NSAID enteropathy

Abstract

Damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is the most common iatrogenic disease known to man. The term “NSAID enteropathy” describes a specific small intestinal disease caused by NSAID. It is increasingly recognized that small bowel damage caused by these drugs can result in significant morbidity and mortality in patients with arthritis. Recognition that NSAID gastrointestinal damage extends beyond the distal duodenum has allowed clinicians to improve management of these patients with appropriate investigation and treatment. Small bowel endoscopy has proven pivotal in the investigation of patients with suspected NSAID enteropathy and has allowed studies of early pathological changes of NSAID enteropathy in man.