Use Of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Research Articles

Improving analgesia provision for sheep: An analysis of farm medicine records and attitudes towards pain relief on sheep farms in Northern Ireland.

Management of pain is critical to improve the welfare of farmed livestock and meet consumer expectations. There is limited published information about the use of analgesic drugs in the sheep sector. A mixed-method approach was followed. The range of analgesic drugs used on 52 Northern Irish sheep farms was determined through analysis of medicine purchase records. Through interview and discussion groups, with both farmer and veterinarian participants, attitudes towards the use and adoption of such medicines were explored. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was widespread and highly variable. One-third of farmers in the sample did not purchase any NSAID. Meloxicam was the most commonly purchased NSAID by mass (72%) and standardised dose (73%). During interviews and discussions, farmers outlined the benefits they saw in using NSAIDs and how veterinarians influenced their uptake of these medicines. Use of corticosteroid was evidenced on 50% of the farms that supplied medicine records for analysis. Veterinarians can influence farmers to adopt NSAIDs for the provision of analgesia in their sheep and farmers observed the benefits they delivered. However, many farmers are still to be reached with this message, perhaps due to being largely self-sufficient and rarely engaging with veterinarians. Veterinarians have the opportunity to challenge farmers about the provision of analgesia, especially when farmers seek antibiotics for painful conditions such as lameness. Currently, the lack of an authorised product in the UK, with associated treatment guidance and industry promotion, may limit veterinarians' confidence in prescribing drugs for pain control in sheep.

Co-administered oral anticoagulants with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe bleeding risk of individuals taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) concomitantly with oral anticoagulants (OACs) compared to OACs alone remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the bleeding risk of concomitant use of OACs and NSAIDs, and to make comparisons between different OACs types. MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched systematically until 11 August 2023 for studies reporting the bleeding risk of combined use of OACs and NSAIDs. Summary estimates with 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated by meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistics. We performed subgroup analyses according to the types of NSAIDs, the types of OACs, the indication for therapy and the types of research. ResultsA total of 27 studies were included. Taking vitamin K antagonist (VKAs) concurrently with NSAIDs was associated with a higher risk of any bleeding [odds ratio (OR) = 1.55; 95 % CI, 1.21 to 2.00; P = 0.0007), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.66; 95 % CI, 1.96 to 3.62; P < 0.00001) as well as major bleeding (OR = 1.55; 95 % CI, 1.04 to 2.30; P = 0.03). Concomitant exposure to direct OACs (DOACs) and NSAIDs increased the risks of any bleeding (OR = 1.54; 95 % CI, 1.33 to 1.80; P < 0.00001) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.18; 95 % CI, 1.02 to 4.69; P = 0.05), but was nonsignificant for major bleeding (OR = 1.42; 95 % CI, 0.84 to 2.40; P = 0.19). Without considering other confounding factors, concomitant exposure to DOACs and NSAIDs was associated with a lower risk of bleeding compared to VKAs plus NSAIDs (OR = 0.55; 95 % CI, 0.34 to 0.90; P = 0.02) in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism patients. Subgroup analyses showed that compared to VKAs only, concurrent administration of VKAs and nonselective NSAIDs was associated with a heightened risk of bleeding (OR = 3.06; 95%CI, 1.99 to 4.71; P < 0.00001). However, inconsistent result was observed when it comes to selective NSAIDs (OR = 1.99; 95%CI, 0.87 to 4.51; P = 0.10). Compared to DOACs only, combined use of rivaroxaban and NSAIDs increased bleeding risk (OR = 1.61; 95 % CI, 1.21 to 2.14; P = 0.001), while dabigatran co-administered with NSAIDs showed no significant association with bleeding (OR = 1.40; 95 % CI, 0.80 to 2.44; P = 0.24). Regardless of indication, concomitant administration of NSAIDs and DOACs increased the risk of bleeding. ConclusionsCo-administered OACs with NSAIDs significantly increased the risk of any bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to OACs alone. Without considering other confounding factors, DOACs were associated with a lower risk of bleeding compared to VKAs in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism patients.

The effect of radiofrequency ablation on pain score and non-steroidal painkiller use in osteoid osteoma patients

AimCT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is among the thermal ablative procedures and provides great benefits with a minimally invasive procedure. In this prospective study, we aimed to reveal the significance of a multidisciplinary method in reducing the recurrence and complications in osteoid osteoma patients with CT-guided RFA performed by a team of experts in the field.Materials and methodsA total of consecutive 40 patients with osteoid osteoma were prospectively evaluated and treated with CT-guided RFA. Before and the post ablation the visual analog scale (VAS) and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) were compared.ResultsPost-ablation VAS of the patients at the 1st week and 3rd month after the procedure decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared to the pre-ablation. The frequency of NSAID use after the ablation decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared to the pre-ablation time. The pre-procedure NSAID use of our patients included in the study was average 6.93 per week, the NSAID use in the 3rd month post-procedure controls was average 0.53 per week. Recurrence was detected in 4 of our patients, 36 patients had complete recovery.ConclusionRadiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment method in the management of osteoid osteomas. Radiofrequency ablation has low recurrence rates and provides rapid regression in patients’ pain after treatment.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of combined use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and extended release tolperisone in patients with ankle injuries

Ankle capsular ligamentous apparatus damage is one of the most common problems. Ankle injuries account for one-fifth of all lower extremity sports injuries. More than 81 % of acute ankle injuries are treated conservatively, with the rate of unsatisfactory results after this treatment ranging from 2 to 36.9 %. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined use of aceclofenac (Airtal) and tolperisone (Mydocalm Long) in patients with acute ankle ligament injuries. Material and methods. Sixty patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute ankle ligament injury of grade II according to Kannus and Renstrom, with pain intensity in the joint on a visual analogue scale (VAS) ≥ 50 mm, who had no contraindications for the use of these drugs, participated in the study. Patients in the main group (n = 30) received aceclofenac 100 mg in powder form 2 times daily and tolperisone 450 mg in tablets once daily for 14 days. Patients in the comparison group (n = 30) received only aceclofenac 100 mg in powder form 2 times daily for 14 days. The efficacy of therapy was assessed by pain dynamics according to VAS and functional abilities according to the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, which included the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale and the Sports subscale. To assess safety, laboratory tests were performed at visits 1 and 4, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at visits 2, 3, and 4. Results and discussion. Combined use of aceclofenac and tolperisone in patients with acute ankle ligament injuries resulted in more clinically significant pain reduction and improvement in functional indicators than aceclofenac monotherapy. In the combination therapy group, after completion of treatment on day 15, the severity of pain decreased by 94.8%, the increase in the score on the ADL scale was 62.9 % and on the Sports scale – 70.4 %. In the monotherapy group, pain intensity decreased by 85.1 %, the increase in the score on the ADL scale reached 40.7% and onthe Sports scale – 43.4 %. Throughout the study period, the medications were well tolerated, and no AEs were recorded. Conclusion. The combined use of aceclofenac and tolperisone in patients with acute ankle ligament damage leads to a reduction in pain intensity in a short time, significantly improves indicators of functional activity, promotes a faster return to sports activities, and at the same time has a favourable safety profile.

The role of oestrogen therapy in reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease: systematic review.

Studies have shown a relationship between oestrogen and Alzheimer's disease. However, there is neither clear nor strong evidence on the use of oestrogen-only therapy in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. To assess the effects of oestrogen-only therapy on reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Inclusion criteria was determined with the PICO framework. Outcome was cognitive function measured by neuropsychological tests and strict protocols. Exclusion criteria included non-Alzheimer's dementia, progesterone-only therapy and pre-menopausal women. Searches were conducted in nine electronic healthcare databases, last searched in July 2022. Quality assessments conducted on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were performed with the GRADE assessment, and cohort studies and case-control studies were assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Extracted data were used to analyse participants, interventions and outcomes. Twenty-four studies satisfied the search criteria (four RCTs, nine cohort studies, 11 case-control studies). Fifteen studies showed positive associations for oestrogen-only therapy reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and the remaining nine found no evidence of association. Fifteen studies showed that oestrogen-only therapy effectively reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease, whereas nine showed no correlation. Studies also investigated oestrogen-related variables such as length of oestrogen exposure, being an apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier and concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and their role in neuroprotection. This review was limited by the limited ranges of duration of oestrogen treatment and type of oestrogen-only therapy used. In conclusion, oestrogen-only therapy has potential for use in preventing Alzheimer's disease, although current evidence is inconclusive and requires further study.

Association between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and development of age-related macular degeneration—A 10-year retrospective cohort study

To analyze the associations between development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and regular use of aspirin or non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NA-NSAIDs). We retrospectively recruited individuals who received ≥28-day prescriptions of aspirin or NA-NSAIDs exclusively between 2008 and 2017 in one tertiary center as regular users. Non-regular users were free from regular use of any anti-inflammatory drugs and were matched to regular users in terms of age, sex, and visit date at a ratio of 1-4:1. The aspirin cohort included 36,771 regular users and 110,808 matched non-regular users, while the NA-NSAID cohort included 59,569 regular users and 179,732 matched non-regular users. Stratified multivariate Cox regression analyses with adjustment for systemic confounding factors were performed for the development of AMD and neovascular AMD. In the aspirin cohort, the adjusted hazard ratios of aspirin use for AMD in the whole cohort, individuals without cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and those with CVDs were 0.664, 0.618, and 0.702, respectively (P<0.0001 for all), while those of aspirin use for neovascular AMD were 0.486, 0.313, and 0.584 (P<0.05 for all), respectively. In the NA-NSAID cohort, regular use of NA-NSAIDs was associated with a decreased risk of AMD (hazard ratio=0.823, P<0.0001) and neovascular AMD (hazard ratio=0.720, P=0.040) only in people without arthritis. Regular use of aspirin or NA-NSAIDs had protective effects on AMD and neovascular AMD. The effect of aspirin was observed in all patients, while the effect of NA-NSAIDs was observed only in people without arthritis.

From Pain Relief to Cancer Defense: The Promise of NSAIDs

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) are commonly used to treat various types of pain and inflammation. In recent decades, extensive scientific research has been conducted to examine the use of NSAIDs in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various cancer types, suggesting that prolonged inflammation can promote genetic mutations and accelerate their accumulation within cells. The COX pathway, short for Cyclooxygenase pathway, is a critical biochemical pathway in the human body involved in the production of important signaling molecules called prostaglandins. Key factors like COX enzymes and cytokines are important in the development and progression of inflammation-induced cancer. Angiogenesis occurs during inflammation, and it plays a major role in cancer development and metastasis. NSAIDs inhibit this process, which may also contribute to their anticancer effects. This review highlights the potential of NSAIDs, particularly aspirin, ibuprofen, and celecoxib, to influence various aspects of tumor behavior. Although promising, further rigorous studies are needed to establish their clinical efficacy and safety in diverse cancer scenarios. The use of NSAIDs as adjunctive therapies along with conventional treatments presents a promising avenue for enhancing cancer management strategies.

Risk factors, diagnostics and treatment of corneal melting after cataract phacoemulsification

Inflammatory complications of cataract phacoemulsification are among the most urgent and potentially vision-threatening conditions. Corneal melting is a rare but clinically significant condition preceding corneal perforation. The main risk factors are the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), severe dry eye disease and rheumatic diseases. The paper presents a literature review and offers an analysis of a clinical case of corneal melting after cataract phacoemulsification in a female patient with severe dry eye disease, which was undiagnosed before surgery. The follow-up period was 5 years. The possibilities and limitations of multiple methods of corneal melting treatment at the stages of persistent epithelial defect and corneal ulcer are discussed. The mechanism of disease development and its link with the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and the role of topical NSAIDs as a trigger for the initiation and progression of corneal melting are considered.

A Survey of the Status of Methadone Switching in Japan Using a Hospital-Based Administrative Claims Database.

Methadone is generally used for the management of cancer pain in patients who cannot obtain adequate analgesia from other strong opioids; however, it has a complicated and inconsistent conversion ratio from pre-switching opioid dosage to methadone. This issue may be pronounced in Japan because only oral tablets are commercially available. We aimed to elucidate the status of methadone switching in Japan, focusing on its dosage. Using a Japanese hospital-based administrative claims database, we included patients who switched to methadone between April 2008 and January 2021. The proportion of methadone switching completion that required more than the defined conversion ratio in the Japanese package insert (called "high-dose methadone switching") was evaluated as a primary endpoint. Other endpoints included "the duration from initiation to completion of methadone switching" and "factors affecting high-dose methadone switching by using multivariate logistic regression analysis". Of 1585 patients who received methadone, 370 were enrolled. Among those, 130 (35.1%) received high-dose methadone switching. The median duration of methadone switching completion (12 days) was longer in the high-dose methadone switching group than in other patients. Four variables were identified as factors affecting high-dose methadone switching. Younger age and outpatient status increased the risk of requiring high-dose methadone switching, whereas the concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and fentanyl as a pre-switching opioid decreased the risk. In conclusion, more than 30% of the patients underwent high-dose methadone switching and required long completion periods, suggesting that methadone switching remains challenging in Japan.

A dual role of lysophosphatidic acid type 2 receptor (LPAR2) in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced mouse enteropathy

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid mediator that has been found to ameliorate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric injury by acting on lysophosphatidic acid type 2 receptor (LPAR2). In this study, we investigated whether LPAR2 signaling was implicated in the development of NSAID-induced small intestinal injury (enteropathy), another major complication of NSAID use. Wild-type (WT) and Lpar2 deficient (Lpar2−/−) mice were treated with a single, large dose (20 or 30 mg/kg, i.g.) of indomethacin (IND). The mice were euthanized at 6 or 24 h after IND treatment. We showed that IND-induced mucosal enteropathy and neutrophil recruitment occurred much earlier (at 6 h after IND treatment) in Lpar2−/− mice compared to WT mice, but the tissue levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, inducible COX-2, CAMP) remained at much lower levels. Administration of a selective LPAR2 agonist DBIBB (1, 10 mg/kg, i.g., twice at 24 h and 30 min before IND treatment) dose-dependently reduced mucosal injury and neutrophil activation in enteropathy, but it also enhanced IND-induced elevation of several proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines. By assessing caspase-3 activation, we found significantly increased intestinal apoptosis in IND-treated Lpar2−/− mice, but it was attenuated after DBIBB administration, especially in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice. Finally, we showed that IND treatment reduced the plasma activity and expression of autotaxin (ATX), the main LPA-producing enzyme, and also reduced the intestinal expression of Lpar2 mRNA, which preceded the development of mucosal damage. We conclude that LPAR2 has a dual role in NSAID enteropathy, as it contributes to the maintenance of mucosal integrity after NSAID exposure, but also orchestrates the inflammatory responses associated with ulceration. Our study suggests that IND-induced inhibition of the ATX-LPAR2 axis is an early event in the pathogenesis of enteropathy.

Impact of domiciliary administration of NSAIDs on COVID-19 hospital outcomes: an unCoVer analysis.

Background: Effective domiciliary treatment can be useful in the early phase of COVID-19 to limit disease progression, and pressure on hospitals. There are discrepant data on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aim of this study is to evaluate whether the clinical outcome of patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 is influenced by domiciliary treatment with NSAIDs. Secondary objective was to explore the association between other patient characteristics/therapies and outcome. Methods: A large dataset of COVID-19 patients was created in the context of a European Union-funded project (unCoVer). The primary outcome was explored using a study level random effects meta-analysis for binary (multivariate logistic regression models) outcomes adjusted for selected factors, including demographics and other comorbidities. Results: 218 out of 1,144 patients reported use of NSAIDs before admission. No association between NSAIDs use and clinical outcome was found (unadj. OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.68-1.38). The model showed an independent upward risk of death with increasing age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.05-1.07) and male sex (1.36; 95% CI 1.04-1.76). Conclusion: In our study, the domiciliary use of NSAIDs did not show association with clinical outcome in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Older ages and male sex were associated to an increased risk of death.

Supramolecular self-assembly of EGCG-selenomethionine nanodrug for treating osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) has emerged as a significant health concern among the elderly population, with increasing attention paid to ferroptosis-induced OA in recent years. However, the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids can lead to a series of side effects and limited therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to employ the Mannich condensation reaction between epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and selenomethionine (SeMet) to efficiently synthesize polyphenol-based nanodrugs in aqueous media for treating OA. Molecular biology experiments demonstrated that EGCG-based nanodrugs (ES NDs) could effectively reduce glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation, abnormal Fe2+ accumulation, and lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress, which ameliorated the metabolic disorder of chondrocytes and other multiple pathological processes triggered by ferroptosis. Moreover, imaging and histopathological analysis of the destabilization of the medial meniscus model in mice confirmed that ES NDs exhibiting significant therapeutic effects in relieving OA. The intra-articular delivery of ES NDs represents a promising approach for treating OA and other joint inflammatory diseases.

Effect of Siravedha in the Management of Viswachi with special reference to Cervical Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy, commonly referred as pinched nerve, refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and their functioning is hampered. Cervical radiculopathy is a clinical condition resulting from compression of nerve roots due to disc herniation or degenerative stenosis which leads to neck pain, numbness and radiating arm pain in the distribution of the affected nerve root. Often this radicular pain is accompanied by motor or sensory disturbances also. The main treatments available are use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural steroid injection and surgery in the last stages. But the side effects of NSAID’s, incomplete neurologic recovery, loss of full cervical range of movement and surgical complications are the main hurdle in the management of cervical radiculopathy. In Ayurvedic classics, clinical picture of cervical radiculopathy can be explained under the heading of Viswachi. It is a Vatavyadhi mainly affecting the Kandaras leading to restricted movements and loss of function of upper limb. At present, there is no specific treatment procedure, which can offer quick relief of pain and other associated symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. Acharya Susruta mentioned Siravedha in the management of Viswachi. It is one of the most effective methods of Rakthamoksha by which vitiated Doshas can be eliminated in a faster way. In the present study, 150ml of blood was withdrawn from corresponding cephalic vein as a onetime procedure. Assessments were done before procedure, immediately after procedure, on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after procedure. The results showed Siravedha is an effective treatment procedure in the management of Viswachi.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and markers of Parkinson's disease progression: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated reduced incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) with regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) exposure, particularly ibuprofen. No studies have investigated the impact of NSAID exposure on markers of disease progression for established PD. MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study using two cohorts. The Deprenyl and Tocopheral Anti-Oxidative Therapy of Parkinsonism (DATATOP) study enrolled 800 drug naïve people with PD with a median follow-up duration of 6.5 years. The DATATOP primary outcome measures were mortality at last study visit. The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort was limited to drug naïve PD participants (423 at time of analysis). The PPMI primary outcome measure was annual rate of change in ipsilateral putamen 123I-ioflupane binding ratio at four years study duration. Regular NSAID exposure was defined as any scheduled NSAID use (as needed use was excluded). Analysis was performed separately for recent exposure and cumulative exposure time (CET). ResultsTotal CET median and interquartile range (years) for ibuprofen, non-aspirin NSAID, and aspirin were respectively 0.9 (0.3–2.9), 1.1 (0.3–2.6), and 1.5 (0.4–2.8) for DATATOP and 0.4 (0.01–2.2), 1.4 (0.3–4.4), and 5.5 (2.6–7.1) for PPMI. Exposure was usually discontinuous. Exposure to ibuprofen was low in both cohorts. There was no significant association between NSAID recent exposure or CET and primary outcome measures in either cohort. ConclusionsNSAID exposure in established PD does not appear to provide protective effect although exposure may not have occurred continuously enough in these two cohorts to provide benefit. Statistical power for ibuprofen exposure analyses was limited.

Sex- and age-related patterns in the use of analgesics in older patients in the emergency department.

Treatment of acute pain in older patients is a common challenge faced in emergency departments (EDs). Despite many studies that have investigated chronic analgesic use in the elderly, data on patterns of acute use, especially in EDs, of analgesics according to patient characteristics is scarce. To investigate sex- and age-related patterns of analgesic use in the Spanish EDs and determine differences in age-related patterns according to patient sex. A secondary analysis of the Emergency Department and Elderly Needs (EDEN) multipurpose cohort. Fifty-two Spanish EDs (17% of Spanish EDs covering 25% of Spanish population). All patients' ≥65 years attending ED during 1 week (April 1-7, 2019). Patient characteristics recorded included age, sex, chronic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opiates, comorbidity, dependence, dementia, depression, ability to walk and previous falls. Analgesics used in the ED were categorized in three groups: non-NSAID non-opioids (mainly paracetamol and metamizole, PM), NSAIDs, and opiates. Frequency of analgesic use was quantified, and the relationship between sex and age and analgesic use (in general and for each analgesic group) was assessed by unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models. Interaction between sex and age was explored. We included 24 573 patients, and 6678 (27.2%) received analgesics in the ED: 5551 (22.6%) PM, 1661 (6.8%) NSAIDs and 937 (3.8%) opiates (1312 received combinations). Analgesics were more frequently used in women (adjusted OR = 1.076, 95%CI = 1.014-1.142), as well as with NSAID (1.205, 1.083-1.341). Analgesic use increased with age, increasing PM and decreasing NSAIDs use. Opiate use remained quite constant across age and sex. Interaction of sex with age was present for the use of analgesics in general ( P = 0.006), for PM ( P < 0.001) and for opiates ( P = 0.033), with higher use of all these analgesics in women. Use of analgesics in older individuals in EDs is mildly augmented in women and increases with age, with PM use increasing and NSAIDs decreasing with age. Conversely, opiate use is quite constant according to sex and age. Age-related patterns differ according to sex, with age-related curves of women showing higher probabilities than those of men to receive any analgesic, PM or opiates.

No Effect of NSAID Use on Efficacy of Zoledronate: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Trial in Osteopenic Older Women.

Bisphosphonates are widely used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also widely used among the older population group at high risk of fractures. NSAIDs have been shown to impact on bone turnover, and a recent re-analysis of a clinical trial of clodronate found that NSAID use at baseline abrogated any effect of clodronate on either bone density (BMD) or fracture risk. To determine whether NSAIDs influence the efficacy of other bisphosphonates, we have re-analyzed our 6-year randomized controlled trial of zoledronate in 2000 osteopenic postmenopausal women. NSAID use was reported at baseline in 38% of the cohort and anytime use was reported by 65%. The evolution of the zoledronate effects on BMD were almost identical whether or not women were using NSAIDs at baseline, and were significant in both sub-groups at all BMD sites (P < 0.0001). The significant reduction in the risk of fracture in those allocated to zoledronate (P < 0.0001) showed no interaction with baseline use of NSAIDs (P = 0.33) nor with NSAID use at any time during the study (P = 0.28). The odds of fracture were significantly reduced in both NSAID users and non-users. We conclude that the present analysis provides no support for the suggestion that NSAIDs interfere with the efficacy of potent bisphosphonates in terms of their effects on bone density or fracture.

CTH1/TH2 repolarization in induction of immune tolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the management of sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive crisis

Respiratory manifestations related to the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the treatment of the painful vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell disease are either a type I hypersensitivity mechanism of the Gell and Coombs classification, or a pharmacological mechanism of NSAIDs. The use of NSAIDs is essential in the Abidjan school because of the absence of therapeutic alternatives in the management of the inflammatory crisis of this disease. The induction of tolerance to NSAIDs initiated by the authors has had clear clinical success. The basic biological reasons for this tolerance were evaluated in this study. A group of 11 sickle cell patients aged 12 to 39 years in whom post-NSAID respiratory manifestations disappeared for at least 6 months following a short tolerance induction protocol with ibuprofen, was assayed by ELISA for TNFα, INFg (Th1 cytokines), IL-4 (Th2 cytokine), IL-10, TGF-β (immunosuppressive cytokines) and total IgE, before induction or pre-induction (D-1) and at day one (D1), D2- 3, one month (M1), and M6 after induction. A repolarization of the Th1/Th2 balance was noted during the post induction period. The high concentration of IL-4 observed at D-1 gradually decreased in favor of the cytokines TNFα, INFg. The decrease in cytokine IL-4 with the level of total IgE was accompanied by the increase of IL-10 and TGF-β demonstrating the regulatory role of these cytokines in the control of allergic diseases. In conclusion, the induction of immuno-tolerance to NSAIDs through a short protocol is well supported by immune regulation. The medium-term effects are real, unlike the results of allergen desensitization or specific immunotherapy. However, this protocol could be used in certain circumstances such as in the case of intolerance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, used as the treatment of choice for the prevention of opportunistic diseases in people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding the Use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Analgesics in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely accessible to the general population. However, ensuring their safe and effective usage is crucial by considering individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these medications. This study aimed to assess the general population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of over-the-counter analgesics. This cross-sectional study took place in Indonesia from December 2019 to June 2020. A validated questionnaire was used to survey a total of 582 respondents. A comparative analysis examined the variations in mean scores for respondents' characteristics concerning their knowledge, attitude, and practice. A regression analysis was also employed to explore the factors associated with adopting good analgesia practices. The findings of the study revealed significant differences in average knowledge scores related to gender, educational attainment, and employment status for the use of both paracetamol and NSAIDs. Regarding knowledge, the respondents demonstrated a higher average score for analgesics (4.56 ± 1.84) than NSAIDs (2.881 ± 2.40), out of a maximum score of 6 points. The results indicate that the respondents obtained a low score for attitude (6.80 ± 3.74) out of 16 points and a positive score for practice (2.71 ± 0.48) out of 3 points regarding using analgesics. Moreover, the regression analysis revealed that gender, residing near primary health care facilities, and having sound knowledge of NSAID use were significant predictors of good analgesic practice (p < 0.05). The respondents demonstrated a greater understanding of analgesics compared with NSAIDs. However, despite this higher knowledge level, they had relatively low attitude scores but positive practice scores, indicating a discrepancy between attitudes and actual behavior in using analgesics.

Oto-rhino-laryngological and cervico-maxillofacial pathologies among hospitalized older patients: epidemiological, diagnostical and therapeutical aspects in Lomé, Togo

In developing countries, 10% of the population is over 60 years old and this proportion is increasing rapidly. The general objective of this study was to describe the profile and management of the elderly subject aged 60 and over, hospitalized in the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) and Head/Neck surgery department of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé, from 2012 to 2021. Retrospective descriptive study. After reviewing the files, selection of patients aged 60 and over, regardless of sex, and hospitalized for an ENT pathology from January 2012 to December 2021. Not included in our study were files of elderly subjects hospitalized but whose age was imprecise, or empty or very incomplete files. A total of 296 cases were included, representing 6.7% of the department's activities. The mean age of the patients was 72 ± 7.3 years with extremes of 60 and 95 years. The age group 6069 years represented 59.5%. The sex ratio M/F was 0.92. Infectious/inflammatory lesions were found in 138 patients (46.6%) including 38.9% of acute cellulitis of dental origin, and tumors were found in 135 patients (45.6%). Tumors were malignant in 59 patients (43.7%) and benign in 76 patients (56.3%). Thyroid was the site of 46 (60.5%) benign lesions and larynx of 29 (49.2%) malignant lesions. Poor oral hygiene, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes and the combination of smoking and alcohol were the factors favoring the occurrence of acute cellulitis of dental origin in 89.6%, 80.9%, 20.0% and 2.6% of cases respectively (p<0.001). The combination of smoking and alcohol was a factor favoring the occurrence of malignancy in 39% (p<0.001). Surgical treatment was performed in 234 patients (79.1%). With a case lethality rate of 21%, acute cellulitis of dental origin was the leading cause of death (p<0.001). The most frequent pathologies of the ENT sphere in the elderly in our tropical context were infectious and tumoral, largely dominated by acute cellulitis of dental origin, thyroid adenoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Despite the tendency to balance infectious and tumoral pathologies, the proportion of acute cellulitis of dental origin remains twice as high as that of malignant tumors. It contrasts with data from other sub-Saharan series where tumoral pathology remains predominant in the elderly. It is important to provide dental care assistance to the elderly and to advocate for the development of geriatrics and access to universal health coverage for the elderly in Togo.

Use of prescribed analgesics before and after exercise therapy and patient education in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate utilisation patterns of prescribed analgesics before, during, and after an exercise therapy and patient education program among patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. This cohort study is based on data from the nationwide Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) patient-register linked with national health registries including data on prescribed analgesics. GLA:D® consists of 8–12 weeks of exercise and patient education. We included 35,549 knee/hip osteoarthritis patients starting the intervention between January 2013 and November 2018. Utilisation patterns the year before, 3 months during, and the year after the intervention were investigated using total dispensed defined daily doses (DDDs) per month per 1000 population as outcome. During the year before the intervention, use of prescribed paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids increased with 85%, 79% and 22%, respectively. During the intervention, use of paracetamol decreased with 16% with a stable use the following year. Use of NSAIDs and opioids decreased with 38% and 8%, respectively, throughout the intervention and the year after. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the prescription of most analgesics changed over time. For paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids, 10% of analgesic users accounted for 45%, 50%, and 70%, respectively, of the total DDDs dispensed during the study period. In general, analgesic use increased the year before the intervention followed by a decrease during the intervention and the year after. A small proportion of analgesic users accounted for half or more of all paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids dispensed during the study period.