Impact of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the Women's Health Initiative hormone trials: secondary analysis of a randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We evaluated the hypothesis that cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor use might have counteracted a beneficial effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy, and account for the absence of cardioprotection in the Women's Health Initiative hormone trials. Estrogen increases COX expression, and inhibitors of COX such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents appear to increase coronary risk, raising the possibility of a clinically important interaction in the trials.

Design

The hormone trials were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was assessed at baseline and at years 1, 3, and 6.

Setting

The Women's Health Initiative hormone trials were conducted at 40 clinical sites in the United States.

Participants

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SUBMITTER: Hsia J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1584256 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature