How common are NSAID induced gastritis and peptic ulcers?
Gastritis and peptic ulcers are among the most common side effects of these drugs. Approximately 1% to 2% of patients treated with NSAIDs develop serious GI complications annually (bleeding, perforation, or obstruction) with a hospitalization mortality rate of 5% to 6%. The absolute risk of serious GI complications increases to 5% annually for patients over the age of 65 years. In patients using chronic ASA and another NSAID, the annual risk of serious GI complications is 6% to 8% annually.
Asymptomatic (endoscopically diagnosed) ulcers occur in 30% of chronic NSAID users. Routine stool guaiac testing for blood is insensitive in detecting these ulcers. Unfortunately, over half of all patients who develop significant ulcer complications do not have preceding symptoms.
