LAUSR

Introduction The proportion of gastroduodenal ulcers caused by drugs is increasing. However, the risk of gastroduodenal ulcer from drugs other than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose aspirin (LDA) is unclear. An association between immunosuppressive drugs and gastroduodenal ulcers has been suggested. We aimed to identify the immunosuppressive drugs and clinical characteristics associated with gastroduodenal ulcers in post-liver transplant patients. Methods The study investigated 119 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy after liver transplantation and two patients were excluded. Clinical characteristics, medications, and endoscopic images were retrospectively reviewed. Results Among 117 post-living donor liver transplant recipients, gastroduodenal ulcers were found in 10 (9.2%) patients. The ulcer group had endoscopically gastritis more frequently (40%) compared with the non-ulcer group (10%). Logistic regression analysis revealed gastritis, NSAIDs use and mycophenolate mofetil were risk factors in the post-liver transplant patients. Among 103 patients not on NSAIDs, eight (7.8%) had peptic ulcer. The most common ulcer site and ulcer shape were the gastric antrum and a circular shape, respectively. All patients in the ulcer group were taking mycophenolate mofetil, which was the only immunosuppressive drug that showed a significant difference between the two groups. Five out of eight ulcer patients (63%) were taking gastric acid suppressants, and gastroduodenal ulcers in post-liver transplant recipients were suggested to be refractory. Conclusion Patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation can develop gastroduodenal ulcers, even with gastric acid suppressant medication. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase the risk of gastroduodenal ulcers compared with other immunosuppressive drugs.