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Esophageal ulceration complicating doxycycline therapy.
Mohammad A Al-Mofarreh1, Ibrahim A Al Mofleh
1Physician & Gastroenterology Poly Clinic, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 13, 2003
Summary
Drug-induced esophageal injury (DIEI) from doxycycline is increasingly reported. Younger patients experiencing odynophagia, retrosternal pain, or dysphagia during doxycycline treatment should be evaluated for esophageal ulceration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Iatrogenic drug-induced esophageal injury (DIEI) is a growing concern.
- Doxycycline is a common culprit, particularly in younger populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current status of drug-induced esophageal injury (DIEI) from medications.
- To report cases of esophageal ulcerations linked to doxycycline therapy in a private clinic setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 36 cases of esophageal ulcerations.
- Diagnosis confirmed via medical history and endoscopy.
- Treatment involved doxycycline withdrawal, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics.
Main Results:
- The study population comprised mainly younger Saudi patients (median age 29).
- Common symptoms included odynophagia (94%), retrosternal burning pain (75%), and dysphagia (56%).
- Most patients (30) showed improvement within 1-7 days of treatment.
Conclusions:
- Esophageal ulceration should be suspected in younger individuals presenting with odynophagia, retrosternal burning pain, or dysphagia.
- Doxycycline therapy is a potential cause of these symptoms and requires careful consideration.