The role of acid suppression in the management and prevention of gastrointestinal hemorrhage associated with gastroduodenal ulcers.

Peptic ulcer bleeding remains a substantial source of morbidity and mortality in the ICU setting. Endoscopic injection with adrenaline and thermocoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for peptic ulcer bleeds. To enhance healing and overcome limitations of endoscopic therapies, acid suppression therapy is recommended. Although results from a few studies do not support their use fully following an episode of acute UGI bleeding, PPIs have been used successfully to lower transfusion requirements and additional surgical procedures, reduce hospital stays, and lower medical costs. H2RAs and PPIs have a rapid onset of action when given intravenously; however, patients quickly become tolerant to the effects of H2RAs, generally requiring increased doses of medication after the first day of administration. PPIs provide persistent acid suppression, maintaining neutral gastric pH, especially during the critical first 72 hours following a bleed. Recent clinical studies further support their use in preventing bleeding in the clinical setting. Controversy exists over the utility of pharmacologically induced acid suppression in critically ill patients at risk for stress ulcers. Comparative pH studies, however, suggest that i.v. PPIs such as pantoprazole are more effective in raising intragastric pH than are H2RAs. Although the clinical benefits of PPIs for stress ulcer prophylaxis have not been established, there is a theoretical framework suggesting that they should be beneficial. Ongoing clinical studies should show whether the theoretical advantage translates into clinically meaningful benefits.