Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Metropolitan Lima

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This investigation was prospective, descriptive and analytical. We evaluated patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the gastroenterological services of the Edgardo Rebagliati, Hipólito Unanue, Dos de Mayo and Cayetano Heredia Hospitals, in Lima-Peru. Patients with chronic liver diseases or variceal hemorrhage were excluded. The statistics tests were calculated using Microsoft Excel and Epiinfo Program. Over the 13-month period a total of 117 patients were enrolled (77 men and 40 women); the average age was of 57.86 years (range: 14-85 years) 63 (54%) were taking NSAIDs; 60% were given aspirin, 28.5% ibuprofen 15.8% diclofenac (and 15.8% naproxen; 31% were taking simultaneously various NSAIDs; 65% was over 60 years old. More prescriptions of NSAIDs came from cardiology, internal medicine and rheumatology. However, 55.4% took them without having medical prescription. The most important risk factor was the age over 65 years (p