Duodenogastric reflux and gastric damage from non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs

The authors describe cases urgently admitted for iatrogenic gastric lesions due to non-steroid antiinflammatory treatment during the past year. Nine patients were affected by peptic ulcer (bleeding in five cases), while in the remaining 11 an erosive acute gastritis could be observed. Among them, ten patients had been taking acetylsalicylic acid, one indomethacin and the others ketoprofen, indoprofen or similar drugs. In 11 patients, five presenting gastric ulcer and six affected by haemorrhagic gastric damage, an evident duodenogastric reflux was demonstrated. Fifteen patients were treated pharmacologically and complete healing of the lesions was obtained, while in five patients surgical treatment was necessary. The authors conclude by pointing out the high incidence (over 50%) and the pathogenetic role of duodenogastric reflux in gastric lesions appearing in patients treated with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs.