[Upper gastrointestinal tract lesions in rheumatoid arthritis].
We studied the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions by endoscopy, and evaluated the relationship between the lesions and clinical characteristics in 154 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eighty-six (55.8%) had drug-induced ulcers and/or erosions, which were present mostly at the antrum as multiple lesions. A history of gastric ulcer, positive tests for fecal occult blood and progression of anemia were noticed more frequently in the patients with gastric ulcers and/or erosions, compared to those with normal mucosa. Indomethacin and prednisolone (15mg/day) were also used more frequently in the patients with gastric ulcers. Twelve patients showed amyloid depositions in the gastric mucosa, of which 8 patients had gastric ulcers and/or erosions. These results indicate that the incidence of GI tract lesions is significantly high in RA patients and that the endoscopic examination should be performed during the course of RA treatment.
Kikuchi
M
M
Department of Medicine (II), Niigata University School of Medicine.
Sato
T
T
Nakano
M
M
Ozawa
T
T
Yoshida
K
K
Takahashi
C
C
Nakazono
K
K
Murasawa
A
A
Arakawa
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000682:Amyloid / Q000032:analysis; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D010438:Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology
D000682:Amyloid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal