Endoscopic evaluation of low-dose aspirin-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers during prophylaxis with lansoprazole

To compare the endoscopic features of LDA-induced ulcers developing during secondary prophylaxis with lansoprazole (LPZ) and gefarnate (GFN).

All ulcers that had developed during prophylaxis with LPZ (15mg once daily) and GFN (50mg twice daily) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, were reviewed and compared by a panel of expert endoscopists, based on endoscopic images available from the trial, to provide evidence for efficacy of LPZ versus GFN in secondary prophylaxis in patients with endoscopically confirmed ulcer scars.

A total of 6 and 53 patients had developed gastric or duodenal ulcers during prophylaxis with LPZ and GFN, respectively. Six gastric ulcers seen in those given LPZ were "small" and "shallow", while, of the 38 gastric ulcers seen those given GFN, 44.7% and 55.3% were "medium" or "large" and "small", respectively. Ulcers associated with blood coagula were seen only in those given GFN. Duodenal ulcers developed in 15 and 0 patients given GFN and LPZ, respectively.

The ulcers developing during prophylaxis with GFN and LPZ varied in their features. The study findings may be useful when devising a strategy for prophylaxis of ulcers in high-risk patients receiving LDA therapy in a routine clinical setting.