Perforated gastric ulcer in an asthmatic treated with theophylline and steroids. Case report and literature review.

We presented a patient with status asthmaticus treated with a combination of theophylline and prednisone who developed a perforated gastric ulcer. The relative etiologic significance of the stress of status asthmaticus, administration of theophylline, or corticosteroids is open to question. The literature, except for anecdotal reports, does not support a significant increase of ulcers in asthmatic patients on either theophylline or steroids. A study following large patient groups on theophylline and a combination of theophylline and steroids might clarify the risk of ulcer formation in patients being treated with these medications for asthma.