Study shows long-term use of NSAIDs causes severe intestinal damage

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Study shows long-term use of NSAIDs causes severe intestinal damage

Bethesda, land (Jan. 3, 2005) ­ According to a study published today in

the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Clinical

Gastroenterology and Hepatology, chronic users of non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an increased risk of bleeding and

visible damage to their small intestine.

" We have always known that NSAIDs can cause potentially deadly stomach

complications, but the extent of the impact on the small intestine was

largely unknown until now, " said Graham, MD, lead study author. " The

introduction of video capsule endoscopy gave us an opportunity to examine

the small intestine and learn that NSAIDs can cause severe damage to this

organ. "

Everyday more than 30 million people take over-the-counter and prescription

NSAIDs for pain relief, headaches and arthritis. Currently, there are about

20 NSAIDs available by prescription only. Many, including ibuprofen,

naproxen, aspirin and ketoprofen are available over the counter.* Although

NSAIDs and aspirin provide great benefit in terms of pain relief and

cardioprotective effects, there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal

complications ranging from stomach pain to ulcers. Moreover, these drugs are

responsible for severe and potentially deadly gastrointestinal problems.

Each year, the side effects of long-term NSAID use cause nearly 103,000

hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths. More people die each year from

NSAIDs-related complications than from AIDS and cervical cancer in the

United States.

This study analyzed 43 generally healthy patients, including those who use

NSAIDs daily for relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or

non-specific arthritis, and a control group who did not use NSAIDs or

aspirin for their arthritis symptoms. Results show that 71 percent of those

who were exposed to NSAIDs for more than 90 days had visible injury to their

small intestine. Injury in these people ranged from small erosions to severe

ulcers. Symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion) associated with NSAID use are

common in those who use these drugs long-term.

Study authors are hopeful that the use of video capsule endoscopy will allow

future researchers to determine how often dyspepsia symptoms originate from

small intestine injury and whether NSAID-associated small intestine damage

causing anemia and leakage of blood proteins (hypoalbuminemia) can be

attributed to specific findings visible by capsule endoscopy.

" Diseases of the small intestine contribute significantly to ill-health and

often go undetected or misdiagnosed, " said Graham. " We hope further studies

will determine the clinical significance of our findings which show that

extensive NSAID-related damage to the small intestine occurs more frequently

than previously reported. "

In 2003, the AGA launched the R.E.D.U.C.E. (Risk Education to Decrease Ulcer

Complications and Their Effects from NSAIDs) Campaign to help explain the

potentially harmful effects of NSAIDs and how Americans can lower their risk

for serious gastrointestinal problems.

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More information for consumers about the possible risks associated with

NSAIDs is available at www.2reduce.org.