QJM · 1986 · 70 citations · 0 references
MedicinePharmacologyPharmacotherapyClinical PharmacologyGastrointestinal PharmacotherapyRheumatologyAnti-inflammatory PharmacologyGastrointestinal InflammationGastrointestinal PharmacologyInflammatory ArthritisInflammatory Bowel DiseaseRheumatoid ArthritisAcute Lower Gastrointestinal BleedingDrug-induced Mucosal InjuryIntestinal Barrier PermeabilityNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug GastropathyNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-induced UlcersRheumatoid Arthritis PharmacotherapySmall Bowel BleedingUlcerative Inflammation
Evidence is presented for a non-specific ulcerative process in the small bowel of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. All three cases presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding; on withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs no further bleeding occurred. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may lead to small bowel ulceration in inhibiting mucosal glycoprotein synthesis and increasing intestinal permeability.