Diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions during treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Abstract

Probably all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal injury. The most frequent lesions are gastric erosions in the pre-pyloric region. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also increase the incidence of peptic ulcers, although it is not yet clear whether more gastric ulcers or more duodenal ulcers are produced. Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent during NSAID treatment, but there is no correlation between symptoms and lesions. Clinical presentation may therefore vary considerably: many symptomatic patients will have no lesions, whereas others will present with complications but no symptoms. Blood loss is the most frequent complication of NSAID-induced GI lesions. Bleeding is usually 'silent' and occult. Overt haemorrhage, though rare, is more frequent in patients taking NSAIDs. Other complications, such as penetration and perforation, may also occur. Endoscopy is the diagnostic method of choice, as this method can detect even superficial mucosal lesions. However, because of the lack of correlation between symptoms and lesions, it is difficult to ascertain which patients are at risk and thus to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Future efforts should therefore be directed towards the prevention of NSAID-induced GI lesions.