Upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to low-dose NSAIDs

For 1 year we studied the role of low-dose NSAIDs, prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation, in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our hospital. All gastroscopies performed for obvious or suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding were registered with regard to sex, age, mode of presentation, use of NSAIDs, diagnosis and clinical outcome. Comparing the patients using 100 mg or less acetylsalicylic acid a day with those taking analgetic or antiphlogistic doses of NSAIDs, there appear to be no significant differences with regard to the bleeding sources. However, the numbers of patients are too small for statistical analysis. In our opinion it is therefore important to ask patients with an upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage not only about the use of analgetic or antiphlogistic doses of NSAIDs but also about the use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid.