Lowering GI Risks of Low-Dose Antiplatelet Therapy

In a collaborative effort, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association have published an “expert consensus” document on lowering gastrointestinal risks associated with antiplatelet therapy. In the document, the following background information is reviewed:

• Heightened risk for upper GI ulceration that is conferred by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is intensified when low-dose aspirin is added.

• The combination of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor plus low-dose aspirin confers ulcer risk similar to that conferred by nonselective NSAIDs.

• Low-dose aspirin, by itself, imparts risk for upper GI ulceration; such risk is intensified by addition of warfarin or heparin.

• Although not a p…