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Breast Surgery

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Weighing risks and benefits of stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients

Weighing risks and benefits of stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients.  Critical care, Oct 2012, Vol. 16(5): 322.

Chanpura, T. & Yende, S.

http://ccforum.com/content/16/5/322

Recent observational studies suggest that bleeding from stress ulceration is extremely uncommon in intensive care unit patients. Furthermore, the risk of bleeding may not be altered by the use of acid suppressive therapy. Early enteral tube feeding (initiated within 48 h of intensive care unit admission) may account for this observation. Stress ulcer prophylaxis may, however, increase the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia and Clostridia difficile infection.

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