Stress ulcer prophylaxis in intensive care patients: an evidence-practice mismatch?

Prophylactic drugs are commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs) to decrease the risk of development of stress-related upper gastrointestinal tract lesions and bleeding. The aim of this article is to discuss history, incidence, risk factors, past and current research, and current evidence for usefulness of prophylaxis for this disorder. Currently, very good evidence suggests that most ICU patients do not benefit from the widespread application of prophylactic intervention.