NSAID Use Gout Flares Cardiovascular Risk
- This article reports on a study comparing the cardiovascular risks associated with using NSAIDs versus colchicine for preventing gout flares when starting allopurinol (a uric acid-lowering drug).
- * Higher Cardiovascular Risk with NSAIDs: The study found a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) - including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death...
- The researchers suggest that colchicine may be a safer option than NSAIDs for preventing gout flares when starting allopurinol, due to the lower cardiovascular risk.
Summary of the Article: NSAIDs vs. Colchicine for Gout Flare Prophylaxis & Cardiovascular Risk
This article reports on a study comparing the cardiovascular risks associated with using NSAIDs versus colchicine for preventing gout flares when starting allopurinol (a uric acid-lowering drug).
Key Findings:
* Higher Cardiovascular Risk with NSAIDs: The study found a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) – including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death – in patients taking NSAIDs compared to those taking colchicine for gout flare prophylaxis.
* Increased Risk Compared to No Prophylaxis: NSAIDs also showed a higher risk of MACE and heart attack compared to patients who didn’t use any prophylactic medication.
* Hazard Ratios: The risk of MACE was 56% higher (HR = 1.56) and the risk of cardiovascular death was 100% higher (HR = 2.0) with NSAIDs compared to colchicine.
* Study Design: Researchers conducted a comparative effectiveness study using data from over 18,000 gout patients initiating allopurinol.
conclusion:
The researchers suggest that colchicine may be a safer option than NSAIDs for preventing gout flares when starting allopurinol, due to the lower cardiovascular risk.
Contact information:
Chius Yokose, MD, MSc can be reached at rheumatology@healio.com.
Source: Healio Rheumatology.