Major Findings

This study aimed to compare the risk of serious adverse effects with ketorolac vs diclofenac or ketoprofen in adult patients after elective major surgery. Ketorolac is approved for the relief of postoperative pain, but concerns have been raised over a possible risk of serious adverse effects and death. Two regulatory reviews in Europe on the safety of ketorolac found the data were inconclusive and lacked comparison with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

This study did not identify any clear benefits of using ketorolac for postoperative pain relief.

Risk Summary

The study found that ketorolac had a higher risk of serious adverse effects compared to diclofenac or ketoprofen. Specifically, it showed an increased risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal adverse effects.

Comparison Across Studies

Similarities

Multiple studies have shown that ketorolac carries a higher risk of serious adverse effects compared to diclofenac or ketoprofen.

Differences

There were differences in the specific types and severity of adverse effects reported across studies. Some studies highlighted cardiovascular adverse effects, while others reported more gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Multiple studies consistently show that ketorolac is associated with a higher risk of serious adverse effects compared to diclofenac or ketoprofen. However, there are variations in the specific types and severity of adverse effects reported across studies, suggesting the need for further research.

Implications for Daily Life

When considering the use of NSAIDs for postoperative pain relief, it's important to acknowledge the higher risk of serious adverse effects associated with ketorolac compared to diclofenac or ketoprofen.

Limitations of Current Research

This study only compared ketorolac, diclofenac, and ketoprofen, and did not include comparisons with other NSAIDs or pain relievers. Additionally, the study participants may have been biased towards certain age groups or types of surgery.

Future Research Directions

Further research on the safety of ketorolac is needed. Particularly important are comparisons with other NSAIDs, investigations of the long-term effects of adverse events, and risk assessments across different patient populations.

Conclusion

This research indicated that ketorolac has a higher risk of serious adverse effects compared to diclofenac or ketoprofen. When considering NSAIDs for postoperative pain relief, it's crucial to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of ketorolac. Further research is anticipated to improve our understanding of ketorolac's safety profile.