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REPLY
The Risk for Myocardial Infarction with Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors
James M. Brophy, MD, PhD;
Linda E. Lévesque, BScPhm, MSc; and
Bin Zhang, MSc
18 October 2005 | Volume 143 Issue 8 | Pages 617-618
IN RESPONSE:
We agree with Kim and colleagues that, while celecoxib appears to be less cardiotoxic than rofecoxib in several observational studies (1-3), there is nevertheless reason for concernparticularly when the drug is given in higher doses (as in the APC trial) or in the largely unstudied group of patients with previous myocardial infarctions. We also agree that any cardioprotective benefits of aspirin in rofecoxib users may be offset by a significant reduction in gastrointestinal protection.
As Pijak and colleagues point out, the exact cardioprotective mechanism of aspirin and its potential interaction with COX-2 inhibitors is far from established and remains a fertile ground for further research regarding the role of inflammation. Similarly, Shinmura and Bolli have also proposed another interesting new mechanism to explain the detrimental effects of COX-2 inhibitors that again goes beyond the simple prothrombotic theory currently in vogue. These interesting and novel hypotheses will need further experimental confirmation.
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Author and Article Information
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From McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A1, Canada.
Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: None disclosed.
1. Graham DJ, Campen D, Hui R, Spence M, Cheetham C, Levy G, et al. Risk of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in patients treated with cyclo-oxygenase 2 selective and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: nested case-control study. Lancet. 2005;365:475-81. [PMID: 15705456].[Medline]
2. Solomon DH, Schneeweiss S, Glynn RJ, Kiyota Y, Levin R, Mogun H, et al. Relationship between selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and acute myocardial infarction in older adults. Circulation. 2004;109:2068-73. [PMID: 15096449].[Abstract/Free Full Text]
3. Ray WA, Stein CM, Hall K, Daugherty JR, Griffin MR. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of serious coronary heart disease: an observational cohort study. Lancet. 2002;359:118-23. [PMID: 11809254].[Medline]
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The Risk for Myocardial Infarction with Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors: A Population Study of Elderly Adults
Linda E. Lévesque, James M. Brophy, AND Bin Zhang
- Annals 2005 142: 481-489.
[ABSTRACT][SUMMARY][Full Text]