Evidence-based recommendations for older adults with Helicobacter pylori or those using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Currently, about half the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. This organism is known to cause peptic ulcers and places patients at higher risk for gastric cancer. Older adults are more susceptible to the negative effects of Helicobacter pylori infection. In addition, this population consumes large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and typically demonstrates a high incidence of atrophic gastritis, both of which place them at even higher risk for gastrointestinal disease. Consequently, older adults should be carefully assessed for gastrointestinal irritation, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Age-specific therapy can result in improved outcomes related to a lower incidence of nonadherence with medications, decreasing hospital admissions, lowering costs of care, and increasing quality of life.
Snyder
Deanna
D
Healthcare America, Bradenton, Florida 34210, USA. deanna-barry@tampabay.rr.edu
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004496:Education, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal