What is the treatment for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)-induced colitis?

Treatment of NSAID-Induced Colitis

The first-line treatment for NSAID-induced colitis is discontinuation of the offending NSAID medication. 1, 2, 3

Clinical Presentation

NSAID-induced colitis typically presents with:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Iron deficiency anemia 1

Diagnostic Approach

1. Colonoscopy findings may include:

   • Non-specific inflammation
   • Ulceration
   • Diaphragm-like strictures
   • Sometimes normal appearance 1, 2

2. Histology:

   • Often shows non-specific colitis
   • May occasionally show features of collagenous colitis 4

3. Differential diagnosis:

   • Inflammatory bowel disease
   • Malignancy
   • Infectious colitis 3

Treatment Algorithm

Step 1: Discontinuation of NSAIDs

• Immediate discontinuation of the offending NSAID is the cornerstone of treatment 1, 2, 3
• If possible, completely avoid NSAIDs in patients with a history of NSAID-induced colitis 5
• If pain management is necessary, consider non-NSAID alternatives

Step 2: Medical Management

• Sulphasalazine (4g daily) has been successfully used in treating NSAID-induced colitis 1, 5
• Metronidazole (400mg three times daily) has shown efficacy 1, 2
• For moderate to severe disease, consider corticosteroids such as prednisolone 40mg daily 5

Step 3: Management of Complications

• For strictures: Balloon dilatation may be effective for colonic and ileo-colonic strictures 3
• For severe cases: Surgical intervention may be necessary for:
  • Multiple strictures
  • Life-threatening complications
  • Untreatable symptoms 1, 3

Prevention Strategies

For patients requiring anti-inflammatory therapy who have previously experienced NSAID-induced colitis:

1. Consider alternative analgesics that are not NSAIDs 5

2. If NSAIDs are absolutely necessary:

   • Use the lowest effective dose of the least ulcerogenic NSAID 5
   • Consider COX-2 inhibitors which may have less GI toxicity, though caution is still warranted 5
   • Avoid NSAIDs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease as they may cause relapse 1

3. Gastroprotective strategies:

   • While primarily focused on upper GI protection, gastroprotective agents like PPIs or misoprostol may be considered in high-risk patients requiring NSAIDs 5
   • Note that these agents have not been specifically proven to prevent NSAID-induced colitis

Special Considerations

• Elderly patients are at higher risk for NSAID-induced colitis 6
• Long-term NSAID users have increased risk of developing this complication 6
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease should avoid NSAIDs as they may trigger disease flares 5, 1
• Patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors should use NSAIDs with caution as they may increase the risk of immune-related colitis 5

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Clinical improvement typically occurs within days to weeks after NSAID discontinuation
• Consider follow-up colonoscopy to confirm resolution in cases where the diagnosis was uncertain or complications occurred
• Monitor for resolution of symptoms and normalization of laboratory parameters (hemoglobin, albumin)

NSAID-induced colitis is a rare but potentially serious complication of NSAID therapy that requires prompt recognition and management to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.