Abstract

Background—Most ulcers are caused, one can deduce, by Helicobcter pylori or by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whether both together are worse than one alone is something that is quite unknown.

Aim—To study both factors in order to see whether they interact together positively.

Method—A case control study of ulcer bleeding in elderly patients chosen without weeding.

Results—NSAID usage increased risk substantially. So did H pylori infection (but relative risk less than three). Neither seemed to interact. Their actions were discretely intact.

Conclusion—H pylori effects ulcer bleeding in an adverse manner but does not make the risk of NSAIDs worse.