Synergism between Prior Anisakis simplex Infections and Intake of NSAIDs, on the Risk of Upper Digestive Bleeding: A Case-Control Study
2011

Anisakis Infections and Upper Digestive Bleeding Risk

Sample size: 865 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Ubeira Florencio M., Anadón Ana M., Salgado Angel, Carvajal Alfonso, Ortega Sara, Aguirre Carmelo, López-Goikoetxea María José, Ibanez Luisa, Figueiras Adolfo

Primary Institution: University of Santiago de Compostela

Hypothesis

Does prior Anisakis infections increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients taking NSAIDs?

Conclusion

Prior Anisakis infection is an independent risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and its joint effect with NSAIDs is significantly higher than their individual effects.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prior Anisakis infections increased UGIB risk by 1.74 times.
  • NSAID intake increased UGIB risk by 6.63 times.
  • The combined effect of Anisakis and NSAIDs increased UGIB risk by 14 times.

Takeaway

Eating raw or undercooked fish can lead to infections that might cause serious stomach bleeding, especially if you also take certain painkillers.

Methodology

A hospital-based case-control study with 215 UGIB cases and 650 controls, assessing the relationship between Anisakis infections and NSAID intake.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias in control group recruitment.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential confounding factors and the individual effects of specific NSAIDs were not analyzed.

Participant Demographics

Majority were male, with a mean age of 65 years for cases and 63 years for controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.10 to 2.75 for Anisakis; 95% CI: 4.21 to 10.43 for NSAIDs

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001214

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