Evolution of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis Guidelines

The recent guidelines for stress ulcer prophylaxis are a significant update from the previous 1999 recommendations. The focus now shifts toward identifying specific risk factors that extend beyond traditional indicators, such as coagulopathy and mechanical ventilation. The new research emphasizes the role of enteral nutrition as not just a method of feeding but as a protective factor against gastrointestinal bleeding. With an emphasis on evidence-based recommendations, these guidelines arose from over a decade of effort by a multidisciplinary panel, culminating in a concerted push to align current practices with recent clinical research.