Certain nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal bleeding

In this follow-up study we attempted to estimate the risk of hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (exclusive of bleeding from duodenal ulcer) caused by taking certain nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in people below the age of 65 years. The final figures represent our best estimate, taking into account all of the available information, and suggest that NSAIDs (excluding aspirin) rarely cause gastrointestinal bleeding from the stomach that requires hospitalization in this age group. A formal analysis of the data according to classic techniques was not feasible since numerous important confounding factors could not be controlled. Indeed, the results indicated that such formal analysis is unnecessary. The data as they stand are of considerable value in providing a reasonable estimate of attributable risk for the drugs studied.