BACKGROUND:

Most ulcers are caused, one can deduce, by Helicobacter pylori or by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whether both together are worse than one alone is something that is quite unknown.

AIM:

To study both factors in order to see wither they interact together positively.

METHOD:

A case control study of ulcer bleeding in elderly patients chosen without weeding.

RESULTS:

NSAID usage increased risk substantially. So did H pylori infection (but relative risk less than three). Neither seemed to interact. Their actions were discretely intact.

CONCLUSION:

H pylori effects ulcer bleeding in an adverse manner but does not make the risk of NSAIDs worse.