The Association of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs with COVID-19 Severity and Mortality

Abstract

Background: No specific study has investigated the effect of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and especially the effects of Ibuprofen on COVID-19, so far. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Ibuprofen on the severity of COVID-19 and mortality caused by the disease. Methods: This study was conducted on 158 patients with COVID-19 who had consumed Ibuprofen, Gelofen, and Novafen for at least one week in the last three months. Patients were divided into three groups (mild, moderate and sever). The relationship among the severity of the disease and the history of ibuprofen consumption, diabetes, history of cardiovascular problems, hypertension, and GFR was investigated. Also, the association between the history of ibuprofen consumption, GFR ≤ 60 mL/min, hypertension, LDH ≥ 500 U/L, lymphocyte count ≤ 1500, and mortality was examined. Results: Our findings showed a significant relationship between the history of Ibuprofen before COVID-19 and the severity of COVID-19, as well as the mortality rate (P value < 0.001, adjusted odd ratio: 2, respectively). This study also showed a significant relationship among the severity of the disease and the history of smoking, diabetes, hypertension, history of cardiovascular diseases, and GFR. In addition, a significant relationship was found among GFR ≤ 60 mL/min mortality, diabetes, LDH ≥ 500 U/L, and lymphocyte count ≤ 1500. Conclusions: Our study showed a significant relationship between the history of the consumption of ibuprofen and its compounds before COVID-19 and the severity of COVID-19, as well as the mortality rate of the patients with this disease, and accordingly, this result can suggest health policies during the epidemic of COVID-19.