Table 5 Characteristics of patients with liver injury among current users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Values are numbers (percentages) of patients unless stated otherwise

Characteristic
Nimesulide (n=16)
Other NSAIDs (n=20)
Median age
79
69
Male to female ratio
7:9
9:11
Other drugs (30 days before admission)
14 (87)
15 (75)
Median ratio*


Alanine aminotransferase
4.4
5.1
Median alkaline phosphatase
2.8
1.6
Dechallenge{dagger} (positive)
12 (75)
13 (65)
Dechallenge (inconclusive)
4 (25)
7 (35)
Rechallenge
8 (50)
5 (25)
Deaths
1 (6)
2 (8)

Three patients who received both nimesulide and other NSAIDs during the current period (mixed use) are counted in both groups. In six patients the liver injury was hepatocellular, in 13 it was cholestatic, and in 14 it was mixed.6

* Ratio between maximum value and upper normal limits.

{dagger} Normalisation of liver function before discharge.