« Foreigners killed in Mosul ambush | Main | Sikhs storm theatre over play »
December 19, 2004
Cardiovascular risk and COX-2 inhibition in rheumatological practice.
Topics: Clinical PharmacologyCox-2 inhibitors are in the news having now heard concerns over both Vioxx and Celebrex. So it seems appropriate to look at a recent article on Cox-2's - no light bulbs in this one but enough information to justify a conservative approach to utilizing this class of drug until more information is available.
Abstract review, J Hum Hypertens. 2005 Jan;19(1):1-5, Justice E, Carruthers DM.
Department of Rheumatology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
The use of specific COX-2 inhibitors in place of standard nonsteroidals
for the treatment of arthritis appears to reduce the risk of serious
gastrointestinal toxicity in this group of patients. However, the role
played by these inhibitors in the generation or exacerbation of
ischaemic cardiovascular disease is less clear. Clinical studies
demonstrate that hypertension can be induced or aggravated by COX-2
inhibitors to a degree similar to that which occurs with standard
nonsteroidals. Endothelial dysfunction, an indicator of cardiac
ischaemia, may also be exacerbated by specific COX-2 inhibition and
there is much debate as to whether these changes lead to an absolute
increase in ischaemic cardiac events. These effects on cardiovascular
risk factors appear all the more important in patients with rheumatoid
arthritis where there is an increase in the incidence of ischaemic
heart disease. Here we review the available data on COX-2 inhibition
and cardiovascular disease and conclude that all patients who started
these agents should have a careful assessment and modification of any
cardiovascular risk factors.Journal of Human Hypertension (2005) 19,
1-5. doi:10.1038/sj.jhh.1001777 Published online 23 September 2004.
PMID: 15385947 [PubMed - in process]
Black Triangle cross posted on this topic today, as did Medpundit. Medpundit's comments indicated a hesitation to prescribe Cox-2 inhibitors in our litigous-conscience society (my words not hers). Based on what little we know to support a decision to treat that would be based upon positive risk/benefit evidence, such a decision on her part could most likely be considered sound medical practice due to doubt on a favorable risk/benefit ratio alone, at least under the conditions described. The matter of malpractice considerations tips the balance solidly against the physician. Ergo, I wouldn't be buying any stocks on the basis of futures for Cox-2 inhibitors until more solid research evidence is available that supports safety in moderate risk patients, let alone in the case of high risk patients.
Also see "Is there a future for Cox-2 inhibitors," Harefuah. 2004 Nov;143(11):820-4, 837.
Update: Derek Lowe at In the Pipeline has a good discussion on the Celebrex issue entitled "The FDA Weighs In."
Update 2: Black Triangle has a summary update with links to various resources for information on Cox-2 inhibitors.
Posted by Hyscience at December 19, 2004 1:48 AM
Articles Related to Clinical Pharmacology:
- Britain tests first Cannabis related medicine for rheumatoid arthritis - Nov 13, 2005
- Experimental human monoclonal antibody shows striking benefit in patients with advanced melanoma - May 26, 2005
- Cystatin C May Push Creatinine Off Risk Radar - May 19, 2005
- Cancer Treatment Success Stuns Scientists - May 16, 2005
- Antibody, cancer drug combo shows promise against breast tumors - May 16, 2005
- USC researchers determine mechanism of action of motexafin gadolinium (Xcytrin) - May 02, 2005
- Herceptin® Combined With Chemotherapy Improves Disease-Free Survival for Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer - Apr 26, 2005
- Selenium will have critical role in prostate cancer treatment - Fox Chase Cancer Center - Apr 21, 2005
- Traditional Medicine Derivatives Kill Cancer Cells - Apr 20, 2005
- Compound from Chinese medicine shows promise in head and neck cancer, U-M study finds - Apr 19, 2005
