A Prospective Study of Omeprazole Suspension to Prevent Clinically Significant Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Stress Ulcers in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients

OBJECTIVETo prospectively evaluate the incidence of clinically significant bleeding, side effects, and cost of therapy in mechanically ventilated trauma patients at high risk for stress ulcers who received simplified omeprazole suspension (SOS). METHODSProspective, evaluative study in a Level I trauma center. Mechanically ventilated trauma patients admitted with at least one additional risk factor for stress ulcer development received SOS for stress ulcer prophylaxis. RESULTSSixty trauma patients were enrolled. The mean Injury Severity Score was 27.3. After starting SOS, there were no cases of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to stress ulceration. Baseline pH was 3.3, and mean gastric pH after SOS was increased to 6.7 (p < 0.005). There were no adverse effects thought to be related to omeprazole suspension. Incidence of nosocomial pneumonia after beginning SOS was 28.3%. The cost of acquisition plus administration of SOS was $13.13 per day, whereas the cost of drug acquisition alone was $3.83 per day. CONCLUSIONIn a prospective, evaluative study of 60 trauma patients who required mechanical ventilation and had at least one additional risk factor for stress ulcer development, omeprazole suspension prevented clinically significant gastrointestinal bleeding, maintained excellent control of gastric pH, produced no toxicity, and was the least costly medication alternative.