How does long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use influence health? Do NSAIDS used by older adults influence the development of any other conditions or adverse reactions? According to the Nephrology Times, researchers recently explored these questions within a retrospective study. In particular, the researchers sought to understand whether NSAID usage in older individuals impacted their chance of developing hyperkalemia or acute kidney injury.
If you would like to learn more about the results of the study, you can take a look at the findings published in Drugs & Aging.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed medicines which can be used to reduce pain and inflammation, lower fevers, or even prevent blood clots (in some scenarios). Chances are you’ve taken an NSAID before: Aleve, high-dose aspirin, and ibuprofen all belong to this category. Learn more about NSAIDs.
In this particular retrospective study, researchers wanted to know if NSAIDs influenced hyperkalemia or acute kidney injury. To perform the study, researchers collected data from an approximately 2.5 year period for patients aged 65+ who had been prescribed NSAIDs. Altogether, this included data from 12,798 patients. Researchers then evaluated and analyzed the data. Findings include:
- 2,137 patients (16.7%) had either acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia. In some patients, these occurred together.
- Topical NSAID use, systemic NSAID use for 1-14 days, and systemic NSAID use for 14+ days all highlighted an increased risk of kidney injury or hyperkalemia compared to older adults who were not using NSAIDs.
- As acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia rates rose, so did rates of diuretic use, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Ultimately, researchers determined that NSAIDs did increase the potential for patients to develop either acute kidney injuries or hyperkalemia. Thus, doctors should consider this when prescribing treatments in the future.
About Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia refers to increased or elevated blood potassium levels. Normally, potassium plays a role in muscle, heart, and nerve function. A normal blood potassium level sits around 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L. However, patients with hyperkalemia have heightened potassium levels. There are many things which can increase blood potassium levels, such as a high-potassium diet, kidney disease, Addison’s disease, severe burns or injuries, type 1 diabetes, alcoholism, or certain medications. As potassium levels increase, it may interfere with electrical heart signals, causing arrhythmias and other health difficulties. Symptoms include:
- Paraesthesia (pins and needles sensation)
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weak or irregular pulse
Learn more about hyperkalemia here.
