Low-dose ASA and risk of bleeding peptic ulcer

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 154: 864

Source: Weil J, Colin-Jones D, Langman M et al: Prophylactic aspirin and risk of peptic ulcer bleeding. BMJ 1995; 310: 827-830

Researchers in Britain conducted a multicentre study involving 1121 patients aged 60 years and over matched with hospital and community control subjects to determine whether daily prophylactic use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for cardiovascular conditions increased the risk of bleeding peptic ulcer. Risk was found to be significantly elevated in patients for all doses of ASA (75, 150 and 300 mg) and was highest among those who had taken ASA for less than 1 month. All formulations except enteric-coated preparations and an ASA-acetaminophen combination were associated with increased risk. Sex, age and history of gastrointestinal disease did not appear to affect risk, but concurrent use of non-ASA non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs roughly doubled the risk associated with the use of ASA alone.

| CMAJ March 15, 1996 (vol 154, no 6) |