Patterns of use of prophylaxis for stress-related mucosal disease in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Wesam Frandah, Jane Colmer-Hamood, Kenneth Nugent, Rishi Raj*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Morbidity associated with stress ulcer-related bleeding, the cost of medications, and the possible complications associated with stress ulcer prophylaxis are important considerations when prescribing prophylaxis. We prospectively studied the prescription patterns for stress ulcer prophylaxis in patients admitted to our ICU. Methods: We prospectively recorded the indications for stress ulcer prophylaxis and prescription patterns for use based on the American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists criteria and other indications for 99 new intensive care unit (ICU) admissions to a tertiary referral center. Results: In all 51 patients had no indication for stress ulcer prophylaxis, 32 had 1 indication, 14 had 2 indications, and 2 patients had 3 indications for receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis in the ICU. Eighty-two percent of patients without any indications received stress ulcer prophylaxis; 81% of patients with 1 indication, 79% of patients with 2 indication, and 50% of patients with 3 indications received stress ulcer prophylaxis. Overall, 53% of patients either received stress ulcer prophylaxis when none was indicated or did not receive stress ulcer prophylaxis when it was indicated. We also review the recent literature on stress-related mucosal disease and the use of prophylaxis for stress-related mucosal disease. Conclusions: Stress ulcer prophylaxis administration in this ICU is inconsistent and includes both underutilization and overutilization. Educating physicians and implementing hospital protocols could improve use patterns.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)96-103
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • intensive care
  • prophylaxis
  • proton pump inhibitors
  • stress ulcers
  • use patterns

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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