Abstract
Objective To introduce a novel composite endpoint that measures damage to the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract—clinically significant upper and lower GI events (CSULGIE)—in patients with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced GI damage.
Methods We reviewed the data from largescale, multicenter, randomized, clinical trials on lower GI toxicity associated with NSAID use. The rationale for using CSULGIE as a primary endpoint in 2 ongoing trials — the Celecoxib vs Omeprazole and Diclofenac for At-risk Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Patients (CONDOR) trial and the Gastrointestinal Randomized Events and Safety Open-Label NSAID Study (GI-REASONS) — is also discussed.
Results Previous randomized trials focused primarily on damage to the upper GI tract and often neglected the lower GI tract. The CSULGIE endpoint extends the traditional “perforation, obstruction, and bleeding” assessment of upper GI complications by including events in the lower GI tract (small/large bowel) such as perforation, bleeding, and clinically significant anemia.
Conclusion By providing clinicians with a new, descriptive language for adverse events through the entire GI tract, the CSULGIE endpoint has the potential to become a standard tool for evaluating the GI effects of a range of therapies.