Prevalence and factors associated with inappropriate continuation of stress ulcer prophylaxis at discharge

Stress ulcer prophylaxis is started in the critical care unit to decrease the risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers in critically ill persons and to decrease mortality caused by stress ulcer complications. Unfortunately, the drugs are often continued after recovery through discharge, paving the way for unnecessary polypharmacy. Study design We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including patients admitted to the adult critical care unit and started on the stress ulcer prophylaxis with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine receptor 2 blocker (H2 blocker) with an aim to determine the prevalence of inappropriate continuation at discharge and associated factors. Result 3200 people were initiated on stress ulcer prophylaxis, and the medication was continued in 1666 patients upon discharge. Indication for long-term use was not found in 744 of 1666, with a 44% prevalence of inappropriate continuation. A statistically significant association was found with the following risk factors: discharge disposition (home vs other medical facilities, p=0.002), overall length of stay (more than 10 days vs less than or equal to 10 days, p<0.0001), mechanical ventilator use (p<0.001), number of days on a mechanical ventilator (more than 2 days vs less than or equal to 2 days, p<0.001) and class of stress ulcer prophylaxis drug used (H2 blocker vs PPI, p<0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of inappropriate continuation was found to be higher than prior studies. Given the risk of unnecessary medication intake and the associated healthcare cost, a web-based quality improvement initiative is being considered.