Vargas A, Dutta P, Hawa F, Quingalahua E, Marin R, Vilela A, Nix T, Mendoza-Ladd A, Wilcox CM, Chalhoub JM, Machicado JD. Effect of selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on severity of acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Pancreatology 2025:S1424-3903(25)00061-4. [PMID:
40155261 DOI:
10.1016/j.pan.2025.03.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2025] [Accepted: 03/20/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
It's been suggested that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the inflammatory response and severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to explore the impact of selective COX-2 and non-selective NSAIDs compared to non-NSAID options on the severity of AP.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central, from database inception through September 2023. We included RCTs and observational studies comparing NSAIDs with non-NSAID controls. The primary outcome was the development of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) characterized by persistent organ failure lasting >48 h. Secondary outcomes included mortality, pancreatic necrosis, length of stay (LOS), pain relief, and requirement for rescue analgesia. Meta-analysis was conducted separately for selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective NSAIDs.
RESULTS
Eleven studies met eligibility criteria including 1830 patients with AP. Of 3 studies that used selective NSAIDs (1 RCT and 2 observational), COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduced SAP (OR = 0.38; 95 %CI 0.27-0.52; p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %), pancreatic necrosis (OR = 0.48; 95 %CI 0.29-0.78; p = 0.003; I2 = 0 %), LOS by 5.51 days (95 %CI -10.80 to -0.22; p = 0.04; I2 = 97 %), and rescue opioids (OR = 0.32; 95 %CI 0.24-0.45; p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %). However, the certainty of the evidence was graded as low to very low using GRADE methodology. There was no significant effect of COX-2 inhibitors on mortality. Of 8 studies (all RCTs) that compared non-selective NSAIDs and non-NSAIDs, there was no difference in clinical outcomes, pain relief, and need for rescue analgesia.
CONCLUSIONS
Selective COX-2 inhibitors potentially mitigate disease severity and shorten hospitalization in patients with AP, while non-selective NSAIDs lack this benefit. Confirmatory large-scale RCTs are warranted to validate these findings.
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