[Clinical features of NSAID-induced small intestinal damage]

Abstract

Various factors have been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of NSAID-induced small intestinal damage. Recent advances in diagnostic methods including video capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy have enabled us to examine the entire small intestine, and we now recognize that prevalence of small intestinal damage in patients taking NSAIDs is high. NSAIDs cause intestinal damage including redness, erosions, and ulcers in both jejunum and ileum. Most of patients with intestinal pathology are asymptomatic, although a few patients present with iron deficiency anemia and/or hypoalbuminaemia. The risk factors for NSAID-induced enteropathy are unknown. Experimental and clinical studies would unravel the mechanism by which NSAIDs injure intestinal mucosa.