Decreased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the era of modern aggressive treatment

We examined whether the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has decreased for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a cohort treated with aggressive modern therapy as well as potential factors influencing their use. We randomly sampled 100 of 377 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated by pediatric rheumatologists at our center between 2003 and 2008. We used electronic health records and detailed chart review to examine the trends of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and factors impacting use, including disease subtype, disease activity, adverse effects, and other medication use. Data were analyzed longitudinally using a non-linear mixed effects regression model. Ninety-two percent used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at some point and 70% at anti-inflammatory doses. At patients’ last visit within the study time frame, 52% were using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and only 28% at anti-inflammatory doses, decreased from 79 and 56%, respectively, at their first visit. In 2003, 53% used an anti-inflammatory dose compared to 35% in 2008. Active joint count was significantly associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use at anti-inflammatory doses, while methotrexate and biologic modifiers use, later calendar year, the presence of uveitis, and positive anti-nuclear antibody status were significant negative predictors. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decreased significantly over time, with decreasing numbers of active joints, and when methotrexate or biologic modifiers were used. The number of patients currently using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is less than reported in series from the 1990s.