Prevention of Upper Gastrointestinal Ulcer and Complications in Low-Dose Aspirin Users

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is widely used for atherothrombotic event prevention.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers and complications are significant adverse events associated with LDA use.
• Adherence to LDA can be compromised by GI symptoms, leading to serious outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in preventing upper GI ulcers and complications in LDA users.
• To inform physicians about evidence-based strategies for managing GI risks in LDA therapy.
• To highlight differences in primary prevention strategies between Eastern and Western regions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of accumulated clinical evidence.
• Analysis of cost-effectiveness of different preventive strategies.
• Focus on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co-therapy as a preferred approach.

Main Results:

• Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co-therapy is identified as a preferred strategy for reducing GI risks in LDA users.
• Cost-effectiveness analyses support PPI co-therapy for wider populations.
• Increasing awareness of LDA adherence and declining PPI costs influence treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

• New developments offer improved strategies for preventing upper GI ulcers in LDA users.
• PPI co-therapy is a recommended approach for balancing cardiovascular protection and GI safety.
• Evidence-based guidelines are crucial for optimizing LDA therapy and minimizing GI complications.