Stress ulcer prophylaxis in the intensive care unit

Can Glycyrrhiza glabra L. reduce both upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intensive‐care unit patients?

“…1 Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding (UGIB) resulting from stress-ulceration is a common outcome of such injury. 2 The estimated incidence of UGIB ranges from 1.5% to 6% of all ICU patients.…”

“…Gastric mucosal injury has been reported to occur during the first 24 h of hospital admission in 75–100% of intensive‐care unit (ICU) patients . Upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding (UGIB) resulting from stress‐ulceration is a common outcome of such injury . The estimated incidence of UGIB ranges from 1.5% to 6% of all ICU patients.…”

“…Although stress‐ulcer prophylaxis is indicated for critical patients at high risk for UGIB, the use of these drugs can increase the likelihood of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) because of the increase in gastric bacterial colonisation, gastric reflux and subsequent micro‐aspiration into the lower respiratory tract . Despite progress in this area, the majority of issues relating to the management of VAP and its risk factors remain unresolved in clinical practice.…”