HISTOLOGICAL-FINDINGS IN GASTRIC-MUCOSA IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Aims-To identify distinguishing and general histological features rela ted to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Metho ds-Slides from gastric antral biopsies of 50 patients with osteoarthri tis taking NSAID were compared with slides from antral biopsies of 50 control cases matched for age, sex, and race. Semithin sections staine d with toluidine blue were used. Results-Chronic gastritis was seen in 76% of the patients taking NSAID and in 58% of the control cases; act ive inflammation was detected in 10% of the NSAID treated patients and in 24% of the control cases, and it appeared closely related with Hel icobacter pylori infection. Some histological features common to all s lides of patients taking NSAID were recognised. These consisted of foc al erosions of the gastric epithelium and macroerosions, and they seem ed to represent successive steps of a process of ''desquamation''. Con clusions-Some distinguishing morphological aspects appeared prominent; it is suggested that these may be related to the pathogenesis of NSAI D linked peptic ulceration. On the other hand, epithelial damage due t o NSAID appears very different fi om that due to Helicobacter pylori, another important factor involved in the aetiopathogenesis of peptic d isease.