[Risk factors of upper gastrointestinal complications in outpatients on antiplatelet therapy: description and management].

OBJECTIVES

Patients on antiplatelet therapy have a gastrointestinal bleeding risk. It is increased by risk factors. The frequency of those risk factors, the prevalence of upper digestive symptoms and their management in patients on antiplatelet agents is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed an observational multi-centred prospective survey among 560 French cardiologists with private practice. Each cardiologist completed a questionnaire for the first four patients treated with antiplatelet agents in primary or secondary prevention.

RESULTS

Among the 2182 patients included, (age = 67 ± 11 years; 74% male), 83% had at least one gastrointestinal bleeding risk factor and 38.9% had a history of upper digestive tract symptom. A history of gastrointestinal bleeding was reported in 3.4% and a history of documented gastro-duodenal ulcer in 5.5%. A proton pump inhibitor was already prescribed in 39% of the patients. At the time of the consultation, upper digestive symptoms were described in 21% of the patients. In those patients with symptoms, 85% had no modification in antiplatelet therapy and 62.7% were prescribed gastro-protective drugs (proton pump inhibitors: 51.8%, H(2)-blockers 3.6% other anti-acid medication: 7.3%).

CONCLUSION

Among patients on antiplatelet agents, the prevalence of upper digestive symptoms and risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding is high. Preventative management needs to be clarified in this population.