Optimizing proton pump inhibitor therapy for treatment of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Purpose: The pharmacology, rationale, and dosing optimization strategies of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) are discussed.

Summary: In combination with endoscopic therapy, PPIs are the treatment of choice for UGIB. While the advent of PPIs has improved patient outcomes, controversy still exists over optimal PPI therapy for UGIB.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation: role of inflammatory biomarkers and use of colchicine for its prevention.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication following cardiac surgery, occurring in up to 65% of cardiac surgical patients. It is a condition associated with increased morbidity, increased length of hospital stay, and increased health care costs. One of the many potential causes of POAF is postsurgical inflammation, as demonstrated by increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.