NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage. Epidemiology, risk and prevention, with an evaluation of the role of misoprostol. An Asia-Pacific perspective and consensus.

The problem of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal toxicity was reviewed by members of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) in a consensus conference in September 1992. This paper by the participants presents the consensus conclusions incorporating knowledge from recent publications. There had been a high level of concern that much of the toxicity had resulted from extensive and indiscriminate prescribing of NSAIDs. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines was considered likely to be able to effect a substantial reduction in toxicity without significant loss of overall therapeutic benefit. The evidence from which such guidelines could be developed is critically appraised.