Key result
Ketorolac is not linked to increased 72-hour hospitalization or intervention risk versus morphine for abdominal pain.
Why the study?
Theoretical risks suggest ketorolac's anti-inflammatory properties may blunt peritoneal signs and mask surgical emergencies in undifferentiated abdominal pain, whereas opioid safety is well-established.
Does ketorolac prevent hospital admission or invasive intervention in adults discharged from the emergency department with non-traumatic abdominal pain compared to morphine?
Cohort (n=18,428)
No
Does ketorolac prevent hospital admission or invasive intervention in adults discharged from the emergency department with non-traumatic abdominal pain compared to morphine?
Effect estimate: AOR 0.88 (95% CI 0.58-1.33)
Ketorolac appears to be a safe opioid-sparing alternative to morphine for patients discharged from the ED with non-traumatic abdominal pain, without increasing the risk of 72-hour hospitalization or invasive intervention.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Supports ketorolac as potential opioid-sparing option in ED abdominal pain; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation.
Pan et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Non-traumatic abdominal pain (n=18,428). Ketorolac vs. Morphine was evaluated on Hospital admission after an unscheduled return visit within 72 hours (AOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.58-1.33). Ketorolac was not associated with increased odds of 72-hour hospitalization (AOR 0.88) or invasive intervention (AOR 1.16) compared to morphine in patients discharged with non-traumatic abdominal pain.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: