Reduction by enprostil of aspirin-induced blood loss from human gastric mucosa.

Enprostil's ability to protect human gastric mucosa against aspirin-induced damage was investigated in a controlled study. Damage was assessed as blood loss into gastric washings measured spectrophotometrically using orthotolidine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Phenol red was used to correct for recovery rates. Five doses of aspirin, 600 mg, given over 48 hours increased blood loss ninefold compared with placebo. Administration of enprostil 35 micrograms twenty minutes before each dose of aspirin halved this blood loss. After enprostil administration, the pH of both aspirated gastric juice and washings was significantly elevated, suggesting that an antisecretory dose had been used. Increased losses of phenol red occurred following both aspirin and enprostil administration, suggesting enhanced gastric emptying or possible absorption of phenol red as a result of aspirin damage. Side effects related mainly to the alimentary system were associated with enprostil treatment. Enprostil reduced aspirin-induced mucosal blood loss but the mechanism is unclear.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes