A comparison of a new slow release aspirin ("slow aspirin") with plain aspirin in the treatment of rheumatoid disease.

In a single centre double-blind crossover study in eighteen patients with established rheumatoid disease, a new slow release aspirin ("slow aspirin") was compared with plain aspirin with respect to patient tolerability and gastric mucosal damage as observed at gastroscopy. "Slow aspirin" was significantly better than plain aspirin with regard to gastroscopic findings. With "slow aspirin", the gastric mucosal appearances were definitely better in eight patients, worse in two, and eight showed no difference. There was a high incidence of gastric ulceration or erosions in the groups as a whole (39%) but few patients complained of dyspepsia. There was little difference in the ability of both plain and "slow aspirin" in controlling the patients' joint symptoms. Evidence has been provided to suggest that "slow aspirin" is less injurious to the gastric mucosa. In an attempt to reduce gastric mucosal damage due to prolonged aspirin treatment it is therefore concluded that "slow aspirin" merits consideration in the management of chronic rheumatoid disease.