Prophylactic acid suppressants in children in the intensive care unit: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Sepsis as a Potential Risk Factor for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose: Sepsis is a common and critical condition in intensive care units (ICUs) known to complicate patient outcomes. Previous studies have indicated an association between sepsis and various ICU morbidities, including upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). However, the extent of this relationship and its implications in ICU settings remain inadequately quantified. This study aims to elucidate the association between sepsis and the risk of UGIB in ICU patients. Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, encompassing nine studies with a total of nearly 9000 participants. These studies reported events for both sepsis and nonsepsis patients separately. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess the risk of UGIB in septic versus nonseptic ICU patients. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age and study design, and both unadjusted and adjusted ORs were examined. Results: The pooled OR indicated a significant association between sepsis and UGIB (OR = 3.276, 95% CI: 1.931 to 5.557). Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 43.9%). The association was significant in adults (pooled OR = 4.083) but not in children. No difference in association was found based on the study design. Unadjusted and adjusted ORs differed slightly, indicating the influence of confounding factors. Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals a significant association between sepsis and an increased risk of UGIB in ICU patients, particularly in adults. These findings highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive management of septic ICU patients to mitigate the risk of UGIB. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing tailored preventive strategies.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Associated Infectious Complications in the PICU: Propensity Score Matching Analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure and nosocomial infection (NI) during PICU stay.

DESIGN

Propensity score matched analysis of a single-center retrospective cohort from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018.

SETTING

Tertiary medical and surgical PICU in France.

PATIENTS

Patients younger than 18 years old, admitted to the PICU with a stay greater than 48 hours.

INTERVENTION

Patients were retrospectively allocated into two groups and compared depending on whether they received a PPI or not.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Seven-hundred fifty-four patients were included of which 231 received a PPI (31%). PPIs were mostly used for stress ulcer prophylaxis (174/231; 75%), but upper gastrointestinal bleed risk factors were rarely present (18%). In the unadjusted analyses, the rate of NI was 8% in the PPI exposed group versus 2% in the nonexposed group. After propensity score matching ( n = 184 per group), we failed to identify an association between PPI exposure and greater odds of NI (adjusted odds ratio 2.9 [95% CI, 0.9-9.3]; p = 0.082). However, these data have not excluded the possibility that there is up to nine-fold greater odds of NI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the prevalent use of PPIs in the PICU, and the potential association between PPIs and nine-fold greater odds of NI is not excluded.

Development of an evaluation indicator system for the rational use of proton pump inhibitors in pediatric intensive care units: An application of Delphi method

Proton pump inhibitors are frequently used to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients. But there is little information in the instructions about the usages for children. It is important to monitor the appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors, especially in pediatrics. Therefore, we developed an evaluation indicator system for the rational use of proton pump inhibitors in pediatric intensive care units.First, a systematic review was conducted to developed the initial indicators. Then 2 rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted to collecting opinions from a panel of independent experts, and the indicator system was modified to form the final indicators according to the opinions. Finally, the analytic hierarchy procedure was used to determine the weight of each indicator.A total of 6 guidelines and 2 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on literature and discussion among experts, an initial indicator system including 4 first-rank indicators and 12 second-rank indicators was formed. After 2 rounds of Delphi surveys, 2 indicators were added, 5 indicators were deleted, and 1 indicator was revised, so the final indicator system contained a total of 13 indicators including 3 first-rank indicators (drug selection, drug usage and dosage, duration of drug therapy) and 10 second-rank indicators (the proportion of PPIs used in children, children under 1 year old, children who is using glucocorticoids, children with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, children with gastroesophageal reflux disease, children with sepsis, children with ventilators in PICU; the strength of PPIs' use, the proportion of omeprazole in children using PPIs during the same period; the average days of PPIs used in children). By analyzing scores, all coefficients met the standard, indicating the indicators were scientific and credible.Through a two-round Delphi survey, 3 first-rank indicators and ten second-rank indicators were developed, which will help drug administrative departments to promote the rational use of PPIs for children in PICUs. What is more, our study can constitute a methodological reference for the development of other indicator systems.