Effect of preoperative intravenous pantoprazole in elective-surgery patients: a pilot study.

Author(s): Pisegna JR, Karlstadt RG, Norton JA, Fogel R, Oh DS, Jay Graepel G, Dorr MB

Affiliation(s): CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. jpisegna@ucla.edu

Publication date & source: 2009-05, Dig Dis Sci., 54(5):1041-9. Epub 2008 Aug 27.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of intravenous pantoprazole on gastric volume and acid output in elective-surgical patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter, randomized, pilot study of adult patients receiving intravenous pantoprazole: 40 mg every 24 h, 40 mg every 12 h (q12h) or 80 mg q12h. The first dose was administered 1 h before general anesthesia for surgery. All gastric fluid was aspirated through a nasogastric tube 1 h before dosing and through the postoperative period. Aspirate volume was recorded; pH and H(+) concentrations were measured. RESULT: Twenty-six patients were enrolled and 21 were evaluable. Pantoprazole was well tolerated. All regimens decreased gastric acid output and volume, and increased pH within 1 h of dosing. Effects were sustained for up to 12 h following single-dose administration. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous pantoprazole administered prior to anesthesia induction may be efficacious for the reduction of gastric volume and acid output, and for pulmonary aspiration prophylaxis in surgical patients.