Antacid in the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in burns.

In a retrospective survey the efficacy of a prophylactic antacid regime with aluminiumhydroxyde/magnesiumcarbonate (LINK, A.L. pharma) was investigated in 157 patients with major burns. Only 14% developed any sign of upper gastrointestinal stress ulceration, and only 5% revealed clinically significant bleeding indicating blood transfusion. No case developed haemodynamic instability, nor need for acute surgery, and no one died from haemorrhage. We found the regime economically attractive, and with few and reversible side effects. We conclude that our prophylactic regime is highly effective.