Risk factors for anti-inflammatory-drug- or aspirin-induced gastrointestinal complications in individuals receiving outpatient physical therapy services.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, observational research study.

BACKGROUND

Minimal research exists that describes the potential for serious gastrointestinal complications in individuals receiving outpatient physical therapy care.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of risk factors for gastrointestinal complications induced by anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin in individuals receiving outpatient physical therapy services.

METHODS AND MEASURES: A self-administered questionnaire was used at 65 ambulatory physical therapy clinics to document past medical history, history of present illness, and medication use. Risk factors for anti-inflammatory-drug- or aspirin-induced gastrointestinal complications were identified and the proportion of patients reporting each factor was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 2433 patients completed the survey. Of the 2311 evaluable patients included in the study, 78.6% reported over-the-counter or prescribed use of an anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin during the week prior to the survey. Forty-nine percent of the patients reported at least 1 risk factor for drug-induced gastrointestinal complications, while 12.9% reported 2 or more risk factors. The most frequently reported established risk factors among anti-inflammatory drug or aspirin users were (1) combination (dual) therapy (22.3% reported concomitant use of anti-inflammatory and aspirin therapy), (2) advanced age (15.7% were over the age of 61 years), (3) history of peptic ulcer disease (7.8% had a history of peptic ulcer disease), and (4) significant systemic illness (6.8% reported having rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease). A frequently encountered risk factor combination was advanced age with a history of peptic ulcer disease (12.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients seen at physical therapy ambulatory clinics present with multiple risk factors for anti-inflammatory-drug- or aspirin-induced gastrointestinal complications and provide a potential opportunity for risk reduction by clinicians working in this environment.