Which ICU patients need stress ulcer prophylaxis?

Critically ill patients are at an increased risk for developing stress ulcers of the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Bleeding from stress ulcers was previously associated with a longer stay in the intensive care unit and an increased risk of death. Thus, most patients admitted to the intensive care unit receive stress ulcer prophylaxis. However, there is a growing concern that acid-suppression drugs may be associated with increased frequency of nosocomial pneumonia and infection. In this article, the authors address controversies regarding stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients and provide guidance for its appropriate use in this setting.