Healing of aspirin-associated peptic ulcer disease despite continued salicylate ingestion.

Patients who have rheumatic disease and who are undergoing long-term aspirin therapy have a high incidence of peptic ulcer disease. Whether it is possible to heal long-term aspirin-related peptic ulcer disease if aspirin intake is continued is unknown. Nine patients with rheumatic disease who were receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who had 15 endoscopically verified gastric and/or duodenal ulcers were studied. Patients were treated daily with 1,200 mg of cimetidine plus at least 120 mL of antacid (Mylanta II), while continuing aspirin therapy at the same dose and type. By eight weeks, 14 ulcers had healed. This study shows that some aspirin-associated peptic ulcers can be healed, despite continued aspirin intake, by intensive medical therapy aimed at lowering intragastric acidity.