Celecoxib Oral Administration for Prevention of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A Randomized Prospective Trial.

OBJECTIVES

Rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have reported promising prophylactic activity in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). Conversely, cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme has been suggested to contribute to experimental acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, for the prevention of PEP.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients who were scheduled to undergo ERCP were randomized to receive either oral 400-mg celecoxib tablets 1 hour before ERCP and saline infusion (celecoxib group) or saline infusion only (control group). The primary outcome measure was the frequency of PEP.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients were randomized; 85 patients each in the celecoxib group and control group were analyzed. After the procedure, 23 patients (13.5%) developed PEP. There was no difference in the frequency of PEP between the 2 groups (control group vs celecoxib group, 15.3% (13/85) vs 11.7% (10/85); P = 0.65). The severity of PEP, asymptomatic hyperamylasemia, and post-ERCP pain were not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were no adverse events related to celecoxib treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of celecoxib had no beneficial preventive effect on PEP.