title: Epidemiological aspects of NSAID gastropathy.
abstract: NSAIDs are among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. Unfortunately acute and especially chronic NSAID intake is accompanied by untoward side effects of the digestive system, particularly the gastroduodenal tract. Erosions and ulcers are more common in the stomach, but also the duodenal mucosa can be involved. Elderly patients are the subjects most at risk of developing gastric lesions, which are often asymptomatic. Complications such as bleeding and perforation may suddenly occur, sometimes with a fatal outcome. Epidemiological data and risk factors are reviewed and commented in detail.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva, Istituto Scientifico, Ospedale S. Raffaele, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guslandi
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal