Are we correctly using the inhibitors of gastric acid secretion and cytoprotective drugs? Results of a multicentre study.

AIM: To evaluate indications and frequency of prescriptions of pH-modifying and cytoprotective drugs in hospital departments.

DESIGN OF THE STUDY: Multicentre cohort transverse relevation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

On a randomly selected day the clinical charts of 3685 inpatients were reviewed by a gastroenterologist and data were collected concerning the drug used, its dosage and indications for the prescription.

RESULTS

26.8% of hospitalized patients were under treatment on the day of the study. Ranitidine was the most frequently prescribed (73.9%). The purpose of treatment was cure of acute disease or symptoms in 27% of cases and prevention of peptic damage in 73%. Fear of development of stress mucosal lesions (28%) and therapy with other drugs (56%) motivated prophylactic treatment in the majority of cases. The examination of clinical charts failed to demonstrate any need for treatment in 51.4% of the patients. Disparities in the frequency of prescription between different departments and hospitals were found.

CONCLUSION

Criteria used for prescription of drugs for peptic diseases in hospitalized patients should be strictly monitored to avoid excessive and unmotivated use also in general practice.