Recent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use increases the risk of early recurrence of bleeding in patients presenting with bleeding ulcer.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use is a well-known risk factor for ulcer formation and ulcer complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether recent NSAID use increases the risk of early recurrence of bleeding in patients who present with bleeding ulcer.

Methods: Clinical and endoscopic data were collected prospectively. Dose, frequency, and duration of recent NSAID use were quantified. Recent NSAID use was defined as consumption of over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs or aspirin for at least 5 days of the 2-week period preceding the index episode of bleeding. Endoscopy was performed within 24 hours of admission to confirm the source of bleeding and endoscopic intervention was applied for stigmata of bleeding. Early recurrence of bleeding was defined as melena, hematochezia or blood per nasogastric tube with a 2 gm or greater decrease in hemoglobin during a period of 48 hours, occurring less than 2 weeks from index episode of bleeding.

Results: One hundred twenty patients (52 NSAID users and 68 nonusers) were enrolled in the study; mean age was 56 years. NSAID users were older than nonusers (p = 0.003); nonusers were more likely to have a history of ulcer disease (p < 0.0005) and higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection (p = 0.05). Recent NSAID use was associated with a significantly higher frequency of early recurrence of bleeding and in-hospital recurrent bleeding compared with nonusers: 19% vs. 6%, p = 0.02, and 17% vs. 6%, p = 0.04, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significant association between recent NSAID use and early recurrence of bleeding persisted (p = 0.0048) while controlling for age and other covariates.

Conclusions: Recent NSAID use predisposes bleeding ulcer patients to early and in-hospital recurrent bleeding, probably via its effects on platelet function, mucosal prostaglandins, and ulcer healing.