Aspirin following GI bleed: To resume or not resume?

Patients with cardiovascular disease on low-dose aspirin who develop peptic-ulcer bleeding have increased risk for recurrent bleeding if they resume taking aspirin, but have a lowered risk of death, according to a small randomised study. The authors conclude that "early resumption" of low-dose aspirin "should be considered" in patients with bleeding ulcers and cardiovascular disease. The study enrolled 156 patients already taking aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events who developed peptic-ulcer bleeding. After diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of the ulcer patients were randomised to low-dose aspirin (80mg daily) or placebo for eight weeks. Patients also all were given a 72-hour infusion of pantoprazole followed by oral pantoprazole....