[Mucosal lesions associated with antiphlogistics--treatment and prevention]

Gastrointestinal side effects associated with nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are well known, but recent data suggest that the small and large bowel are target organs in addition to the gastroduodenal mucosa, although the clinical significance of changes in permeability and of mucosal inflammation is unknown. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis remains the major pathogenetic hypothesis for the entire gastrointestinal tract, but additional mechanisms are probably involved. Ulcers that occur during non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy can be treated in the same way as other peptic ulcers, but the duration of treatment should be extended if the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug cannot be withdrawn. Prophylactic therapy with H2-antagonists or prostaglandin analogues may be justified in selected high risk individuals.