What are the complications of the COX-2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib after cardiac surgery?
A study looking into the efficacy and safety of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) reported complications such as a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation, hypotension, and bradycardia in the parecoxib group compared to the valdecoxib group. Other complications reported in various studies that looked at the effects of intravenous morphine, isoflurane, propranolol, and epidural analgesia on CABG patients were myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac sympathicectomy, and improved regional left ventricular function. Additionally, shorter-acting neuromuscular blocking drugs and opioids have been associated with reduced intensive care unit or hospital lengths of stay after CABG.  