Possible hazard of timed-release aspirin in a patient with pancreatic insufficiency.

An episode of severe small intestinal hemorrhage occurred in a cystic fibrosis 
patient having pancreatic insufficiency and receiving timed- release aspirin therapy for 
disabling hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy. The increased acidity of small intestinal contents 
due to decreased bicarbonate secretion observed in patients with pancreatic insufficiency 
may alter the luminal environment and result in mucosal erosions and/or 
ulcerations in association with the presence of aspirin. Thus, physicians should 
be aware of the possibility that timed-release aspirin causes small intestinal 
hemorrhage in such patients. 