A survey of peptic ulcers associated with NSAIDs.

A five year retrospective analysis of endoscopically proven peptic ulceration related to the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was carried out in the Island of Jersey. The results were compared with those of a control group of patients who had not been taking these drugs. Analysis of the data showed a high incidence of pre-pyloric and pyloric rim ulcers in those patients taking NSAIDs, and this was particularly evident in elderly females. Additionally, combined ulcers (i.e. ulcers in two or more anatomical sites) were more prevalent in the patients taking NSAIDs, and such induced ulcers were more liable to bleed and require surgery. The author poses a number of questions to which answers may be found in a more controlled prospective study into the phenomenon.