title: Use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in United Kingdom intensive care units.
abstract: The use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) remains controversial despite several large randomised-controlled trials and meta-analyses. A postal survey of intensive care units in the United Kingdom was conducted to document current use of SDD, and to identify factors influencing this practice. The response rate was 71%. The vast majority (182 units, 95%) do not use SDD mainly because practising clinicians do not believe it works or that there is not enough evidence (51%), and because of concerns about antibiotic resistance (47%). Of the 10 units using SDD, three apply it to all intubated patients and five do not use intravenous antibiotics in their protocol.
authors.affiliation: Adult Intensive Care Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW36NP, UK. a.bastin@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Bastin
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Ryanna
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000382:microbiology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000517:prevention & control; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom