Gastric acid secretion and acute gastroduodenal disease after burns

Total titratable acidity of fasting gastric secretion was determined in 34 hemodynamically stable patients within five days after burn. Acid output was not predictive of disease; acute duodenal ulcers, however, were not discovered in patients with acid secretion of less than 3.11 mEq/hr. Patients with both gastric and duodenal disease secreted significantly (P less than .05) more acid than patients without duodenal involvement and complications were more likely to develop, especially from acute ulcerations. Hemorrhage or perforation occurred in nine patients whose acid output was significantly (P less than .05) greater than that of asymptomatic patients. Duodenal regulation and neutralization of acid secretion may be impaired in patients with early duodenal injury, resulting in a relative increase in acid output and enhanced potential for complications. A controlled evaluation of antacid therapy in the prevention of disease complications seems justified in these patients.