Prophylaxis of acute gastroduodenal bleeding after renal transplantation

Severe gastroduodenal bleeding after renal transplantation is effectively prevented by H2 receptor blockers. New drugs for prophylaxis include proton pump inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of prophylaxis with the H2 blocker ranitidine and with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. One hundred seventy-seven consecutive patients were included in a controlled, prospective, randomized study after cadaveric renal transplantation. In one case, ranitidine failed to prevent exsanguination due to duodenal peptic ulcer bleeding. No bleeding was noted in the omeprazole group. There were no significant differences between the groups in hospitalization time, development of renal function, amount of cyclosporin A, prednisone, azathioprine, or methylprednisolone ingested, or laboratory biochemical parameters. We conclude that prophylaxis of severe gastroduodenal bleeding after renal transplantation with omeprazole is effective. Omeprazole is certainly as good as ranitidine; its advantages are a prolonged effect and a simple dosage, independent of graft function development.