Effects of peri-operative NSAIDs on post-operative kidney function for adults with normal kidney function.

26 studies (8835 participants). Risk of bias was high in 17, unclear in 6 and low in three studies. High risk of attrition bias in six studies.

No reliable conclusions could be drawn from these studies due to the differing units of measurements and measurement time points. The quality of evidence for all investigation was very-low to low.

1. Uncertain effects on the risk of post-operative AKI

2. May slightly increase post-operative SCr

3. Uncertain whether NSAIDs lead to the need for RRT, death or increases LOS.

Does not confirm the safety of NSAIDs in patients undergoing surgery.

Further larger studies using the KDIGO definition for AKI including patients with co-morbidities are required to confirm these findings. 

Bell S, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Nov 29. PMID 30488949