The prevalence of risk factors for gastrointestinal complications and use of gastroprotection among persons hospitalized for cardiovascular disease.
BACKGROUND
Aspirin is often used in patients with cardiovascular disease, but it can also cause gastrointestinal complications. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications in aspirin users with a history of gastrointestinal complications.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal risk factors in aspirin users and the prevalence of proton pump inhibitor utilization in high-risk patients.


METHODS
We reviewed all patients admitted to hospital between April and October 2004 with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. We collected data on demographics, medication use, comorbid illnesses, previous gastrointestinal complications, and medication use on admission and discharge.


RESULTS
A total of 324 patients were admitted with cardiovascular disease of whom 94% were discharged on aspirin. Seventy-eight per cent of patients admitted had at least one gastrointestinal risk factor in addition to having cardiovascular disease, and 15% had three or more additional gastrointestinal risk factors. Patients with additional gastrointestinal risk factors were more likely to be prescribed proton pump inhibitor therapy (27% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). Only 10% of proton pump inhibitor-naíve high-risk aspirin users were prescribed a proton pump inhibitor upon discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of high-risk aspirin users are not receiving proton pump inhibitors for gastroprotection. Further work is required to encourage providers to consider the use of gastroprotective strategies in appropriate patients.
Targownik
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LE
Section of Gastroenterology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. targowni@cc.umanitoba.ca
Al-Mamfud
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A
D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin