Survey of stress ulcer prophylaxis

Background: No surveys of stress ulcer prophylaxis prescribing in the USA h ave been conducted since 1995. Since that time, the most comprehensive meta -analysis and largest randomized study to date concerning stress ulcer prop hylaxis have been published. Results: Three hundred sixty-eight surveys were sent to all members of the Section of Pharmacy and Pharmacology of the Society of Critical Care Medici ne. One hundred fifty-three (42%) surveys were returned. Representatives fr om 86% of institutions stated that medications for stress ulcer prophylaxis are used in a majority (> 90%) of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Twenty-two per cent of institutions have recommendations for bo th ICU and non-ICU settings. Fifty-eight per cent of institutions stated th at there was one preferred medication for stress ulcer prophylaxis, and in 77% of these histamine-2-antagonists were the most popular. Conclusions: There are wide variations in prescribing practices for stress ulcer prophylaxis. Institutions should consult published literature and use pre-existing guidelines as templates for developing their own guidelines.