Short- and long-term effects of NSAIDs on the gastrointestinal mucosa: complex analysis of benefits and complications prevention

Abstract

The aim: To analyse data from recent studies, dedicated to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); to evaluate the best clinical practice in the use of NSAIDs in order to prevent side effects (SEs) in different clinical scenarios; to optimise treatment of patients at risk of NSAIDs-related SEs. Materials and methods: A comprehensive bibliographic search was performed using the keywords “NSAIDs”, “NSAID gastropathy”, “NSAID enteropathy”, “complications of NSAID therapy”, “cardiovascular disease”, “cardiovascular risk” in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Academy databases. Conclusions: NSAID-induced gastrointestinal lesions are а relevant problem of internal medicine, this is due to the fact that the pathogenic mechanisms of this process are still unclear. All the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) related risk factors(RFs) for gastro- and enterocolonopathies associated with the use of NSAIDs should be taken into consideration by physicians of all specialties. The examination and diagnostic of the GIT should be performed regularly to prevent complications. Uncontrolled, long-lasting, unprescribed NSAID usage should draw the attention of doctors, especially in patients with comorbid states.