Role of intravenous omeprazole on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic treatment: a comparative study.

Indrit Kellici1, Bledar Kraja2, Iris Mone3, Skerdi Prifti2 Endoscopy Unit, University Hospital of Durres, Albania1 University Clinic of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Center “Mother Theresa”, Tirana, Albania2 Laboratory Department, University Hospital Center “Mother Theresa”, Tirana, Albania3 Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of intravenous omeprazole versus intravenous ranitidine therapy for the treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding after endoscopic therapy. Methods: 108 patients (72 males and 36 females) admitted with nonvariceal UGI bleeding in the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Durres, Albania, from 2004 to 2008, were included in the study. Patients with gastro-duodenal malignancy and those who were previously receiving anti-secretory drugs were excluded. All patients were treated endoscopically by injecting epinephrine (diluted 1:10.000) followed by ethanol and subsequently were randomized to receive either intravenous omeprazole (with an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 8 mg/h infusion [n = 54]), or intravenous ranitidine (100 mg bolus, followed by 100 mg boluses every 6 hours for the next 72 hours [n = 54]). Results: The re-bleeding rate 72 hours after endoscopic treatment was lower in the omeprazole group than in the ranitidine group (6 vs. 14 patients, respectively; OR=3.4; 95% CI =1.1 –7.2; P