An evaluation of the utility of routine laboratory monitoring of JIA patients using NSAIDs

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An evaluation of the utility of routine laboratory monitoring of juvenile

idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs (NSAIDs): a retrospective review

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Author: Sheetal Vora BengtsonGrant Syverson Nocton

Credits/Source: Pediatric Rheumatology 2010, 8:11

No consensus evidence-based guidelines for the routine laboratory monitoring

of children with JIA receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) exist. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical

utility of routine laboratory monitoring of hemoglobin, transaminases, blood

urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinalysis in patients with juvenile

idiopathic arthritis (JIA) receiving NSAIDs.

Methods: The medical records of 91 children with JIA followed between 1996

and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed for laboratory results and clinically

significant adverse effects attributed to NSAID use.

Laboratory abnormalities were documented, with potential adverse clinical

sequelae, including if NSAID use was discontinued.

Results: Abnormal laboratory results were recorded for 24 of 91 patients.

Nearly all abnormalities were mild and not associated with adverse clinical

sequelae.

All patients but one continued to receive NSAID therapy after the

abnormality was detected.

Conclusions: Although detection of abnormal laboratory values occurred while

on NSAIDs, these abnormalities did not correlate with adverse clinical signs

and symptoms. The routine monitoring of laboratory tests in asymptomatic

children treated with NSAIDs is of questionable utility.