Stress ulcer prophylaxis use in critical care units at public hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) is part of the management of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, inappropriate use of these drugs has important clinical implications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and Clostridium difficile-associated gastrointestinal tract infections. The overuse of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as SUP is a rapidly growing problem globally. Objectives To describe the use of SUP in three selected ICUs in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). Methods A retrospective, descriptive, contextual study design was used. Data were collected from ICU records of adult patients admitted into these units during the study period (1 August 2013 - 31 October 2013). Results A total of 174 patients were included in the study. Of these, 156 were on SUP and only 38.5% (n=60/156) were appropriately treated with SUP according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines. There was an inappropriate use of SUP in over 50% of those who were treated. The most frequently prescribed SUP was histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) (51.3%; n=80/156), followed by PPIs (30.8%; n=48/156), sucralfate (17.3%; n=27/156), and a combination of PPI and H2RA (0.6%; n=1/156). Conclusion The study demonstrated overuse of SUP. The most commonly used drug for SUP was H2RA and not PPIs. This study demonstrates that the problem of SUP overuse internationally also exists locally. The development of local guidelines may help to improve the practice of SUP in SA. Contributions of the study This study showed overuse of SUP and should encourage doctors to critically evaluate why they prescribe SUP and whether it is really indicated. This should help in the adoption of practices towards appropriate use of SUP.