Thromb Haemost 2006; 96(04): 401-406
DOI: 10.1160/TH06-07-0385
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

COX-2 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk

Inferences based on biology and clinical studies
Muhammad R. Marwali
1   Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
,
Jawahar L. Mehta
1   Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 11 July 2006

Accepted after resubmission 16 August 2006

Publication Date:
29 November 2017 (online)

Summary

Even though non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used for a long time, the search continues for anti-inflammatory drugs with few side-effects. COX-2 inhibitors are currently most debated, because they have less gastrointestinal side effects but have been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, presumably related to thrombotic events. This has brought about the withdrawal of rofecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors from the market. Although the results of several large studies with prospective, randomized design and meta-analysis of different trials have led to the demise of many popular COX-2 inhibitors, yet the conclusion seems to be rather simplistic. This review presents evidence from basic biology and clinical studies with the expectation that a balanced position, particularly in relation to increase in cardiovascular events, may be elucidated.

 
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