Proton-pump inhibitors for acute peptic ulcer bleeding

To review the use of proton-pump inhibitors for acute peptic ulcer bleeding.

Articles were obtained through computerized searches of MEDLINE (1966-September 2000). Additionally, several textbooks containing information on the diagnosis and management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding were reviewed. The bibliographies of retrieved publications and textbooks were reviewed for additional references.

All randomized studies and pharmacoeconomic evaluations that used proton-pump inhibitor therapy for acute peptic ulcer bleeding were included. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses involving other therapies for treating peptic ulcer bleeding were also reviewed for possible inclusion.

The primary outcomes extracted from the literature were persistent or recurrent bleeding, transfusion requirements, need for endoscopic intervention or surgery, length of stay, and mortality.

Data from double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving more than 1000 patients demonstrate that short-term, high-dose omeprazole therapy is effective for reducing bleeding and transfusion requirements in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding. The patients most likely to benefit from this therapy are hospitalized patients at high risk for rebleeding and patients in whom endoscopic evaluation must be delayed or is unavailable.

Omeprazole (and likely other proton-pump inhibitors) is useful in reducing bleeding and transfusion requirements in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding, although better delineation of appropriate candidates is needed.