title: Future expectations in the prophylaxis of intestinal bleeding.
abstract: Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding is attempted in widely varying situations. In NSAID-induced peptic ulcer, the advantage of selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors with regard to gastrointestinal damage has yet to be translated into an advantage in overall morbidity. Strategies for primary and secondary prevention of variceal bleeding have been established. Therapy tailored to hepatic venous pressure gradient has the potential to achieve clinical relevance. Several methods have been developed to prevent postpolypectomy bleeding, but their optimal risk-tailored application has yet to be demonstrated. Although octreotide treatment seems to be beneficial in reducing the blood loss from angiodysplasias, controlled studies to determine its optimal use are awaited. Stress-ulcer prophylaxis is commonly applied in critically ill patients. Although data indicate that H2-receptor antagonists and omeprazole are effective in preventing clinically significant bleeding, evidence for an advantage with respect to length of hospital or intensive-care-unit stay, as well as mortality, is still lacking. Since there is misuse of acid-suppressing drugs on regular wards, in-house guidelines may offer the potential for saving costs and reducing inappropriate prescription.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, D-93042 Regensburg, Germany. frank.klebl@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Klebl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schölmerich
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016638:Critical Illness; D005544:Forecasting; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016558:Hemostasis, Endoscopic; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012307:Risk Factors; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents