Curling ulcer

A Curling ulcer is a stress ulcer associated with severe burns. The mechanism of ulcer formation is loss of plasmavolume leading to sloughing of the gastric mucosa.

Investigation: Endoscopy shows multiple superficial gastric erosions.

Prevention: Early initiation of oral feeds prevents Curling's Ulcer and its complications. In severe burns, omeprazole (or other proton pump inhibitors) are used.

Treatment: proton pump inhibitorslike omeprazoleare generally given; endoscopictherapy, such as injection with adrenaline(epinephrine) is used if actively bleeding.

Complications: Hemorrhagefrom Curling ulcers is an important concern in management.

Confusa: A similar stress ulcer is seen in conjunction with raised intracranial pressure and is known by the name Cushing's Ulcer.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curling+ulcer Wikipedia article Curling ulcer.