Prophylactic use of gastro-protective agents in patients on low-dose aspirin.

摘要

Low-dose aspirin is commonly prescribed for the prevention of thrombotic events in high-risk patients. Even at doses as low as 80-160 mg day1"1, aspirin leads to upper gastrointestinal (Gl) complications in 0.6-1.2% patients per year .Most epidemiological studies have reported a relative risk of upper gastrointestinal complications with low-dose aspirin of between 2.0 and 2.6 [2, 3]. Despite this, routine coprescription of gastro-protective agents with aspirin or other NSAIDs is usually not advocated [1,4]. Gastro-protective drugs have been suggested for patients at increased risk of upper Gl complications, e.g. history of ulcer or upper Gl bleeding, age >70 years, concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and Helicobacter pylori infection .