Variability in the risk of major gastrointestinal complications from nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Abstract

Background: We have assessed the extent to which the risk of serious gastrointestinal complications from nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NANSAIDs) varies with the age and sex of recipients, use of aspirin or alcohol, administration by the oral or rectal route, and dose and choice of drug. Methods: A case-control study was performed with prospective recruitment of cases of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer perforation and age- and sex-matched controls. Information on preadmission drug use obtained by structured interview. Results: Six hundred forty-four patients and 1268 controls were recruited. The odds ratio for upper gastrointestinal complications in users compared with n..