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The Article in Brief
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use Among Persons With Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States
Laura Plantinga , and colleagues
Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with kidney injury and progression of kidney disease. As a result, it is recommend that most patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) avoid NSAIDs. Little is known, however, about patterns of NSAID use among those with CKD in community settings. This study describes the prevalence and patterns of self-reported NSAID use among adults with CKD.
What This Study Found Large numbers of people with CKD, many of whom are unaware of their condition, are using NSAIDs and may be at risk for further kidney injury. Among 12,065 adults, current use of any NSAID is reported by 2.5 percent, 2.5 percent and 5 percent of patients with no, mild, and moderate to severe CKD, respectively. Nearly all NSAIDs used are over-the-counter. Among those with moderate to severe CKD who currently use NSAIDs, 10 percent have a current NSAID prescription, and 66 percent have used NSAIDs for more than 1 year.
Implications
- The authors recommend that primary care physicians, who are likely to manage both early-stage CKD and indications for NSAID use, be aware of rates of NSAID use (both prescribed and over-the-counter), assess the risk of such use, and engage patients in informed decision making about the risks and benefits of using NSAIDs.