Aim: Recent reports of potential harmful effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have raised great concern.
Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and MedRxiv databases to examine the prevalence of NSAID use and associated COVID-19 risk, outcomes and safety.
Results: Twenty-five studies with a total of 101 215 COVID-19 patients were included. Prevalence of NSAID use among COVID-19 patients was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14-23%, no. of studies [n] = 22) and NSAID use prior to admission or diagnosis of COVID-19 was not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.06, I2 = 34%, n = 3), hospitalization (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.76-1.48, I2 = 81%, n = 5), mechanical ventilation (aOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.47-1.06, I2 = 38%, n = 4) or length of hospital stay. Moreover, prior use of NSAIDs was associated with a decreased risk of severe COVID-19 (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, I2 = 0%, n = 7) and death (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.89, I2 = 85%, n = 10). Prior NSAID administration might also be associated with an increased risk of stroke (aOR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.04-5.2, I2 = 0%, n = 2), but not myocardial infarction (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI 0.25-8.92, I2 = 0, n = 2) and composite thrombotic events (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI 0.66-3.69, I2 = 52%, n = 2).
Conclusion: Based on current evidence, NSAID use prior to admission or diagnosis of COVID-19 was not linked with increased odds or exacerbation of COVID-19. NSAIDs might provide a survival benefit, although they might potentially increase the risk of stroke. Controlled trials are still required to further assess the clinical benefit and safety (e.g., stroke and acute renal failure) of NSAIDs in treating patients with COVID-19.
Keywords: aspirin; coronavirus disease 2019; ibuprofen; meta-analysis; naproxen; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; systematic review.
© 2022 British Pharmacological Society.