Archief Roodbont

Gastroenterology 12-12-09

Long-term aspirin therapy is widely used among adults at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, although this treatment is associated with 2- to 3-fold increase in the risk for bleeding peptic ulcer. The authors of the current study provide further details regarding the association between aspirin therapy and the risk for peptic ulcer bleeding. Longer-term use is not protective against bleeding, and aspirin-induced ulcers are less likely to be associated with dyspepsia. Concomitant infection with Helicobacter pylori further increases the risk for peptic ulcer bleeding associated with aspirin use in older adults.

Nonetheless, the benefit of continuing cardiovascular protection with aspirin may outweigh the risks for gastrointestinal bleeding, even among patients with recent peptic ulcer. The current randomized trial addresses this issue.