Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated azotemia in the very old

JAMA. 1990 Jul 25;264(4):471-5.

Abstract

We conducted a prospective study in 114 elderly patients to determine the renal effects of short-term therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the very old. Study subjects were patients in a long-term care facility (mean age, 87 years) newly begun on a regimen of NSAID therapy. For the study group as a whole, the serum urea nitrogen level rose 1.7 mmol/L 5 to 7 days after initiation of therapy, with no significant changes in serum creatinine or potassium levels. In a comparison group of 45 patients not receiving NSAID therapy, no significant change in the serum urea nitrogen level was noted during a similar period. A subgroup of 15 patients (13%) experienced a greater than 50% increase in the serum urea nitrogen level during NSAID therapy, with a mean increase of 89% (8.6 mmol/L). A return to the baseline level occurred within 14 days after discontinuation of NSAID therapy. Two factors were significantly predictors of a greater than 50% increase in the serum urea nitrogen level: concurrent loop diuretic therapy (odds ratio, 2.2) and high NSAID dose (odds ratio, 2.0). These findings suggest that reversible azotemia develops in a sizable proportion of the very old who are treated with short-term NSAID therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen
  • Electrolytes / blood
  • Humans
  • Institutionalization
  • Logistic Models
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Uremia / blood
  • Uremia / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Electrolytes