Celecoxib for systemic lupus erythematosus: case series and literature review of the use of NSAIDs in SLE.
The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients both with and without a self-reported sulfa drug allergy and to review the literature on the use of nonsteroidal agents in SLE subjects. A retrospective review of medical records was performed for 50 SLE patients seen by a community-based rheumatologist and treated with open label celecoxib in doses of 200-400 mg/day for a period of 1-9 months. A MEDLINE search of all articles pertaining to the use of NSAIDs in patients with SLE since 1966 was undertaken. We noted that, in this cohort of celecoxib-treated SLE patients from an office rheumatology practice, the majority demonstrated some improvement, and little toxicity was observed. SLE patients with self-reported sulfa allergies were not more likely to have adverse reactions to celecoxib than non-sulfa allergic patients. The literature review performed herein reveals that, although NSAID toxicity should be a continuing concern in an SLE population, structural dissimilarities between celecoxib and the sulfonamide antimicrobials may make true cross-allergenicity less likely to be a clinical problem. These results suggest that patients with SLE can be safely and effectively treated with celecoxib; however, further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of all NSAIDs in SLE.
Lander
S A
SA
Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
Wallace
D J
DJ
Weisman
M H
MH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000068579:Celecoxib; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D011720:Pyrazoles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000068579:Celecoxib