Abstracts from Around the World

Limited observation suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are associated with hemorrhagic complications. Determination of such an association would be important given the widespread use of these medications. It is thought that serotonin is integral in the promotion of platelet aggregation, thereby blocking the uptake of serotonin into platelets could impair normal hemostasis. This study used the comprehensive data repository from Manitoba, Canada. Patients admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were matched to a non-bleeding control group. A modest increase in the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was found (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.89). The addition of SSRIs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) did not significantly increase the risk over use of an NSAID alone. Proton pump inhibitor co-therapy significantly reduced the risk of SSRI-associated upper gastrointestinal bleeding (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16–0.94).