Nosocomial pneumonia in intubated patients given sucralfate as compared with antacids or histamine type 2 blockers. The role of gastric colonization

Gram-negative nosocomial pneumonia may result from retrograde colonization of the pharynx from the stomach, and this may be more likely when the gastric pH is relatively high. We studied the rate of nosocomial pneumonia among 130 patients given mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit who were receiving as prophylaxis for stress ulcer either sucralfate (n = 61), which does not raise gastric pH, or conventional treatment with antacids, histamine type 2 (H2) blockers, or both (n = 69). At the time of randomization to treatment, the two groups were similar in age, underlying diseases, and severity of acute illness. Patients in the sucralfate group had a higher proportion of gastric aspirates with a pH less than or equal to 4 (P less than 0.001) and significantly lower concentrations of gram-negative bacilli (P less than 0.05) in gastric aspirates, pharyngeal swabs, and tracheal aspirates than did patients in the antacid-H2-blocker group. The rate of pneumonia was twice as high in the antacid-H2 group as in the sucralfate group (95 percent confidence interval, 0.89 to 4.58; P = 0.11). Gram-negative bacilli were isolated more frequently from the tracheal aspirates of patients with pneumonia who were receiving antacids or H2 blockers. Mortality rates were 1.6 times higher in the antacid-H2 group than in the sucralfate group (95 percent confidence interval, 0.99 to 2.50; P = 0.07). Although our results fell just short of statistical significance when they were analyzed according to intention to treat, they suggest that agents that elevate gastric pH increase the risk of nosocomial pneumonia in patients receiving ventilation by favoring gastric colonization with gram-negative bacilli. We conclude that in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, the use of a prophylactic agent against stress-ulcer bleeding that preserves the natural gastric acid barrier against bacterial overgrowth may be preferable to antacids and H2 blockers.

A comparison of sucralfate and ranitidine for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Canadian Critical Care Trials Group

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation are at increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers. There are conflicting data on the effect of histamine H2-receptor antagonists and the cytoprotective agent sucralfate on rates of gastrointestinal bleeding, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and mortality.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial, we compared sucralfate with the H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 1200 patients who required mechanical ventilation. Patients received either nasogastric sucralfate suspension (1 g every six hours) and an intravenous placebo or intravenous ranitidine (50 mg every eight hours) and a nasogastric placebo.

RESULTS

The patients in the two groups had similar base-line characteristics. Clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 10 of 596 (1.7 percent) of the patients receiving ranitidine, as compared with 23 of 604 (3.8 percent) of those receiving sucralfate (relative risk, 0.44; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.21 to 0.92; P=0.02). In the ranitidine group, 114 of 596 patients (19.1 percent) had ventilator-associated pneumonia, as compared with 98 of 604 (16.2 percent) in the sucralfate group (relative risk, 1.18; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.51; P=0.19). There was no significant difference between the groups in mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) (23.5 percent in the ranitidine group and 22.9 percent in the sucralfate group) or the duration of the stay in the ICU (median, nine days in both groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Among critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation, those receiving ranitidine had a significantly lower rate of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding than those treated with sucralfate. There were no significant differences in the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia, the duration of the stay in the ICU, or mortality.

Comparison of medical and surgical therapy for complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease in veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Study Group

BACKGROUND

Conventional medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease involves life-style modifications and combination drug therapy, but few studies have included these features in their protocols. Antireflux surgery has seldom been studied prospectively, and there have been no trials comparing modern medical and surgical treatments for reflux disease.

METHODS

We conducted a long-term, randomized trial of medical therapy (lifestyle modifications and up to four medications) and surgical therapy (Nissen fundoplication) in 247 patients (243 men and 4 women) with peptic esophageal ulcer, stricture, erosive esophagitis, or Barrett's esophagus. They received by random assignment either continuous medical therapy, medical therapy for symptoms only, or surgical therapy. Symptoms were assessed quarterly with a disease-activity index; esophagoscopy was performed at base line and each year for two years. The outcomes evaluated at one and two years included the activity index, and the endoscopic grade of esophagitis.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available for 176 patients at one year and for 106 patients at two years. The mean (+/- SE) activity-index score (possible range, 74 to 172) decreased in one year from 108 +/- 3 to 87 +/- 2 in the group receiving continuous medical therapy, from 107 +/- 3 to 88 +/- 2 in the group receiving medical therapy for symptoms only, and from 109 +/- 3 to 78 +/- 2 in the surgical-therapy group (P less than 0.0001 for the change from base line, for all comparisons). The mean (+/- SE) grade of esophagitis (possible range, 1 to 4) decreased in the respective groups from 2.9 +/- 0.1 to 2.0 +/- 0.1, from 2.9 +/- 0.1 to 2.3 +/- 0.1, and from 2.9 +/- 0.1 to 1.4 +/- 0.1 (P less than 0.005 vs. base line, for all comparisons). The mean activity-index score and the grade of esophagitis were significantly better in the surgical-therapy group than in either medical-therapy group during the two years of follow-up (P less than 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In men with complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease, surgery is significantly more effective than medical therapy in improving the symptoms and endoscopic signs of esophagitis for up to two years, although medical treatment is also effective.

Stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients. Resolving discordant meta-analyses

PURPOSE

To resolve discrepancies in previous systematic overviews and provide estimates of the effect of stress ulcer prophylaxis on gastrointestinal bleeding, pneumonia, and mortality in critically ill patients.

DATA IDENTIFICATION

Computerized search of published and unpublished research, bibliographies, pharmaceutical and personal files, and conference abstract reports.

STUDY SELECTION

Independent review of 269 articles identified 63 relevant randomized trials for inclusion.

DATA ABSTRACTION

We made independent, duplicate assessment of the methodologic quality, population, intervention, and outcomes of each trial.

RESULTS

The source of discrepancies between prior meta-analyses included incomplete identification of relevant studies, differential inclusion of non-English language and nonrandomized trials, different definitions of bleeding, provision of additional information through direct correspondence with authors, and different statistical methods. The current overview demonstrates that prophylaxis with histamine2-receptor antagonists decreases the incidence of overt gastrointestinal bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.79) and clinically important bleeding (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.88). There is a trend toward decreased overt bleeding when antacids are compared with no therapy (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.17). Histamine2-receptor antagonists and antacids are associated with a trend toward lower clinically important bleeding rates than sucralfate is. There is a trend toward an increased risk of pneumonia associated with histamine2-receptor antagonists as compared with no prophylaxis (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.78 to 2.00). Sucralfate is associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial pneumonia when compared with antacids (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.15) and histamine2-receptor antagonists (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.01). Sucralfate is also associated with a reduced mortality rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.97) relative to antacids and to histamine2-receptor antagonists (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results emphasize the need for registries to include all randomized trials and demonstrate the importance of explicit methodology for systematic reviews. There is strong evidence of reduced clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding with histamine2-receptor antagonists. Sucralfate may be as effective in reducing bleeding as gastric pH-altering drugs and is associated with lower rates of pneumonia and mortality. However, the data are insufficient to determine the net effect of sucralfate compared with no prophylaxis.

Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: an evidence-based systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity in critically ill patients. Interventions beneficial to the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia would therefore have a significant impact on the care of these patients.

PURPOSE

To perform a literature review and synthesis of methods for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1966-2001), the Cochrane Library, and bibliographies of retrieved articles.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were required to be prospective and controlled in design and to evaluate clinically important or surrogate outcomes. Surrogate outcomes were required to have a direct link to clinically important outcomes supported by the literature.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on patients, definitions, study design, and outcomes were abstracted and graded by using preestablished criteria.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The preventive practices with the strongest supportive evidence were semi-recumbent positioning, sucralfate instead of H2-antagonists for stress ulcer prophylaxis, and selective digestive tract decontamination. Aspiration of subglottic secretions and oscillating beds may be useful in select populations. There is no evidence to support specific methods of enteral feeding or increased frequency of ventilator circuitry changes.

CONCLUSIONS

After evaluation of potential benefits and risks, the authors recommend considering several specific interventions to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia: semi-recumbent positioning in all eligible patients, sucralfate rather than H2-antagonists in patients at low to moderate risk for gastrointestinal tract bleeding, and aspiration of subglottic secretions and oscillating beds in select patient populations. Selective digestive tract decontamination is not recommended because routine use may increase antimicrobial resistance.

Prevention of nosocomial pneumonia in intubated patients: respective role of mechanical subglottic secretions drainage and stress ulcer prophylaxis

Chronic microaspiration through a tracheal cuff is the main culprit in the penetration and colonization of the lower respiratory tract. A total of 145 patients intubated for more than 3 days were randomly assigned to a double nosocomial pneumonia (NP) prevention: 1--Prevention of aspiration by hourly subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) with a specific endotracheal tube (HI-LO Evac tube, Mallinckrodt); 2--Prevention of gastric colonization using either sucralfate or antacids. Four random groups were defined, similar in age and severity of illness. Subglottic secretion drainage treatment was associated with: a) a twice lower incidence of NP (no-SSD: 29.1%, SSD: 13%); b) a prolonged time of onset of NP (no-SSD: 8.3 +/- 5 days, SSD: 16.2 +/- 11 days); c) a decrease in the colonization rate from admission to end-point day in tracheal aspirates (no-SSD: +21.3%, SSD: +6.6%) and in subglottic secretions (no-SSD: +33.4%, SSD: +2.1%). Sucralfate was not associated with a significantly lower incidence of NP (antacids: 23.6%, sucralfate: 17.8%), but with a lower increase in the colonization rate in subglottic and gastric aspirates, from admission to end-point day.

Risk of acute stress bleeding and nosocomial pneumonia in ventilated intensive care unit patients: sucralfate versus antacids

In a prospective, controlled, randomized study of the prophylaxis of stress bleeding, 100 ventilated high-risk patients in a surgical intensive care unit received, on a daily basis, 1 g of sucralfate suspension (n = 50) every four hours, or an antacid (n = 50) every two hours. The mean duration of the treatment was about six days in both of the groups. Gastric pH was determined every eight hours. Bleeding was defined as macroscopically visible bleeding. The intragastric pH was less than 4 significantly more often in patients treated with sucralfate. In each group, one case of macroscopically visible bleeding occurred. Both of the patients had a very high risk of bleeding. None of the bleedings influenced the outcome of the patients. When patients with primary thoracic trauma or pneumonia were excluded, nosocomial pneumonia developed in significantly fewer (p less than 0.05) patients in the sucralfate group (three of 29) than in the antacid group (11 of 32). In four of the latter patients, pneumonia influenced the outcome of the patients. Sucralfate provides adequate protection against stress bleeding while also minimizing the danger of pneumonia caused by infection via the gastropulmonary route.

Nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients receiving antacid, ranitidine, or sucralfate as prophylaxis for stress ulcer. A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess three anti-stress ulcer prophylaxis regimens in mechanically ventilated patients for bacterial colonization, early- and late-onset nosocomial pneumonia, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PATIENTS

Consecutive eligible patients with mechanical ventilation and a nasogastric tube. Of 258 eligible patients, 244 were assessable.

SETTING

Medical and surgical intensive care units.

INTERVENTION

At intubation, patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the following: antacid (a suspension of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide), 20 mL every 2 hours; ranitidine, 150 mg as a continuous intravenous infusion; or sucralfate, 1 g every 4 hours.

MEASUREMENTS

Using predetermined criteria, the incidence of gastric bleeding, gastric colonization, early-onset pneumonia, and late-onset pneumonia was assessed in patients intubated for more than 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of 244 assessable patients, macroscopic gastric bleeding was observed in 10%, 4%, and 6% of patients assigned to receive sucralfate, antacid, and ranitidine, respectively (P > 0.2). The incidence of early-onset pneumonia was not statistically different among the three treatment groups (P > 0.2). Among the 213 patients observed for more than 4 days, late-onset pneumonia was observed in 5% of the patients who received sucralfate compared with 16% and 21% of the patients who received antacid or ranitidine, respectively (P = 0.022). Mortality was not statistically different among the three treatment groups. Patients who received sucralfate had a lower median gastric pH (P < 0.001) and less frequent gastric colonization compared with the other groups (P = 0.015). Using molecular typing, 84% of the patients with late-onset gram-negative bacillary pneumonia were found to have gastric colonization with the same bacteria before pneumonia developed.

CONCLUSION

Stress ulcer prophylaxis with sucralfate reduces the risk for late-onset pneumonia in ventilated patients compared with antacid or ranitidine.

Bleeding and pneumonia in intensive care patients given ranitidine and sucralfate for prevention of stress ulcer: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of ranitidine and sucralfate in the prevention of stress ulcer in critical patients and to assess if these treatments affect the risk of nosocomial pneumonia.

DESIGN

Published studies retrieved through Medline and other databases. Five meta-analyses evaluated effectiveness in terms of bleeding rates (A: ranitidine v placebo; B: sucralfate v placebo) and infectious complications in terms of incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (C: ranitidine v placebo; D: sucralfate v placebo; E: ranitidine v sucralfate). Trial quality was determined with an empirical ad hoc procedure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rates of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding and nosocomial pneumonia (compared between the two study arms and expressed with odds ratios specific for individual studies and meta-analytic summary odds ratios).

RESULTS

Meta-analysis A (five studies) comprised 398 patients; meta-analysis C (three studies) comprised 311 patients; meta-analysis D (two studies) comprised 226 patients: and meta-analysis E (eight studies) comprised 1825 patients. Meta-analysis B was not carried out as the literature search selected only one clinical trial. In meta-analysis A ranitidine was found to have the same effectiveness as placebo (odds ratio of bleeding 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.30 to 1.70, P=0.46). In placebo controlled studies (meta-analyses C and D) ranitidine and sucralfate had no influence on the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia. In comparison with sucralfate, ranitidine significantly increased the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (meta-analysis E: 1.35, 1.07 to 1.70, P=0.012). The mean quality score in the four analyses (on a 0 to 10 scale) ranged from 5.6 in meta-analysis E to 6.6 in meta-analysis A.

CONCLUSIONS

Ranitidine is ineffective in the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients in intensive care and might increase the risk of pneumonia. Studies on sucralfate do not provide conclusive results. These findings are based on small numbers of patients, and firm conclusions cannot presently be proposed.

Risk factors for clinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Canadian Critical Care Trials Group

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for clinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

DESIGN

In duplicate, blinded adjudicators determined the presence of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding using a priori criteria, evaluating relevant clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic data. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine baseline and time-dependent risk factors for bleeding.

SETTING

Sixteen university-affiliated intensive care units (ICUs) in Canada.

PATIENTS

A total of 1,077 critically ill ICU patients ventilated for at least 48 hrs.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to stress ulcer prophylaxis with intravenous ranitidine or nasogastric sucralfate; otherwise, management was at the discretion of the ICU team.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Demographic data included patient characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) score. Each day in the ICU, physiologic measurements including MOD score, feeding, and other treatment variables were recorded. The significant risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the univariable analyses were low platelet count, maximum serum creatinine, maximum MOD score, maximum pulmonary component of the MOD score, maximum hepatic component of the MOD score, maximum renal component of the MOD score, enteral nutrition, and stress ulcer prophylaxis with ranitidine. The only independent predictors of bleeding in the multivariable analysis were maximum serum creatinine (relative risk = 1.16 [95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.32]), enteral nutrition (relative risk = 0.30 [95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.67]), and ranitidine administration (relative risk = 0.39 [95% confidence interval = 0.17-0.83]).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill ventilated patients, renal failure was independently associated with an increased risk of clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding, whereas enteral nutrition and stress ulcer prophylaxis with ranitidine conferred significantly lower bleeding rates.

Endoscopic variceal ligation plus nadolol and sucralfate compared with ligation alone for the prevention of variceal rebleeding: a prospective, randomized trial

Both beta-blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) have proven to be valuable alternatives to sclerotherapy in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. Sucralfate is a mucosal protector. The effects of combinations of beta-blocker, band ligation, and sucralfate (triple therapy) remain unknown. A total of 122 patients with a history of esophageal variceal bleeding were randomized to receive EVL only (group A, 62 patients) or triple therapy (group B, 60 patients). The procedure for the triple therapy included ligation with the addition of sucralfate granules until variceal obliteration. In addition, nadolol was administered during the course of the study or until death. After a median follow-up of 21 months, recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 29 patients (47%) in group A and 14 patients (23%) in group B (P =.005). Recurrent bleeding from esophagogastric varices occurred in 18 patients in group A and 7 patients in group B (P =.001). Twenty-one patients in group A (50%) and 12 patients (26%) in group B experienced variceal recurrence after variceal obliteration (P <.05). Treatment failure occurred in 11 patients (18%) in group A and in 4 patients (7%) in group B (P =.05). Twenty patients from group A and 10 patients from group B died (P =.08); 9 and 4 of these deaths, respectively, were attributed to variceal hemorrhage (P =.26). The combination of ligation, nadolol, and sucralfate (triple therapy) proved more effective than banding ligation alone in terms of prevention of variceal recurrence and upper gastrointestinal rebleeding as well as variceal rebleeding.

Control of angiogenesis by heparin and other sulfated polysaccharides

Heparin and its related polysaccharides are revealed to have important new functions as regulators of blood vessel growth and regression. This regulatory activity may be explained in part by at least five mechanisms in which heparin and heparan sulfate interact with peptide growth factors: (1) Heparin and heparan sulfate have a high affinity for angiogenic growth factors such as the fibroblast growth factors and VEGF, as well as for angiogenic inhibitors such as thrombospondin and platelet factor 4. (2) Heparin and its related polysaccharides stabilize bFGF and other growth factors. (3) FGFs and thrombospondin are stored in the extracellular matrix bound to heparan sulfate; fragments of heparin or heparan sulfate may act as natural chaperones to shuttle bFGF or other growth factors to different cellular compartments. (5) Heparin-like low-affinity receptors on the surface of endothelial cells (and other cells), prepare FGFs for binding to their specific high affinity receptors; and (6) Heparin and its related polysaccharides potentiate angiostatic steroids. It is likely that future investigations will uncover even more fundamental regulatory roles for heparin as well as for other polysaccharides in the normal function of growth factors, especially in the complex process of angiogenesis.

Radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis. Prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of oral sulfasalazine plus rectal steroids versus rectal sucralfate

In a prospective study, 37 consecutive patients with radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis were randomized to receive a four-week course of either 3.0 g oral sulfasalazine plus 20 mg twice daily rectal prednisolone enemas (group I, N = 18) or 2.0 g twice daily rectal sucralfate enemas plus oral placebo (group II, N = 19). The two groups were comparable with respect to demographic features, duration of symptoms, and clinical and endoscopic staging of the disease. Fifteen patients in group I and 17 in group II completed the trial. At four weeks, both groups showed significant clinical improvement (P less than 0.01 for group I and P less than 0.001 for group II) and endoscopic healing (P less than 0.01 for group I and P less than 0.001 for group II). When the two groups were compared, sucralfate enemas showed a significantly better response as assessed clinically (P less than 0.05), although endoscopically the response was not statistically different (P greater than 0.05). We conclude that both treatment regimens are effective in the management of radiation proctitis. Sucralfate enemas give a better clinical response, are tolerated better, and because of the lower cost should be the preferred mode of short-term treatment.

Prophylaxis for stress-related gastric hemorrhage in the medical intensive care unit. A randomized, controlled, single-blind study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of cimetidine and sucralfate prophylaxis for stress-related gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit.

SETTING

Medical intensive care unit of a nonprofit, university-affiliated teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

300 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit during a 10-month period.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial.

INTERVENTION

Patients were assigned to receive no prophylaxis (control), 1 g sucralfate given orally every 6 hours, or continuous intravenous cimetidine titrated to maintain gastric pH at 4.0, intervention was maintained until the occurrence of clinically severe hemorrhage, onset of drug-related complications, death, or discharge from the medical intensive care unit.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the incidence of clinically severe hemorrhage from endoscopically verified stress-related gastritis. Other outcome measures were transfusion requirements, duration of medical intensive care unit stay, incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, adverse drug reactions, and death.

RESULTS

100 patients were randomly assigned to each treatment. The three groups were similar with regard to demographic characteristics, intensive care unit admission diagnoses, and APACHE II scores. Stress-related hemorrhage was seen in 6% of control participants and in 5% of those receiving sucralfate or cimetidine (relative risk compared with control, 0.83 for each group; 95% CI, 0.26 to 2.64; P = 0.75). No statistically significant differences were found for transfusion requirements, duration of medical intensive care unit stay, and mortality rates among the three groups. Nosocomial pneumonia was diagnosed in 6%, 12%, and 13% of controls, sucralfate recipients, and cimetidine recipients, respectively (sucralfate: relative risk, 2.0 [CI, 0.79 to 5.01], P = 0.14; cimetidine: relative risk, 2.2 [CI, 0.88 to 5.33], P = 0.09). Prophylaxis caused no definite adverse drug reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed effects of cimetidine and sucralfate on the incidence and severity of hemorrhage from stress-related gastritis were not significant when compared with no treatment. Routine prophylaxis with these agents for patients entering the medical intensive care unit does not seem warranted.

Long-term colonization with single and multiple strains of Helicobacter pylori assessed by DNA fingerprinting

The gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori establishes long-term chronic infections that can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and cancer. The species is so diverse that distinctly different strains are generally recovered from each patient. To better understand the dynamics of long-term carriage, we characterized H. pylori isolates from initial and follow-up biopsy specimens from a patient population at high risk of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer. Eighty-five isolates were obtained from 23 patients and were analyzed by genomic restriction enzyme analysis, arbitrarily primed PCR fingerprinting, (random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis), and/or restriction of specific PCR-amplified genes (restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis). A single strain was found in sequential biopsy specimens from 12 of 15 patients (80%) receiving sucralfate. In the remaining three patients treated with sucralfate, two strains were identified in two patients and three strains were identified in the third patient. In contrast, a single strain was found in sequential biopsy specimens from only three of eight patients (37%) receiving bismuth, metronidazole, and nitrofurantoin. Two strains were identified in five other patients receiving bismuth-antibiotic (63%). Immunoglobulin G antibodies to H. pylori were present in the sera of all patients. Thus, H. pylori colonization can persist for long periods (up to at least 4 years), despite high titers of immunoglobulin G antibodies in serum. Resistance to metronidazole was noted in some strains before and/or after treatment, but all strains remained susceptible to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin. We conclude that H. pylori genotypes, as measured by several sensitive DNA fingerprinting methods, can remain stable for years in vivo, despite the acquisition or loss of drug resistance, circulating antibody, or exposure to antibiotics or sucralfate.

Management of gastrogastric fistulas after divided Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity: analysis of 1,292 consecutive patients and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation in the United States. Although rare, gastrogastric fistulas are an important complication of this procedure.

METHODS

We report a series of 1,292 consecutive patients who underwent a divided RYGB procedure at our institution between January 2000 and November 2004. Of the 1,292 patients, we identified 15 (1.2%) who presented with gastrogastric fistulas after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean age, weight, and body mass index of these patients was 39.5 years, 377.5 lb, and 54.9 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean postoperative follow-up was 17.6 months. The overall follow-up success rate in this series at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was 85% and 77%, respectively. Of the 15 patients, 12 (80%) presented with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. Esophagogastroscopy revealed marginal ulcers in 8 (53%) of these symptomatic patients. The most sensitive test for the diagnosis of gastrogastric fistula was an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. The mean time to fistula diagnosis was 80 days. Four patients (27%) had had a known leak before their diagnosis of gastrogastric fistula. In all cases, the leaks were managed nonoperatively with drainage, parenteral nutrition, and bowel rest. In this subset of patients, the mean time to fistula diagnosis was 25 days. Four patients (27%) presented to the clinic unsatisfied with their weight loss. The mean excess percentage of weight loss was 60.9%. Of the 15 patients with a diagnosed gastrogastric fistula, 8 (53.3%) presented with concomitant marginal ulcers. When present, marginal ulcers were managed with chronic acid suppressive therapy consisting of proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate. Revisional surgery was performed in 5 (33.3%) of 15 patients because of the combination of constant pain and ulceration refractory to optimal medical treatment and in 1 patient (7%) because of refractory pain unresponsive to medical therapy and weight regain. All revisional procedures (100%) were performed laparoscopically.

CONCLUSION

Gastrogastric fistulas are an uncommon, but worrisome, complication after divided RYGB. Most symptoms of gastrogastric fistula are related to epigastric pain and ulcerations around the anastomotic site, but the fistula can occur anywhere along the divided segment of the gastric wall. They can initially be managed with a conservative, nonoperative approach as long as the patient remains asymptomatic and weight regain does not occur. Refractory ulcers and pain are the main indications for revisional surgery. Weight loss failure or weight regain is an uncommon short-term finding with gastrogastric fistulas after divided RYGB that requires surgical revision as the definitive treatment option. Although we present one of the largest series to date, longer follow-up is needed to better define the management of this patient population and provide a more accurate incidence of its occurrence.

Does aqueous or sucralfate cream affect the severity of erythematous radiation skin reactions? A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Evidence on which to base decisions about the management of radiation skin reactions is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sucralfate or aqueous cream reduced acute skin toxicity during radiotherapy to the head and neck, breast or anorectal area (phase A), and to evaluate the effect of hydrogels and dry dressings on moist desquamation (phase B). This paper presents the results of phase A.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and fifty seven patients were randomised to apply aqueous cream, sucralfate cream or no cream to the irradiated area from day one of radical radiotherapy treatment. All patients were instructed to wash using unperfumed soap. Acute skin toxicity was measured using a modified radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) score, reflectance spectrophotometry, patient diary card and dermatology life quality index (DLQI). A cost minimisation approach was used to compare the costs of each skin care approach.

RESULTS

No consistent differences were found in the severity of skin reactions or levels of discomfort suffered by patients in each of the randomised groups. Patients with a higher body mass index, who smoked, received concomitant chemotherapy, boost or bolus during treatment were more likely to develop skin reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to support the prophylactic application of either of the creams tested for the prevention of radiation skin reactions. Our results show that it is possible to predict which patients are at greatest risk of skin reactions. We suggest that known risk factors should be incorporated into future study protocols.

Misoprostol compared with sucralfate in the prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric ulcer. A randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and frequency of adverse experiences of misoprostol and sucralfate in the prevention of gastric ulcers in patients receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, single-blind, multicenter trial.

PATIENTS

Patients with osteoarthritis receiving treatment with ibuprofen, piroxicam, or naproxen and experiencing abdominal pain were eligible.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients who were expected to receive at least 3 months of NSAID therapy and who did not have a gastric ulcer at the time of the initial screening endoscopy were randomized to receive misoprostol, 200 micrograms four times a day, or sucralfate, 1 g four times a day. A gastric ulcer was defined as a lesion of the gastric mucosa 0.3 cm or greater in diameter. Patients were followed clinically, and repeat endoscopies were performed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

MAIN MEASUREMENT

The development of a gastric ulcer, which was regarded as a prophylaxis failure.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-three patients were evaluable for efficacy analysis. A gastric ulcer developed in 2 of the 122 (1.6%, 95% CI, 0.3% to 6.4%) patients on misoprostol, compared with 21 of 131 patients on sucralfate (16%, CI, 10.4% to 23.7%). The difference in ulcer rates was 14.4% (CI, 10.4% to 19.5%; P less than 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving chronic NSAID therapy for osteoarthritis, treatment with misoprostol for 3 months was associated with a significantly lower frequency of gastric ulcer formation, compared with treatment with sucralfate (P less than 0.001).

Lack of impact of therapy on extent of Barrett's esophagus in 67 patients

Sixty-seven patients with Barrett's esophagus have been prospectively followed over an average of 36 months (range 6 to 76 months) with standardized endoscopic observation and biopsies of the length of columnar epithelium. The initial length of Barrett's epithelium ranged from 1 to 16 cm, mean 5.5 cm. Specialized columnar epithelium was present in 64 of the 67 patients. Patients were treated predominantly with H2-receptor blocker therapy to relieve symptoms. Eighty-two percent of patients had less than a 1-cm change in length per year. The mean rate of change of length was -0.093 cm per year. These results confirm in a relatively large, prospective study that standard antireflux therapy for Barrett's esophagus does not result in consistent reduction in the extent of Barrett's epithelium over a three-year interval.

Sucralfate versus antacids or H2-antagonists for stress ulcer prophylaxis: a meta-analysis on efficacy and pneumonia rate

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

Histamine2 (H2)-receptor antagonists and antacids have been the basic drugs for the prevention of stress bleeding in ICU patients during the past decade. Recently, drugs without major influence on gastric pH have been investigated in stress bleeding prophylaxis. Therefore, a meta-analysis (Mantel-Haenszel test) was undertaken to determine the efficacy of sucralfate in the prevention of macroscopically visible stress bleeding, as well as the influence of sucralfate on the frequency of pulmonary infections.

RESULTS

The efficacy of sucralfate was compared with H2-antagonists in nine studies and with antacids in eight studies. Sucralfate was significantly more effective than H2-antagonists (typical odds ratio 0.532, 95% confidence interval 0.303 to 0.933) and equally as effective as antacids (typical odds ratio 0.868, 95% confidence interval 0.452 to 1.667). The pneumonia rates of those patients who were administered sucralfate were compared with the rates of those patients who were given H2-antagonists in five studies and with those patients who were given antacids in four studies. Pneumonia was a significantly more frequent occurrence under prophylaxis with H2-antagonists (typical odds ratio 0.498, 95% confidence interval 0.316 to 0.783) as well as with antacids (typical odds ratio 0.402, 95% confidence interval 0.235 to 0.687).

CONCLUSION

Sucralfate is an effective drug for the prevention of stress bleeding that minimizes the risk of nosocomial pneumonia in long-term ventilated ICU patients.

The role of intragastric acidity and stress ulcus prophylaxis on colonization and infection in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. A stratified, randomized, double-blind study of sucralfate versus antacids

This study evaluates the effects of sucralfate and antacids on intragastric acidity, colonization of stomach, oropharynx and trachea, and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units. We conducted a prospective randomized double-blind trial in which patients were stratified on initial gastric pH. Intragastric acidity was measured with computerized, continuous intragastric monitoring. The diagnosis of VAP was established with protected specimen brush and/or bronchoalveolar lavage. The study included consecutive eligible patients with mechanical ventilation and nasogastric tube.

INTERVENTIONS

After stratification on initial intragastric pH into two groups, patients from both groups were randomly assigned to receive either antacids (a suspension of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide), 30 mL every 4 h, or sucralfate, 1 g every 4 h. Continuous intragastric pH monitoring was performed in 112 patients (58 antacids, 54 sucralfate). Using predetermined criteria, colonization of stomach, oropharynx, and trachea, and the incidence of VAP were assessed. Altogether, 141 patients were included (74 receiving antacids, 67 sucralfate) and continuous intragastric pH monitoring was performed in 112 patients, with a mean of 75 h per patient. The median pH and the percentage of time with a pH < 4.0 were calculated from each measurement. No significant differences in median pH values (4.7 +/- 2.2 and 4.5 +/- 2.0 for antacids and sucralfate, respectively) were observed. Median pH values were higher in patients with gastric bacterial colonization than in noncolonized patients (5.5 +/- 2.1 and 3.3 +/- 2.0, p < 0.01), but colonization of oropharynx and trachea was not related to intragastric acidity. Thirty-one patients (22%) developed VAP, with a similar incidence in both treatment groups. In addition, antibiotic use, duration of hospitalization, and mortality rates were similar in both groups. Enteral feeding did not change intragastric acidity significantly but increased gastric colonization with Enterobacteriaceae, without influencing oropharyngeal and tracheal colonization. Antacids and sucralfate had a similar effect on intragastric acidity, colonization rates, and incidence of VAP. Intragastric acidity influenced gastric colonization but not colonization of the upper respiratory tract or the incidence of VAP. Therefore, it is unlikely that the gastropulmonary route is important for the development of VAP.

Nosocomial pneumonia and the role of gastric pH. A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To examine the differential effect of drugs used for stress ulcer prophylaxis on nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients.

DATA IDENTIFICATION

Computerized bibliographic search of published and unpublished research.

STUDY SELECTION

Independent review of 48 randomized controlled trials of prophylaxis identified eight relevant studies.

DATA ABSTRACTION

The population, intervention, and outcomes were evaluated by duplicate independent review.

RESULTS

The incidence of pneumonia was lower in critically ill patients receiving antacids and/or histamine-2-receptor antagonists as compared with patients receiving no stress ulcer prophylaxis (common odds ratio 0.42, 95 percent CI 0.17 to 1.11). When stress ulcer prophylactic therapy was titrated to achieve a gastric pH of 3.5 or greater, there was a trend favoring a decreased incidence of pneumonia (0.66, 95 percent CI 0.24 to 1.78). In trials comparing sucralfate with pH-altering drugs, the common odds ratio of 0.55 (0.28 to 1.06) suggests a 45 percent risk reduction with the use of sucralfate.

CONCLUSION

Stress ulcer prophylaxis with drugs which raise gastric pH does not increase the incidence of pneumonia in comparison to placebo or control therapy. The use of sucralfate is associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in comparison to agents which raise gastric pH. However, methodologic deficiencies, small sample sizes, and the failure to examine the effects of antacids and histamine-2-receptor antagonists separately make a large prospective randomized trial necessary to confirm or refute these findings.

Effects of sucralfate on acute and late bowel discomfort following radiotherapy of pelvic cancer

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy, a cornerstone in the management of pelvic cancer, is accompanied by intestinal reactions. Therefore, we investigated the possible effects of sucralfate, an aluminium hydroxide complex of sulfated sucrose used in the treatment of gastric ulcer, in preventing radiation-induced diarrhea and bowel discomfort in patients treated with curative intention for pelvic cancer with external radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was double-blind and placebo-controlled and included 70 patients with carcinoma in the prostate or urinary bladder without distant metastases (T1-4No1xMo) and a performance status of greater than or equal to 90% on the Karnofsky scale. Radiotherapy was conventionally delivered with high-energy photons (four-field technique, the total dose 64 Gy, 2 Gy daily, total treatment time 5 to 6 weeks). Dose granules of sucralfate or placebo were dispensed to each patient 2 weeks after radiation started and continued for 6 weeks. All analyses were performed blindly.

RESULTS

The frequency of defecation and stool consistency were significantly improved by sucralfate. Fourteen patients in the placebo group and three in the sucralfate group required symptomatic therapy with loperamide. One year later, the patients in the sucralfate group displayed significantly less problems with frequency of defecation, mucus, and blood in the stools compared with the placebo group. There was also a lower intake of loperamide and the weight decrease was less pronounced in the sucralfate group. There was no evidence of adverse effects associated with the use of sucralfate.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that sucralfate can be of beneficial value in diminishing bowel discomfort during treatment and, most importantly, sucralfate also reduces the late bowel disturbances that follow radiotherapeutic treatment of pelvic malignancies. The earlier proposed mechanisms of action (eg, protection of denuded mucosa, cytoprotective properties, binding bile acids) seem adequate to explain the present effects of sucralfate.

Methotrexate and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug interactions

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the coadministration of methotrexate (MTX) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) results in a clinically significant drug interaction.

DATA SOURCES

A case report of hematologic toxicity following the administration of MTX and flurbiprofen at our institution is presented. Six previously published case reports and five pharmacokinetic studies regarding MTX and NSAID interactions are available to assist in the evaluation of this potential interaction.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cases of various clinical manifestations during concomitant MTX and NSAID administration, including acute renal failure and pancytopenia, have been reported. The exact mechanism of the interaction has not been fully elucidated. Suggested theories to explain the mechanism of MTX toxicity include reduction in MTX clearance secondary to renal capillary constriction induced by NSAIDs, displacement of MTX or its metabolite from plasma proteins, competition between MTX and NSAIDs for renal tubular excretion, or impairment of hepatic metabolism of MTX by NSAIDs. Studies comparing MTX pharmacokinetics with or without concurrent NSAID therapy have not shown statistical differences in the parameters evaluated. However, one study did demonstrate differences in the pharmacokinetics of 7-hydroxy-methotrexate, the active metabolite of MTX, when MTX was administered with aspirin.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a clinically significant interaction does not occur in all patients, numerous case reports are available that demonstrate possible problems following the coadministration of MTX and NSAIDs. To date, the specific circumstances during which the reaction may occur have not been well defined.