Use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in United Kingdom intensive care units* |
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| Authors: | A J Bastin K B Ryanna |
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| Institution: | 1. Specialist Registrar, Adult Intensive Care Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, UK;2. Specialist Registrar, Department of Respiratory Medicine, London Chest Hospital, Bonner Road, London E2 9JX, UK |
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| Abstract: | The use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) remains controversial despite several large randomised‐controlled trials and meta‐analyses. A postal survey of intensive care units in the United Kingdom was conducted to document current use of SDD, and to identify factors influencing this practice. The response rate was 71%. The vast majority (182 units, 95%) do not use SDD mainly because practising clinicians do not believe it works or that there is not enough evidence (51%), and because of concerns about antibiotic resistance (47%). Of the 10 units using SDD, three apply it to all intubated patients and five do not use intravenous antibiotics in their protocol. |
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