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Optimal Management of Patients With Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia

Considerations for the Treatment of the Elderly

  • Therapy In Practice
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Abstract

Optimal therapy for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia still remains elusive. Increasing consensus on the definition of non-ulcer dyspepsia may improve the design of clinical trials and result in more effective therapies for this common condition. This paper reviews the investigation, pathophysiology and therapy of non-ulcer dyspepsia in order to formulate management strategies in the elderly.

The best outcome for the patient can be achieved by detailed evaluation, leading to therapy targeted to obvious precipitating factors such as dyspepsia-inducing medications and other aggravating factors such as slow-transit constipation. Pro-kinetics and, to a lesser extent, H2 receptor antagonists are the main medications of choice. Cisapride, the best studied prokinetic, has been withdrawn from the market in certain countries because some patients experienced dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, especially when cisapride was given with potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4. Time spent on reassurance and judicious use of antidepressants for the right patient can help improve symptoms. In the elderly, however, persistent symptoms should be re-evaluated because of the increased incidence of malignancy.

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No funding was used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript. The author has no potential conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the contents of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Gastroenterology, Bromley Hospital, Cromwell Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9AJ, England

    Maxwell A. Asante

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Asante, M.A. Optimal Management of Patients With Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia. Drugs Aging 18, 819–826 (2001). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200118110-00003

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