Aging and the alimentary tract The aging stomach: implications for NSAID gastropathy

Over 30 million people worldwide use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) daily, and nearly 50% of these NSAID users are elderly. 2 Numerous human studies have shown that the use of NSAIDs is associated with various gastroduodenal mucosal lesions, sometimes collectively referred to as NSAID gastropathy, and that NSAID gastropathy and its life-threatening complications occur primarily in elderly patients. 6 Overall, the use of NSAIDs increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease, ulcer complications (haemorrhage and/or perforation), and death from ulcer by a factor of between 2 and 4. 5 7 In the United States alone, medical costs attributable to NSAID gastropathy and its complications exceed $4 (£2.4) billion a year. Although increased NSAID use among the elderly is an obvious risk factor, epidemiological data suggest that aging is an independent risk factor for the development of NSAID gastropathy and its complications. 6 8 The aim of this article is to review recent developments in the area of age related changes in gastric physiology that may predispose the elderly to NSAID gastropathy. A better understanding of the age related changes in gastric mucosal functions will help us to develop novel interventions for the treatment and prevention of NSAID induced gastrointestinal injury in susceptible elderly people.