Esomeprazole for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding.
Peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of acute bleeding in the upper GI tract. The incidence of peptic ulcer bleeding has slowly decreased and endoscopic treatment options have improved; nevertheless, it remains a very common condition with a 7-15% mortality. Acidic environments have a negative effect on hemostasis. Therefore, acid inhibitors have been applied in the adjuvant treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, both in preventing rebleeding and in treating the underlying cause. This requires profound acid suppressive therapy aiming for a rapid onset of effect and a persistent intragastric pH above 6. This can only be achieved by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, and the first PPI to consist of only the active isomer. A number of studies have compared esomeprazole with other PPIs, demonstrating a faster and more persistent increase in intragastric pH with the use of esomeprazole than with other agents. Continuous high-dose intravenous treatment with esomeprazole decreases rebleeding, surgery, transfusion rates and hospital days in peptic ulcer bleeding.
Department of Gastroenterology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Caroline M
CM
den Hoed
Ernst J
EJ
Kuipers
D000284:Administration, Oral; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D064098:Esomeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000737:chemistry; D010438:Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D009853:Omeprazole; D064098:Esomeprazole