Esomeprazole Prevents Aspirin-Induced Ulcers

Esomeprazole Prevents Aspirin-Induced Ulcers
Posted 12/18/2008

Long-term low-dose aspirin is commonly used to prevent cardiovascular events, but it produces its own risks, gastroduodenal ulcers, and esophagitis. Twelve investigators from Australia report in The American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2008[1] the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 20 mg daily of esomeprazole in 991 such patients at risk. Endpoints were recognition of gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophageal lesions, and associated symptoms. Over a 26-week period of study, 5.4% of the placebo group and only 1.6% of the treatment group developed ulcer disease while 18.3% and only 4.4%, respectively, developed erosive esophagitis and related symptoms. These differences are significant. Daily esomeprazole does help prevent these adverse GI effects in a population of long-term takers of low-dose aspirin.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585189