Tolerance of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine whether use of nonsteroidal antiinflammator y drugs (NSAIDs) in an outpatient inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) populati on is associated with an increased likelihood of active disease. METHODS: We reviewed records of initial outpatient visits of IBD patients t o the principal author from June 1995 to December 1997, with regard to use of aspirin and other NSAIDs and disease activity. RESULTS: Of 40 Crohn's patients seen with active disease, three (7.5%) were using NSAIDs; 14 of 72 (19.4%) Crohn's patients seen with inactive disease were using NSAIDs. Fifty-eight ulcerative colitis patients were seen with active disease, with eight (13.7%) using NSAIDs. Among 21 UC patients initi ally seen while in remission, five (23.8%) were using NSAIDs. CONCLUSIONS: Among this group of outpatients, NSAID use was not associated with a higher likelihood of active IBD. NSAID use in IBD deserves further s tudy before recommending that patients refrain from their use under all cir cumstances. (C) 2000 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.