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The Role of H 2 ‐Receptor Antagonists in the Pathogenesis of Nosocomial Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Author(s) -
Trofe Jennifer,
Peterson Andrew M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03901.x
Subject(s) - pneumonia , medicine , pathogenesis , critically ill , stress ulcer , intensive care medicine , histamine
We conducted a computerized MEDLINE search and selected controlled studies and meta‐analyses correlating the frequency of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) with the administration of histamine 2 ‐receptor antagonists (H 2 RAs) as stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients. Although such a correlation does exist, the literature supports the theory that gastric bacterial overcolonization through alkalinization by H 2 RAs is not a risk factor for NP in critically ill patients. Further well‐designed studies are necessary to resolve the issue and clarify the role of H 2 RAs in the pathogenesis of NP