[The treatment and prevention for NSAID ulcer in the elderly]

Elderly people are more prone to develop NSAID ulcer. Therefore in a society of large elderly population, NSAID ulcer happens to be an important health issue. This iatrogenic disease often leads to complications including gastrointestinal bleeding and perforations that may cause severe morbidity and mortality among the elderly patients. For the treatment and prevention of NSAID ulcer, medication with a feasible minimal dose of NSAID is recommended. When the use NSAID can not be avoided or discontinued, a simultaneous administration of PPI or PG-analogue or a high dose of H2-receptor blocker is required. Proper attention should be paid to NSAID ulcer in the elderly due to its huge negative impacts on quality of life, attributing not only to physical and mental sufferings but also to the burden of medical expenses.