High prevalence of NSAID prescription in those at risk of heart attack/death in primary care

New study data presented today at EULAR 2013, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism, demonstrate a high prevalence of NSAID prescriptions in patients at risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Published evidence suggest significant cardiovascular implications of NSAIDs for patients, with an immediate mortality risk demonstrated in patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction (MI, heart attack) even when prescribed treatment duration was less than one week.2

NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and signs of inflammation, such as fever, swelling and redness. Although they can be taken temporarily to provide short-term relief, they are commonly prescribed for the chronic treatment of rheumatic patients in primary care.

Dr Carl Orr, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland commented, “The side effect profile and safety of NSAIDs has been commonly reported, but little is known about treatment duration and its implications for cardiovascular risk. These data demonstrate an immediate increase in the risk of death and MI, challenging the safety of even short term use. The introduction of physician guidelines to assist safe prescribing of this class of drug is vital, and the only way to keep patient safety at the forefront of disease management.”

Software was used to analyse 10,000 patients registered with a large primary care facility; patients over 50 years, who had been prescribed NSAIDs for any duration, and had documented IHD, diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension were identified. Over a two month period in late 2012, 108 patients were prescribed NSAIDs; 36% had established ischaemic heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Mean duration of treatment was 265 days, 56% were prescribed NSAIDs for longer than one month, and 15% for a year or longer. In 56% of cases diclofenac was the NSAID prescribed.

“We find it disconcerting that diclofenac was prescribed in 56% of cases and suggest that recommendations to switch to safer alternatives are a critical component of any physician guidelines,” concluded Dr Orr.

1.Orr C et al., New data, new problem; assessing the prevalence of NSAID prescribing in primary care in those with a background of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or risk factors for IHD [abstract]. EULAR Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; 12-15 June 2013; Madrid, Spain. Abstract nr. OP0203-PC

2.Olsen AMS et al., Duration of treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and impact on risk of death and recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with prior myocardial infarction clinical perspective. Circulation. 2011;123(20):2226-35.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in room A10:14 of the Congress Centre during EULAR 2013 or on:

Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com
EULAR Press Office
Onsite tel: +44 (0) 20 7331 5364 / 5380 / 5318 / 2305
About EULAR
The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations of people with rheumatic diseases throughout Europe
In line with the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), EULAR defines rheumatology as including rheumatic diseases of the connective tissue, locomotor and musculoskeletal systems.
EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases
With 45 scientific member societies, 36 People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) organisations and 11 health professionals associations, EULAR underscores the importance of combating rheumatic diseases not only through medical means, but also through patient care
EULAR 2013 is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe with over 14,000 scientists, physicians, allied health professionals and related audiences in attendance from more than 110 countries. Over the course of the congress there will be more than 320 oral and 1,800 poster abstract presentations, and 750 lectures with 330 invited speakers

To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org