Histamine 2 receptor antagonists vs intravenous proton pump inhibitors in a pediatric intensive care unit: a comparison of gastric pH

Association between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Previous Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Nested Case-Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort

The present nested case−control study evaluated the impact of previous proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescription on the risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). A ≥40-year-old Korean population was included. A total of 34,441 patients with BPPV was matched with 137,764 comparison participants for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Previous histories of PPI use and PPI prescription dates were compared between the BPPV and comparison groups. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PPI use for BPPV were calculated using a logistic regression. The demographic and socioeconomic factors and comorbidities were adjusted in the adjusted model. Both current and past PPI users were associated with higher odds for BPPV than non-PPI users (adjusted OR (aOR) = 3.57, 95% CI = 3.33−3.83, and p < 0.001 for current PPI users and aOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.64−1.89, and p < 0.001 for past PPI users). In addition, longer dates of PPI use were related to higher odds for BPPV (aOR (95% CI) = 1.95 [1.81−2.10] for ≥1 day and <30 days of PPI prescription, <2.88 [2.68−3.10] for ≥30 days and <365 days of PPI prescription, and <3.45 [3.19−3.73] for ≥365 days of PPI prescription). PPI use was linked with an elevated risk of BPPV in the adult population. The odds for BPPV were higher in patients with a longer duration of PPI use.

Interactions between epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and proton-pump inhibitors/histamine type-2 receptor antagonists in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are increasingly used for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as first-line therapy. The bioavailability and efficacy of oral EGFR-TKIs could be affected by acid suppression (AS) therapy such as PPIs and H2RAs which are reported to be over-prescribed. Hence, there is a need to investigate the effect of AS on the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse effect profile in patients treated with EGFR TKIs.

Methods

An electronic database search of Medline and Embase was performed following PRISMA guidelines on 17 January 2021. Studies analyzing interactions between EGFR TKIs and PPIs/H2RAs in NSCLC patients were included. Abstracts, non-English or non-Japanese studies or studies using non-EGFR TKIs were excluded. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using generic inverse variance random effects model. Effect sizes for dichotomous variables were pooled using Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. Significance was considered at P≤0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran Q-test and I2 test. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots. The assessment of quality and risk of bias of randomized and non-randomized studies were undertaken with RoB 2 and the ROBINS-I tool respectively.

Results

Out of 1,173 potentially relevant articles, 14 articles were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of AS in patients taking EGFR TKI was 30.71% in 4,010 individuals. Patients who were treated only with EGFR TKI had significantly better OS (HR =1.46, 95% CI: 1.27–1.72; P<0.00001) and PFS (HR =1.63, 95% CI: 1.35–1.98; P<0.00001). The OS for EGFR mutation positive patients only was as similarly significant as the OS in all patients taking EGFR TKI, while the PFS in mutation positive patients was significantly worsened with AS. PPIs resulted in a significantly worsened OS and PFS but H2RAs did not produce significantly different OS and PFS between AS and non-AS users. There were no significant differences in the incidence of rash (OR =0.81, 95% CI: 0.50–1.32; P=0.40), diarrhoea (OR =1.03, 95% CI: 0.63–1.67; P=0.91) or other adverse effects.

Conclusions

Co-administration of AS medications with first-generation EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC worsens survival outcomes. Physicians should only prescribe AS medications when absolutely clinically indicated.

Reassessing the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Histamine-2 Antagonists in Critically Ill Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the associations of stress ulcer prophylaxis with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, nosocomial pneumonia (NP), mortality, and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies in the English language assessing the effects of proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists on patients in the PICU published before October 2018 from the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. A random-effects Mantel-Haenszel risk difference (MHRD) model was used to pool all the selected studies for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were the incidences of GI bleeding and NP. Secondary outcomes included mortality and length of PICU stay.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (4 RCTs and 13 observational studies) with a total of 340 763 patients were included. The overall incidence of GI bleeding was 15.2%. There was no difference in the risk of GI bleeding based on stress ulcer prophylaxis status (MHRD, 5.0%; 95% CI, -1.0% to 11.0%; I² = 62%). There was an increased risk of NP in patients who received stress ulcer prophylaxis compared with those who did not (MHRD, 5.3%; 95% CI, 3.5%-7.0%; I² = 0%). An increased risk of mortality was seen in patients receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis (MHRD, 2.1%; 95% CI, 2.0%-2.2%; I² = 0%), although this association was no longer found when 1 large study was removed in a sensitivity analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of PICU stay between the groups (standardized mean difference, 0.42 days; 95% CI, -0.16 to 1.01 days; I² = 89.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Stress ulcer prophylaxis does not show a clear benefit in reducing GI bleeding or length of PICU stay. Observational studies suggest an increased risk of NP and mortality with stress ulcer prophylaxis, which remains to be validated in clinical trials.

Possible Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Hearing Loss Development

Considered safe and often available as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are one of the most frequently used medicines. Over recent years much research analyzing PPI has been conducted and these studies shed light on PPI side effects and the mechanisms of these processes. In this study we summarize the findings of these studies and through deduction present some hypotheses on the impact of PPI on health. Of particular interest is the impact of PPI on hearing loss development. However, despite this side effect being localized, its mechanisms are complex, systemic and involve changes in whole body. This paper summarizes how through, inter alia, alterations in the circulatory system, respiratory system, central nervous system and metabolism PPI can cause hearing impairment, which can occur in every age group and is connected with long-term use of this group of drugs. This article also discusses the role PPI plays in the acceleration of presbycusis development, in relation to the fact that older people are the group who most frequently use PPI in long term. Hearing loss negatively impacts affects quality of life, especially among older patients who are also the most afflicted group; administration of PPI should therefore be considered carefully, taking into consideration all potential benefits and side effects.

Interventions for preventing upper gastrointestinal bleeding in people admitted to intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to stress ulcers contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in people admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Stress ulceration refers to GI mucosal injury related to the stress of being critically ill. ICU patients with major bleeding as a result of stress ulceration might have mortality rates approaching 48.5% to 65%. However, the incidence of stress-induced GI bleeding in ICUs has decreased, and not all critically ill patients need prophylaxis. Stress ulcer prophylaxis can result in adverse events such as ventilator-associated pneumonia; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate strategies that safely decrease the incidence of GI bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect and risk-benefit profile of interventions for preventing upper GI bleeding in people admitted to ICUs.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to 23 August 2017, using relevant search terms: MEDLINE; Embase; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature; and the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Disease Group Specialised Register, as published in the Cochrane Library (2017, Issue 8). We searched the reference lists of all included studies and those from relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses to identify additional studies. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform search portal and contacted individual researchers working in this field, as well as organisations and pharmaceutical companies, to identify unpublished and ongoing studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs with participants of any age and gender admitted to ICUs for longer than 48 hours. We excluded studies in which participants were admitted to ICUs primarily for the management of GI bleeding and studies that compared different doses, routes, and regimens of one drug in the same class because we were not interested in intraclass effects of drugs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures as recommended by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 2292 unique records.We included 129 records reporting on 121 studies, including 12 ongoing studies and two studies awaiting classification.We judged the overall risk of bias of two studies as low. Selection bias was the most relevant risk of bias domain across the included studies, with 78 studies not clearly reporting the method used for random sequence generation. Reporting bias was the domain with least risk of bias, with 12 studies not reporting all outcomes that researchers intended to investigate.Any intervention versus placebo or no prophylaxisIn comparison with placebo, any intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on the occurrence of upper GI bleeding (risk ratio (RR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 0.57; moderate certainty of evidence). The use of any intervention reduced the risk of upper GI bleeding by 10% (95% CI -12.0% to -7%). The effect estimate of any intervention versus placebo or no prophylaxis with respect to the occurrence of nosocomial pneumonia, all-cause mortality in the ICU, duration of ICU stay, duration of intubation (all with low certainty of evidence), the number of participants requiring blood transfusions (moderate certainty of evidence), and the units of blood transfused was consistent with benefits and harms. None of the included studies explicitly reported on serious adverse events.Individual interventions versus placebo or no prophylaxisIn comparison with placebo or no prophylaxis, antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, and sucralfate were effective in preventing upper GI bleeding in ICU patients. Researchers found that with H2 receptor antagonists compared with placebo or no prophylaxis, 11% less developed upper GI bleeding (95% CI -0.16 to -0.06; RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.70; 24 studies; 2149 participants; moderate certainty of evidence). Of ICU patients taking antacids versus placebo or no prophylaxis, 9% less developed upper GI bleeding (95% CI -0.17 to -0.00; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.99; eight studies; 774 participants; low certainty of evidence). Among ICU patients taking sucralfate versus placebo or no prophylaxis, 5% less had upper GI bleeding (95% CI -0.10 to -0.01; RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.88; seven studies; 598 participants; moderate certainty of evidence). The remaining interventions including proton pump inhibitors did not show a significant effect in preventing upper GI bleeding in ICU patients when compared with placebo or no prophylaxis.Regarding the occurrence of nosocomial pneumonia, the effects of H2 receptor antagonists (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.48; eight studies; 945 participants; low certainty of evidence) and of sucralfate (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.04; four studies; 450 participants; low certainty of evidence) were consistent with benefits and harms when compared with placebo or no prophylaxis. None of the studies comparing antacids versus placebo or no prophylaxis provided data regarding nosocomial pneumonia.H2 receptor antagonists versus proton pump inhibitorsH2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are most commonly used in practice to prevent upper GI bleeding in ICU patients. Proton pump inhibitors significantly more often prevented upper GI bleeding in ICU patients compared with H2 receptor antagonists (RR 2.90, 95% CI 1.83 to 4.58; 18 studies; 1636 participants; low certainty of evidence). When taking H2 receptor antagonists, 4.8% more patients might experience upper GI bleeding (95% CI 2.1% to 9%). Nosocomial pneumonia occurred in similar proportions of participants taking H2 receptor antagonists and participants taking proton pump inhibitors (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.35; 10 studies; 1256 participants; low certainty of evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that antacids, sucralfate, and H2 receptor antagonists might be more effective in preventing upper GI bleeding in ICU patients compared with placebo or no prophylaxis. The effect estimates of any treatment versus no prophylaxis on nosocomial pneumonia were consistent with benefits and harms. Evidence of low certainty suggests that proton pump inhibitors might be more effective than H2 receptor antagonists. Therefore, patient-relevant benefits and especially harms of H2 receptor antagonists compared with proton pump inhibitors need to be assessed by larger, high-quality RCTs to confirm the results of previously conducted, smaller, and older studies.

Testing Placement of Gastric Feeding Tubes in Infants

BACKGROUND

Inadvertent positioning of a nasogastric tube in the lung can cause serious complications, so identifying methods to detect improperly inserted tubes is imperative.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 4 pH cut points (< 4.0, < 4.5, < 5.0, and < 5.5) in differentiating gastric and tracheal aspirates under various treatment conditions and to explore the utility of a pepsin assay for distinguishing between gastric and tracheal aspirates.

METHODS

Gastric and tracheal aspirates were collected from critically ill infants undergoing mechanical ventilation who had nasogastric or orogastric feeding tubes. Aspirates were tested with colorimetric pH indicators and a rapid pepsin assay. Information about treatment conditions was obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

Two hundred twelve gastric aspirates and 60 tracheal aspirates were collected from 212 patients. Sensitivity was highest and specificity was lowest at the gastric aspirate pH cut point of less than 5.5. Positive predictive values were 100% at all pH cut points less than 5.0. Negative predictive values were higher at the pH cut point of less than 5.0 than at cut points less than 4.5. A higher percentage of pepsin-positive readings was found in gastric aspirates (88.3%) than in tracheal aspirates (5.4%).

CONCLUSION

For a desired positive predictive value of 100%, a pH cut point of less than 5.0 provides the best negative predictive values, regardless of gastric acid inhibitor administration and feeding status. The pepsin assay is promising as an additional marker to distinguish gastric from tracheal aspirates.

The pH of Feeding Tube Aspirates From Critically Ill Infants

BACKGROUND

The extent to which gastric acid inhibitors and feedings affect gastric pH in infants is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare pH values of gastric aspirates from infants according to use or no use of gastric acid inhibitors and feedings.

METHODS

Colorimetric pH tests were used to measure the pH of aspirates from feeding tubes in 54 critically ill infants; 29 of the gastric aspirates were from infants who did not receive acid inhibitors or feedings, 13 were from infants who received acid inhibitors but no feedings, 3 were from infants who received feedings but no acid inhibitors, and 5 were from infants who received both acid inhibitors and feedings. The remaining 4 feeding tubes were in nongastric sites.

RESULTS

Individual pH readings of 5.5 or less were found in 97% of the gastric aspirates from infants with no recent feedings or acid inhibitors, 77% of the gastric aspirates from infants who received acid inhibitors, and 67% of the gastric aspirates from infants with recent feedings. Among 2 esophageal aspirates and 2 duodenal aspirates, 1 of each type had a pH less than 5.5. A pH cut point of 5.5 or less did not rule out esophageal or duodenal placement.

CONCLUSIONS

The pH of gastric aspirates from critically ill infants is often 5.5 or less, regardless of the use of acid inhibitors, feedings, or both. Most likely a cut point of 5.5 or less would rule out respiratory placement because tracheal pH is typically 6.0 or higher.

Gastric Acid Suppressant Prophylaxis in Pediatric Intensive Care: Current Practice as Reflected in a Large Administrative Database

OBJECTIVES

Stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding may occur in PICU patients. Raising gastric pH with acid suppressant medications is the accepted treatment. We describe the use of histamine 2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors and associated factors among a national sample of PICU patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis using Pediatric Health Information System clinically detailed administrative database.

SETTING

Forty-two children's hospitals throughout the United States.

PATIENTS

All hospitalizations for all patients 20 years old or younger, admitted directly to a PICU, from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2011.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The exposure of interest was treatment with a histamine 2 receptor blocker, proton pump inhibitor, or both on the first day of PICU admission. Demographics, principal and additional diagnoses, and procedure codes were assessed. For each hospitalization, principal diagnosis, coagulation disorder, head trauma, spinal trauma, severe burns, sepsis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical ventilation, blood product transfusion, and 10 complex chronic conditions were identified. The frequency of principal diagnoses was determined to identify the most prevalent PICU diseases. Acid suppressant use was categorized as high or low. Three hundred and thirty-six thousand ten inpatient hospitalizations were sampled. Histamine 2 receptor blocker or proton pump inhibitor was used in 60.0%, with histamine 2 receptor blocker alone in 70.4%, proton pump inhibitor alone in 17.8%, and both agents in 11.8%. Use increased over the sample years 2007 through 2011. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 1.32% of hospitalizations with transfusion needed in 0.1%. Among most prevalent diagnoses, histamine 2 receptor blocker and proton pump inhibitor use ranged from 33% to 87%. Sepsis, coagulopathy, and mechanical ventilation identified higher use. Use of histamine 2 receptor blocker or proton pump inhibitor among hospitals varied considerably ranging from 28% to 87%.

CONCLUSIONS

Histamine 2 receptor blocker and proton pump inhibitor are prescribed in most PICU patients, but significant variation exists across health conditions and hospitals. Institutional preferences likely influence variation. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is infrequent in the current era. Study data limitations prevent examination of associations between medication use and patient outcomes.

Proton pump inhibitor usage and the associated risk of pneumonia in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious medical problem and public health issue in Taiwan. Gastrointestinal symptoms frequently occur in patients with CKD, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have therapeutic indications for gastrointestinal disorders involving excessive acid production. However, PPIs may also increase the risk of developing pneumonia through acute and irreversible gastric acid suppression. This study aimed to characterize differences in the risk of pneumonia in patients with CKD who use PPIs.

METHODS

This population-based case-control cohort study in Taiwan collected data from the Taiwan Health Insurance Research Database. Cases studied consisted of all patients in the database with an initial diagnosis of CKD during the 5-year period from 1997 to 2002. Each patient with CKD who used PPIs during this 5-year period was tracked to identify the occurrence of any type of pneumonia. We estimated the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) by using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The adjusted HR of the risk of pneumonia for patients with CKD using PPIs was 2.21 (95% CI = 1.59-3.07, p < 0.001). The risk of pneumonia was found to be positively associated with administration of PPIs. We observed a greater risk of pneumonia in patients with CKD using PPIs than in patients not using PPIs.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggest that use of PPIs in CKD patients may be associated with increasing the risk of pneumonia. Physicians should exercise caution while prescribing PPIs for patients with CKD.

0.5 mg/kg versus 1 mg/kg of intravenous omeprazole for the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill children: a randomized study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of 2 doses of intravenous omeprazole on gastric pH, gastrointestinal bleeding, and adverse effects in critically ill children.

STUDY DESIGN

We undertook a prospective randomized clinical trial in critically ill children at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The effect of 2 intravenous omeprazole regimens (0.5 or 1 mg/kg every 12 hours) on the gastric pH and incidence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage was compared. The efficacy criteria were a gastric pH >4 and the absence of clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding.

RESULTS

Forty patients, 20 in each treatment group, were studied. Overall, the gastric pH was greater than 4 for 57.8% of the time, with no difference between the doses (P = .66). The percentage of time with a gastric pH > 4 increased during the study (47.8% between 0 and 24 hours vs 76% between 24 and 48 hours, P = .001); the greater dose showed a greater increase in the percentage of time with a pH > 4: between hours 24 and 48 of the study, the gastric pH was greater than 4 for 84.5% of the time with the 1 mg/kg dose and for 65.5% of the time with the 0.5 mg/kg dose (P = .036). Plasma omeprazole levels were greater with 1 mg/kg dose, but no correlation was found between omeprazole plasma levels and gastric pH. No toxic adverse effects were detected, and there was no clinically significant bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Neither of the 2 omeprazole regimens achieved adequate alkalinization of the gastric pH during the first 24 hours. Between 24 and 48 hours, the 1 mg/kg dose maintained the gastric pH greater than 4 for a greater percentage of the time.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease in healthy older children and adolescents

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in otherwise healthy older children and adolescents is commonly encountered in pediatric clinics and poses a complex treatment problem involving changes of diets and lifestyle. After an initial history taking and a physical examination, typical symptoms of GERD in older children and adolescenct are initially treated with the trials of acid suppressants. With an increase of severe cases, more and more GERD children have been evaluated with endoscopy, which helps to delineate an erosive esophagitis from a non-erosive reflux disease as they are presumed to have different pathogenesis. For the pediatric patients without a significant underlying disease, a reflux esophagitis can be treated adequately with acid suppressants. Recently, the rapid increase of children who are taking anti-reflux medication has brought up a serious alarm among pediatricians. Some at risk pediatric patients with recurrent and/or chronic GERD have been linked to adulthood GERD. In this paper, pediatric GERD with and without erosive esophagitis was reviewed along with treatment options and issues specifically for the otherwise healthy older children and adolescents in the primary clinics or the secondary hospitals.

Update on Peptic Ulcers in the Pediatric Age

Background. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in children is reported worldwide, although it is relatively rare as compared with adults. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a common cause of PUD in the pediatric age. Other risk factors include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and stressful events. Aim. To critically review the evidence on epidemiology, diagnostic management, and available treatments for PUD in the pediatric age. Methods. A MEDLINE search was performed indicating keywords as “Peptic Ulcer Disease,” “Epidemiology,” “Pediatric,” “Helicobacter pylori,” “Gastric ulcer,” “Bulbar Ulcer,” and “Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.” A selection of clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses within the time period 2002–2012 was performed. Results. PUD in children is reported worldwide with an estimated frequency of 8.1% in Europe and of 17.4% in the US. When the underlying cause of PUD is addressed, the prognosis is excellent. Standard triple therapy, bismuth-based quadruple therapy, and the sequential therapy represent the current recommended treatments for HP related ulcers. NSAIDs related ulcers are treated by stopping the causative medications and by administration of proton-pump inhibitors or antisecretory drugs. Conclusions. PUD still represents a major concern in the paediatric age. A careful differential diagnosis and an adequate treatment constitute an excellent prognosis.

Anti-acid medication as a risk factor for food allergy

An important feature for oral allergens is their digestion-resistance during gastrointestinal transit. For some oral allergens, digestion stability is an innate feature, whereas digestion-labile antigens may only persist in times of impairment of the digestive system. In this review, we collect evidence from mouse and human studies that besides the inherent molecular characteristics of a food protein, the stomach function is decisive for the allergenic potential. Gastric acid levels determine the activation of gastric pepsin and also the release of pancreatic enzymes. When anti-ulcer drugs inhibit or neutralize gastric acid, they allow persistence of intact food allergens and protein-bound oral drugs with enhanced capacity to sensitize and elicit allergic reactions via the oral route. Mouse studies further suggest that maternal food allergy arising from co-application of a food protein with anti-acid drugs results in a Th2-biased immune response in the offspring. Especially, anti-ulcer drugs containing aluminum compounds act as Th2 adjuvants. Proton pump inhibitors act on proton secretion but also on expression of the morphogen Sonic hedgehog, which has been related to the development of atrophic gastritis. On the other hand, atrophic gastritis and resulting hypoacidity have previously been correlated with enhanced sensitization risk to food allergens in elderly patients. In summary, impairment of gastric function is a documented risk factor for sensitization against oral proteins and drugs.

Prospective, randomized comparison of lansoprazole suspension, and intermittent intravenous famotidine on gastric pH and acid production in critically ill neurosurgical patients

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of studies comparing stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) agents in high-risk neurosurgical patients.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized study, critically ill neurosurgical patients received lansoprazole 30 mg suspension via NG/NJ tube daily or famotidine 20 mg IV q12 h for SUP. Gastric pH and residual volumes were recorded for 3 days and adverse events for 7 days after admission.

RESULTS

There were 51 patients randomized to lansoprazole (n = 28) or famotidine (n = 23) who received SUP for ≥ 3 days. All patients had at least two risk factors for SRMD, and 75% had a baseline GCS < 9. On day 1 of therapy, more famotidine patients had a gastric pH ≥ 4 at least 80% of the time as compared to lansoprazole patients (74 vs. 36%, P = 0.01, respectively); however, there was no difference on days 2 and 3. Enteral feedings on day 1 predicted a pH ≥ 4 (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentages of time gastric residual volumes < 28 ml (P = NS). Heme-positive aspirates were present in 18-39% of patients (P = NS); one patient receiving famotidine met the criteria for overt bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 17% in the famotidine group and 4% in the lansoprazole group (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgery ICU patients receiving famotidine for SUP achieved a gastric pH ≥ 4 more often than lansoprazole-treated patients, but only on day 1 of the 3-day study period. Both agents were equally effective in reducing gastric acid production. There was no difference in the incidence of mucosal damage and thrombocytopenia.