No Association Between High-Dose NSAIDs, Hypertension in axSpA | ACR Convergence
NSAIDS are typically the first line of treatment for axial spondyloarthritis.
Compared with the general population, there is no significant association between the use of high-dose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypertension development in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), according to research results presented at ACR Convergence 2024, held November 14-19 in Washington, DC.1
NSAIDS are typically the first line of treatment for axial spondyloarthritis. | Image credit: Colin - stock.adobe.com
NSAIDs are typically the first line treatment for axSpA, a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause pain and swelling in the spine and sacroiliac joints. However, these drugs have the potential to elevate blood pressure and exacerbate cardiovascular risks—a challenge in a patient population with a heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Using data from a longitudinal French cohort of patients with early spondyloarthritis without hypertension at baseline, investigators evaluated the relationship between NSAID use and incident hypertension in axSpA.
A total of 631 participants were included in the study (mean age, 33.2±8.5 years; 54% women; 88.7% white). Two-thirds of patients used high doses of NSAIDs at baseline (n=247; low-dose NSAID use n=380). Comorbidities included coronary artery disease (11.3%), peptic ulcer disease (4.8%), hyperlipidemia (1.9%), diabetes (0.5%), malignancy (0.8%), and alcohol use (14.1%). In addition to NSAIDs, 13.3% of patients were using glucocorticoid therapies.
READ MORE: Nonopioid Suzetrigine Demonstrates Positive Phase 3 Results for Acute Pain
Within the study cohort, incident hypertension was identified in 11% of individuals during the follow-up period. Following adjustment for confounders, the use of high-dose NSAIDs was not associated with incident hypertension (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98-1.02). Investigators noted that the results were similar after multiple imputation and complete case analyses.
“We found no significant association between high-dose NSAID use and the development of hypertension,” the researchers concluded. “The anti-inflammatory effect of NSAIDs on disease activity might counterbalance the risk of incident hypertension that is known to occur in the general population.”
READ MORE: Nonopioid Pain Management Resource Center
