Increased use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients admitted with gastrointestinal haemorrhage: a multicentre retrospective analysis

Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can adversely affect platelet function and impair haemostasis. Various bleeding complications have been reported in persons taking SSRIs including an increased risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage (GIH). Aim To evaluate SSRI use in patients hospitalized with GIH compared with controls. Methods A retrospective, multicentre case-control study determined use of SSRIs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, clopidogrel, coumadin and enoxaparin in patients admitted with GIH and age- and sex-matched controls. Exclusion criteria included liver disease, portal hypertension or bleeding diathesis. Results A total of 579 cases were matched with 1000 controls. SSRI use was 19.2% in cases and 13.6% in controls [OR (95% CI) = 1.5 (1.2-2.0); P = 0.003]. NSAIDs were used by 7.3% of cases and 3.8% of controls [OR = 2.0 (1.3-3.1); P = 0.003]. SSRI use was more strongly associated with lower [1.8 (1.2-2.8)] rather than upper [1.3 (0.83-1.9)] GIH. Significant interactions existed for SSRI use with NSAIDs and aspirin. Conclusions Patients admitted with GIH gastrointestinal bleeding were more likely to be taking SSRIs than controls. This association exists for lower as well as upper GIH. Physicians should be aware of this risk particularly in patients already using medications that increase GIH risk.