32 Therefore, clopidogrel usage should be limited to those who required

double anti-platelet agents and should be restricted to a finite duration. As in the case of NSAIDs, prescription or discontinuation of aspirin and anti-platelet drugs in high-risk patients should always be a balance between harm and benefit. If these drugs were discontinued in patients who require cardio-protection or cerebrovascular protection because of peptic ulcer bleeding, would Dasatinib clinical trial it jeopardize patient survival? How long should anti-platelet agents be discontinued in the post-acute phase of gastrointestinal bleeding to confer sufficient GI protection without exposing patients to risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications? In a randomized study comparing aspirin restarted on day 1 after endoscopy

versus withholding aspirin for 8 weeks until ulcer healing, elderly patients who required aspirin for coronary or cerebral vascular disease were enrolled.33 There was a trend of higher recurrent bleeding with early resumption of aspirin (18%) versus withholding aspirin (12%). However, the mortality rate was significantly higher (10-fold increase) with those who had discontinuation of aspirin for 8 weeks. The important lesson to learn is that anti-platelet agents should be restarted as soon as the patient’s bleeding ulcer

is hemodynamically stabilized and under control. Prolonged discontinuation of an anti-platelet agent will do more harm than good to these patients. As in buy PLX4032 the case of NSAID usage, a balance between the gastrointestinal risk and cardiovascular risk should be evaluated in patients who require long-term anti-platelet therapy. Table 2 is a suggested permutation for clinicians’ reference.34 The past two decades have witnessed tremendous advances in our understanding of peptic ulcer disease. Endoscopic therapy should always be the first-line therapy. Combination with potent acid suppressing agents adds further protection and benefit the control of bleeding. Eradication of H. pylori when 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 found is an undisputable strategy. The use of NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, aspirin and other anti-platelet agents poses new challenges to the management of peptic ulcer bleeding. Striking a balance between the benefit and risk of using these agents should be the most important rule of thumb. I wish to thank my team of physicians, surgeons and nurses at the Prince of Wales Hospital Hong Kong, whom I have been working closely with over the last 20 years for all of these fruitful results. The expedition of research on peptic ulcer bleeding management has been an exciting and rewarding experience.