Prevalence and clinical impact of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms in subjects treated with low dose aspirin: the UGLA survey.

Background: Upper Gastrointestinal Symtoms (UGS) is a reason for discontinuation in patients treated by Low Dose Aspirin (LDA). The nationwide UGLA survey was designed to evaluate the prevalence and the pattern of UGS in patients on LDA, to assess the independent correlates of UGS and finally to determine their impact on treatment compliance.
Methods: The UGLA survey was carried out on a representative sample of 10,000 subjects aged 50 or over. Prevalence and clinical impact of UGS related to LDA was appraised by standardised multi-choice questions.
Results: A total of 8106 propositus (8106/10,000) accepted to participate in the survey. Among them, 986 (12.2%) were treated with LDA. The prevalence of UGS was 15.4% in subjects on chronic LDA (152/986), 70% being gastroesophageal reflux (GER) (heartburn and/or regurgitation). UGS was reported to occur at least once a week in 60% of propositus (91/152) and daily life was reported to be moderately and severely impaired in 53% (81/152) and 20% (30/152) of them, respectively. UGS impacted compliance to treatment in 12% of propositus with UGS. A prior history of dyspeptic symptoms was predictive of LDA-related UGS (OR: 17.60; CI 95%: 11.52-26.88) whereas neither, gender nor aspirin dosage (ranging from 75 and 325 mg) predicted the occurrence of UGS.
Conclusions: Fifteen percent of patients treated with LDA suffered UGS, mostly GER symptoms which had a negative impact on daily life in 3 out of 4 patients and on treatment compliance in 1 out of 8 patients.
(Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)