More Evidence for Minimizing Proton-Pump Inhibitors for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

In a single-center trial, daily PPI use conferred no benefit (or harm).

For many years, stress ulcer prophylaxis has been a standard of care for critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. More recently, concern has grown that proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) might predispose patients to Clostridium difficile infections and pneumonia. In addition, many intensive care units (ICUs) are initiating enteral feeding much earlier to potentially protect against stress ulcers. So, should PPIs be used less frequently?

Investigators enrolled 214 mechanically ventilated patients in a single Australian ICU to receive daily intravenous pantoprazole (40 mg) or placebo for a maximum of 14 days or until mechanical ventilation was discontinued. Patient exclusions included outpatient treatment with acid-suppressing medications,…

Reviewing Author

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

Patricia Kritek, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsATS Scholar

More Evidence for Minimizing Proton-Pump Inhibitors for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

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Reviewing Author