Abstract

NOGUERADO ASENSIO, A. et al. Use of acid-suppresive medications in hospitalized patients. An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.11, pp.9-12. ISSN 0212-7199.

Introduction: The acid-suppressive medications are used frequently in hospitalized patients, but some studies suggests that their are overused, especially in the treatment of stress ulcer prophylaxis in low-risk patients. This research determine the frequency of use and indications of acid-suppressive medications in hospitalized patients in a internal medical service.  Materials and methods: A at random and retrospective revision of 209 medical records of 661 hospitalized patients during the year 2000 in the V Internal Medical Service of the General University Hospital of Gregorio Marañón (Cantoblanco). Definitions: Use: any prescription of an acid-suppressive medication, regardless of dosage regimen, in which the patient received at least one dose. Appropriated indication: endoscopical criteria: treatment of active ulcer disease, esophagitis or gastritis. Medical criteria: symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, prolonging of previous treatment, as a part of a treatment regimen for H. pylori, relief of dyspepsia caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, stress ulcer prophylaxis in high risk patients. Inappropriate indication: any other uses were considered not indicated.  Results: Of the 209 patients, a total of 157 (75,1%) received acid-suppressive therapy, average age 76 years old, 89 women (56,7%) and 68 men (43,3%). The admitting diagnoses for the admission were: CHF 34 (21,7%), Pneumonia ( 16,6%), UTI (15,3%) y COPD 18 (11,5%). The use in hospital ward was 84,7% (133), with inappropriate use 72,2% (96), the cause of prescription "no reason" 52,1% (50), and received proton pump inhibitors 46, 9% (45).  Conclusions: This study show a high frequency of incorrect use of acid-suppressive medications in hospitalized patients.

Keywords : Proton pump inhibitors; Histamine 2 receptor antagonists.

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