Peptic ulcer disease.
OBJECTIVE
This review attempts to contextualize some of the clinically important publications of the last 2 years as they relate to the broad topic of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease, both Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related.


RESULTS
This review includes findings which provide insight with regard to the triaging of dyspeptic subjects, information on new proton pump inhibitor drugs and H. pylori eradication 'rescue regimens'. The 'COX-2 debacle' is discussed and new data relating to the efficacy of co-therapy strategies for the prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy are presented, while the use of antiplatelet agents as 'safe' substitutes for aspirin cardioprophylaxis is questioned. The important issue of proton pump inhibitor safety and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy are addressed.


CONCLUSIONS
The review provides a summary and interpretation of literature pertaining to the above issues, and should provide a point of departure for clinical decision-making relevant to these issues.
Louw
Japie A
JA
Division of Gastroenterology, Queen's University/Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. louwj@hdh.kari.net
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000150:complications*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D017494:Proton Pumps / Q000378:metabolism*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D017494:Proton Pumps