title: Can we really prevent gastrointestinal bleeding after head injury? Results of a recent audit.
abstract: This retrospective study looks at the severe head injury patients admitted to one unit in a year. Within this group, those with significant gastrointestinal bleeding were further studied to assess medical prophylaxis against this complication. A preliminary attempt is made to gauge whether such medication is appropriate, particularly with reference to H-2 antagonists. No firm conclusions can be drawn, but sufficient doubt remains to justify a prospective trial which is planned.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Irwin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D003907:Dexamethasone