Which blood test is critical to check in patients treated with NSAIDs long-term?

Long-term treatment with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can have significant effects on renal function. These medications can potentially lead to kidney damage, particularly in patients who may have pre-existing renal impairment or other risk factors such as dehydration, heart failure, or concurrent medications that also affect the kidneys.

Monitoring renal function tests, including serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), is essential to assess how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. An increase in serum creatinine or BUN levels may indicate a decline in kidney function, which can be due to the nephrotoxic effects of NSAIDs. This is particularly critical because early detection of renal impairment can lead to the modification of therapy, potentially avoiding more serious complications.

While monitoring liver function tests, complete blood count, and electrolyte panels can be important in certain circumstances, they do not specifically address the renal risks associated with long-term NSAID therapy. Hence, regular assessments of renal function provide critical information to ensure patient safety and effective management of their condition while on NSAIDs.