Diaphragm-like strictures of the ileum associated with NSAID use: a rare complication

Glycomacropeptide Ameliorates Indomethacin-Induced Enteropathy in Rats by Modifying Intestinal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy is considered a serious and increasing clinical problem without available treatment. Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a 64-amino acid peptide derived from milk κ-casein with numerous biological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GMP on NSAID enteropathy in rats. Enteropathy was induced by seven days oral indomethacin administration. Rats were orally GMP treated from seven days previous and during the establishment of the enteropathy model. Changes in metabolism, hematological and biochemical blood alterations, intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage were analyzed. Integrity barrier markers, macroscopic intestinal damage and survival rate were also evaluated. GMP treatment prevented anorexia and weight loss in animals. Furthermore, prophylaxis with GMP ameliorated the decline in hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin and total protein levels. The treatment had no therapeutic efficacy on the decrease of occludin and mucin (MUC)-2 expression in intestinal tissue. However, GMP markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and CXCL1, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Nitric oxide production and lipid hydroperoxide level in the small intestine were also diminished. These beneficial effects were mirrored by preventing ulcer development and increasing animal survival. These results suggest that GMP may protect against NSAID enteropathy through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Induced Injury to the Small Intestine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) induced enteropathy represents an important complication of one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide. Due to previous diagnostics difficulties the real prevalence of this disease was underestimated for a long time. The pathogenesis of NSAID-enteropathy is more multifactorial and complex than formerly assumed but has still not been fully uncovered. A combination of the local and systemic effect plays an important role in pathogenesis. Thanks to novel enteroscopy methods (wireless capsule endoscopy, double balloon enteroscopy), small bowel lesions are described in a substantial section of NSAID users although most are clinically asymptomatic. The other non-invasive tests (small bowel permeability, faecal calprotectin, scintigraphy using faecal excretion of 111-indium-labelled leukocytes etc.) proposed for diagnostics are not generally used in clinical practice, mainly because of their non-specificity. Despite intensive research into possible treatment, the main measure for patients with NSAID-enteropathy is still withdrawal of NSAIDs. Double balloon enteroscopy plays an important role in the treatment of complications (bleeding, strictures).

NSAID-Induced Enteropathy in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Chronic Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Prospective Capsule Endoscopy Study

Background. The purpose of study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy for NSAID-induced enteropathy and clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic characteristics of disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. 37 rheumatoid arthritis patients (30 women; mean age 55) treated with NSAIDs (>1 month), presented with anaemia and/or positive faecal occult blood testing, entered the study and underwent capsule endoscopy (EndoCapsule; Olympus), laboratory tests, and filled in questionnaires. Results. The prevalence of NSAID-induced enteropathy diagnosed by capsule endoscopy was 68% (25/37), classified as mild (red spots or erosions) in 18 (49%), moderate (10–20 erosions) in 4 (11%), and severe enteropathy (>20 erosions or ulcers) in 3 (8%) patients. We did not find statistically significant relationship between the enteropathy and gender, age, haemoglobin, leukocytes, albumin and CRP, or dyspepsia. The difference between subgroups of NSAIDs according to the COX specificity was not statistically significant. Conclusions. Capsule endoscopy is a highly accurate noninvasive method for evaluation of NSAID-induced enteropathy. It was revealed in a substantial section of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis and occult gastrointestinal bleeding, mostly classified as mild damage. No simple clinical or laboratory markers of the presence or severity of NSAID-induced enteropathy were recognised. This trial is registered with DRKS00004940.

Diaphragm disease of the ileum: an unexpected cause of small bowel obstruction

Diaphragm disease of the intestine is a rare entity that is commonly associated with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage. There are reports on those that also occur without appreciable NSAID usage. Resection and anastomosis of the affected segment is the approved treatment.

Diaphragm disease compared with cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis

As the use of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases, so too do gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, perforation and obstruction. Diaphragm disease of the small intestine is formed by submucosal fibrosis and destruction of lamina muscularis due to chronic ulceration, which corresponds to the most severe stage of NSAID enteropathy. It may lead to stricture of the small intestine. If such ulcerations and strictures in the small intestine are multiple, differential diagnosis is between diaphragm disease and cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis (CMUSE), because the gross findings of diaphragm disease are similar to those of CMUSE. We report a rare case of diaphragm disease caused by NSAID. It has been finally confirmed by capsule endoscopy and the origin of chronic obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was found to be multiple ulcers and strictures in the small intestine. After operation, we diagnosed the patient with diaphragm disease rather than CMUSE.

Diaphragm disease: complete small bowel obstruction after long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use

Diaphragm-like stricture of the small bowel is an infrequent complication of the treatment of patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is part of the spectrum of diseases associated with NSAIDs injury. We report a patient with this condition who had used various forms of NSAIDs for over 20 years. Patient presented with abdominal pain and indigestion. Plain abdominal film revealed small bowel obstruction. Surgical resection of jejunum and proximal part of ileum identified dilated thickened hyperemic mucosa alternating with areas of small bowel fibrotic constriction. The mucosal surface showed multiple pink-tan mucosal folds (circumferential ridges) with focal hemorrhage and edema. Our findings support the local stimulation and damage and reparative process seen with NSAIDs use. A high degree of suspicion and awareness of diaphragm disease is necessary in those patients.

Colon perforation with acute peritonitis after taking clindamycin and diclofenac following wisdom tooth removal

INTRODUCTION

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a high analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and are widely taken for acute and chronic pain. Especially following long-term use, they may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as mucosal ulceration, perforation and strictures in the small and large bowel.

PATIENT

A 16-year-old female developed colonic perforation and purulent peritonitis after wisdom tooth removal and short-term intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

DISCUSSION

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may exert their deleterious effects on the lower gastrointestinal tract through both local and systemic actions. Systemic effects are caused by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and reduction of protective prostaglandins. The local damage of the intestinal mucosa in the distal bowel segments seems to be caused by sustained release formulation with a high enterohepatic circulation. The latter may act time and again on the intestinal mucosa through metabolites secreted in the gallbladder. Concomitant intake of clindamycin may have favoured this acute complication.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal perforation after short-term intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is very rare. However, it is life-threatening and illustrates the need for careful prescribing at as low an effective dose and as short a time as possible, especially when combining different drugs. Paracetamol only has a weak effect on cyclooxygenase and continues to be a possible alternative for postoperative dental pain with a favourable benefit-risk ratio. It is the drug of choice for children, adolescents and patients with an increased risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastro-enteropathy.