Esomeprazole for the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding

Caroline M. Den Hoed, Ernst J. Kuipers

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Peptic ulcer bleeding is the most common cause of acute bleeding in the upper GI tract. The incidence of peptic ulcer bleeding has slowly decreased and endoscopic treatment options have improved; nevertheless, it remains a very common condition with a 7-15% mortality. Acidic environments have a negative effect on hemostasis. Therefore, acid inhibitors have been applied in the adjuvant treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, both in preventing rebleeding and in treating the underlying cause. This requires profound acid suppressive therapy aiming for a rapid onset of effect and a persistent intragastric pH above 6. This can only be achieved by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole, and the first PPI to consist of only the active isomer. A number of studies have compared esomeprazole with other PPIs, demonstrating a faster and more persistent increase in intragastric pH with the use of esomeprazole than with other agents. Continuous high-dose intravenous treatment with esomeprazole decreases rebleeding, surgery, transfusion rates and hospital days in peptic ulcer bleeding.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)679-695
Number of pages17
JournalExpert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume4
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

Keywords

  • esomeprazole
  • peptic ulcer bleeding
  • pharmacologic treatment
  • proton pump inhibitor

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