Risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding associated with low-dose aspirin

Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2012 Apr;26(2):125-40. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2012.01.011.

Abstract

Low-dose aspirin use is associated with an increased risk for gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. At-risk low-dose aspirin users are therefore recommended to take proton-pump inhibitors. However, it is poorly understood which aspirin users are at risk to develop such complications. It is assumed that the known risk factors for NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal events also apply to low-dose aspirin users. The conventional risk factors for upper gastrointestinal complications associated with aspirin therapy include: (1) a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding, (2) older age, (3) concomitant use of NSAIDs, including coxibs, (4) concomitant use of anticoagulants or other platelet aggregation inhibitors, (5) the presence of severe co-morbidities, and (6) high aspirin dose. In patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori infection should be assessed and treated. This review focuses on the evidence for upper gastrointestinal risk factors in aspirin users.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage
  • Aspirin / adverse effects*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Helicobacter Infections / chemically induced
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Peptic Ulcer / chemically induced
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Anticoagulants
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Aspirin