A comparison of sucralfate and ranitidine for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients requiring mechanical ventilation

Article Abstract:

The anti-ulcer drug ranitidine appears to be more effective than sucralfate in preventing gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers in hospital patients on a ventilator. Researchers randomly assigned 1200 to receive either sucralfate or ranitidine through an intravenous line or a nasogastric tube. Only 1.7% of the patients receiving ranitidine developed gastrointestinal bleeding compared to 3.8% of those receiving sucralfate. There were no significant differences in mortality rates or hospital stay between both groups.

Prevention, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Hospital patients, Ranitidine, Sucralfate

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Withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in anticipation of death in the intensive care unit

Article Abstract:

Doctors are most likely to withdraw patients from a mechanical ventilator if the patient does not want life support or the doctor believes the patient will not survive much longer or will survive but have severely impaired mental function. This was the conclusion of a study of 851 patients who were on a ventilator in 15 hospital intensive care units. Twenty percent of the patients were taken off the ventilator for the reasons noted above.

Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Refusal to treat (Medicine), Abandonment of care

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Colloid use for fluid resuscitation: evidence and spin

Article Abstract:

Different studies have shown different benefits of fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients. Fluid resuscitation is usually given to increase abnormally low blood volume, blood proteins, or blood pressure. Doctors should plan large, controlled clinical trials of fluid resuscitation to determine once a for all if they are beneficial or detrimental.

Health aspects, Editorial, Fluid therapy, Albumin

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