Postsurgical Pericardial Effusion: Do Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Make a Difference?

In a small randomized trial, diclofenac was no better than placebo at reducing pericardial effusion and preventing cardiac tamponade.

Asymptomatic pericardial effusion is common after cardiac surgery. After the immediate postoperative period, pericardial effusions are considered to be largely caused by inflammation and are frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, until now, no trials have examined this practice. To assess whether the NSAID diclofenac effectively reduces postoperative pericardial effusion, investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study.

Researchers assigned 196 patients (mean age, 63; 80% men) at high risk for cardiac tamponade because of moderate-to-large pericardial effusions ≥7 days after heart surgery to receive diclofenac (50 mg) or placebo twice a day for 14 days. The two groups were well m…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute