Pub Med (1966 to October 2013), Embase (1984 to October 2013) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 4, 2013) for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the effectiveness of prophylactic NSAID administration in the prevention of PEP. Using the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook, meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the overall effect of NSAIDs in preventing the incidences of PEP and moderate to severe pancreatitis. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were identified from the literature search and included 1883 patients that underwent ERCP, with 971 patients in the NSAID group and 912 patients in the placebo group. Sixty-nine out of 971 (7.11%) patients developed PEP in the NSAID group in comparison to 143 out of 912 (15.68%) patients in the placebo group. The pooled RR of PEP incidence with prophylactic NSAID administration was 0.43 (95%CI: 0.33-0.56), which demonstrates that NSAID administration after ERCP significantly reduced the incidence of PEP when compared to the placebo group (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis was performed and revealed that the presence (NSAID group) or absence (placebo group) of NSAIDs had no significant effect on the development of moderate to severe pancreatitis (RR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.52-1.18). Moreover, the administration of NSAIDs as a rectal suppository (RR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.26-0.48; P < 0.0001) was more effective than oral administration (RR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.53-1.80) or through infusion (RR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.12-1.54). CONCLUSION: NSAIDs effectively reduce the incidence of PEP but not of moderate to severe pancreatitis. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

A drug-loaded flexible substrate improves the performance of conformal cortical electrodes

Cortical electrodes are a powerful tool for the stimulation and/or recording of electrical activity in the nervous system.However,the inevitable wound caused by surgical implantation of electrodes presents bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction risks associated with foreign body exposure.Moreover,inflammation of the wound area can dramatically worsen in response to bacterial infection.These consequences can not only lead to the failure of cortical electrode implantation but also threaten the lives of patients.Herein,we prepared a hydrogel made of bacterial cellulose(BC),a flexible substrate for cortical electrodes,and further loaded antibiotic tetracycline(TC)and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone(DEX)onto it.The encapsulated drugs can be released from the BC hydrogel and effectively inhibit the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.Next,therapeutic cortical electrodes were developed by integrating the drug-loaded BC hydrogel and nine-channel serpentine arrays;these were used to record electrocorticography(ECoG)signals in a rat model.Due to the controlled release of TC and DEX from the BC hydrogel substrate,therapeutic cortical electrodes can alleviate or prevent symptoms associated with the bacterial infection and inflammation of brain tissue.This approach facilitates the development of drug delivery electrodes for resolving complications caused by implantable electrodes.

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.

Interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or low-dose aspirin use: Old question new insights

Previous reports clearly demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAID)or low dose aspirin(ASA)use significantly and independently increased the risk for the development of peptic ulcer disease.Today,the presence of H.pylori infection associated with low dose ASA and/or NSAID use in the same patient is becoming more frequent and therefore the potential interaction between these factors and the consequences of it has important implications.Whether NSAID intake in the presence of H.pylori infection may further increase the risk of peptic ulcer carried by the presence of only one risk factor is still a matter of debate.Studies on the interaction between the two risk factors yielded conflicting data and no consensus has been reached in the last years.In addition,the interaction between H.pylori infection and low-dose ASA remains even more controversial.In real clinical practice,we can find different clinical scenarios involving these three factors associated with the presence of different gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk factors.These huge variety of possible combinations greatly hinder the decision making process of physicians.

Mass spectrometry detection of basic drugs in fast chiral analyses with vancomycin stationary phases

Current trends in chiral analysis of pharmaceutical drugs are focused on faster separations and higher separation efficiencies, Core-shell or superficially porous particles （SPP） based chiral stationary phases （CSPs） provide reduced analysis times while maintaining high column efficiencies and sensitivity. In this study, mobile phase conditions suitable for chiral analyses with electrospray ionization LC-MS were systematically investigated using vancomycin as a representative CSP. The performance of a 2.7 μm SPP based vancomycin CSP （SPP-V） 10 cm ×0.21 cm column was compared to that of a corresponding 5 μm fully porous particles based analogue column. The results demonstrated that the SPP-V column provides higher efficiencies, 2-5 time greater sensitivity and shorter analysis time for a set of 22 basic pharma- ceutical drugs. The SPP-V was successfully applied for the analysis of the degradation products of racemic citalopram whose enantiomers could be selectively identified by MS.

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.

Impact of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in prevention of macular edema following cataract surgery in diabetic patients

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic administration of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs（NSAIDs） on macular edema following cataract surgery in diabetic patients, and to compare between types of NSAIDs（ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% and nepafenac 0.1%）. METHODS： Group 1（control） received artificial tears substitute as a placebo group, group 2（nepafenac） received topical nepafenac 0.1%, and group 3（ketorolac） received topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.4%. Patients were examined postoperatively after completing one week, one month, two months and three months＇ intervals for evaluating cystoid macular edema（CME） development. The main study outcomes were achieving the best corrected visual acuity（BCVA） and change in the central macular thickness（CMT） measured with optical coherence topography（OCT）.RESULTS： Eighty eyes of 76 patients were included in this study. BCVA showed a statistically significant difference at the third month postoperative follow up between the control group and the NSAIDs groups（P=0.04）. There was an increase in the CMT in all cases starting from postoperative first week until third month. CMT showed a statistically significant difference between control group and NSAIDs groups from postoperative first month until third month（P=0.008, 0.027, 0.004）. There was no statistically significant difference between nepafenac and ketorolac groups in BCVA and OCT CMT. CONCLUSION： Prophylactic preoperative and postoperative NSAIDs may have a role in reducing the frequency and severity of CME in diabetic eyes following cataract surgery.

Exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors:Fact or fiction?

The existence of a possible link between inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） has been repeatedly suggested. Recently, a few studies have addressed the issue of a possible, similar effect by selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors （COXIBs）. The present article reviews the available scientific evidence for this controversial subject.

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.