Low-dose aspirin-associated upper gastric and duodenal ulcers in Japanese patients with no previous history of peptic ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Long-term administration of low-dose aspirin (LDA) is associated with a greater risk of adverse events, including gastroduodenal ulcers. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for and assess the role of medication use in the development of peptic ulcer disease in Japanese patients with no history of peptic ulcers. METHODS: Consecutive outpatients receiving LDA (75 mg/day) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January and December 2010 were enrolled. Clinical parameters, peptic ulcer history, concomitant drugs, the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, reason for endoscopy, and endoscopic findings were analysed. RESULTS: Of 226 total patients, 14 (6.2%) were endoscopically diagnosed with peptic ulcer. Age, sex, current smoking status, current alcohol consumption, endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy, and abdominal symptoms were not significantly associated with peptic ulcers. Diabetes mellitus was more frequent (42.9% vs. 16.5%; P = 0.024) in patients with peptic ulcers than in those without peptic ulcers. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, co-treatment with anticoagulants or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was significantly associated with increased and decreased risk for peptic ulcer, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 - 28.99; P = 0.03 and OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 - 0.73; P = 0.02, respectively). Co-treatment with additional antiplatelet agents, H2-receptor antagonists, angiotensin II Type 1 receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was not associated with peptic ulcer development. CONCLUSION: The use of PPIs reduces the risk of developing gastric or duodenal ulcers in Japanese patients taking LDA without pre-existing gastroduodenal ulcers. However, this risk is significantly increased in both patients ingesting anticoagulants and patients with diabetes. These results may help identify patients who require intensive prophylaxis against aspirin-induced peptic ulcers.

Effect of aspirin cessation before endoscopy in Japanese patients with low-dose-aspirin-associated gastroduodenal mucosal injury.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of upper gastrointestinal injury by low-dose aspirin (LDA) has increased. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the risk factors and prevention strategies associated with LDA-induced gastroduodenal ulcer in Japanese patients. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 284 LDA users who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy between January and December 2010 were included. We investigated the patients' clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings. RESULTS: Of 284 patients, 29 (10.2%) had gastro and/or duodenal ulcers. Male gender, peptic ulcer history, abdominal symptoms, half-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), complete-dose PPIs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were significantly associated with LDA-induced gastro and/or duodenal ulcers: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.62 (1.06-12.27), 6.60 (1.84-23.62), 3.06 (1.12-8.40), 0.16 (0.03-0.94), 0.07 (0.01-0.61), and 9.68 (1.64-57.18), respectively. PPI significantly reduced gastric ulcers and/or duodenal ulcers (p = 0.03). The modified Lanza score for gastric mucosal lesion in the LDA cessation group was significantly lower than in the LDA noncessation group (0.53 vs. 1.02; p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Half-dose PPIs as well as complete-dose PPIs were effective for preventing LDA-induced gastric and/or duodenal ulcers. The cessation of LDA before endoscopy may lead to an underestimation of LDA-induced gastric injury.