BACKGROUND: Selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been linked to cardiac death. The mechanism for this adverse effect appears to be by ischemic insu however another mechanism could involve hyperkalemia. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors and non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on serum potassium concentration and the electrocardiogram. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using propensity score matching of patients from an inner-city academic medical center at Indianapolis, Indiana. Two hundred and two patients prescribed selective COX-2 inhibitors were matched to 202 patients prescribed non-selective NSAIDs using propensity scores methods. Outcomes included change in serum potassium concentration from baseline and the risk of an abnormal electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Compared to patients prescribed non-selective NSAIDs, those prescribed a selective COX-2 inhibitor had a higher risk of serum potassium increase greater than 5 mEq/L (OR, 2.56; 95%CI, 1.03-6.36). However, patients prescribed selective COX-2 inhibitors had no greater risk of electrocardiogram abnormality (OR, 1.16; 95%CI, 0.74-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: Selective COX-2 inhibitors may have a greater risk of hyperkalemia than non-selective NSAIDs. This study was exploratory with small numbers of patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and any association with cardiovascular events.
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