indications for life-long acid inhibition therapy

Last reviewed 01/2018

The following are indications for life-long maintenance therapy with inhibitors of acid secretion:

• elderly patients (over 70 years old):
• these patients are often unable to tolerate serious complications e.g. bleeding and perforation
• are unlikely to be fit for major surgery if required

• concomitant disease that renders surgery dangerous

• history of ulcer complication

• history of GI bleed without warning symptoms

• concomitant disease requiring medication which exacerbates ulcer disease e.g. arthritis requiring NSAID therapy

Reference:

1. British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines (2002). Dyspepsia management guidelines