Curling ulcer: Encyclopedia - Curling ulcer

Curling ulcer

A Curling ulcer is a stress ulcer associated with severe burns. The mechanism of ulcer formation is loss of plasma volume 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 inhibitors like omeprazole are generally given; endoscopic therapy, such as injection with adrenaline (epinephrine) is used if actively bleeding.

Complications: Hemorrhage from 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.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Curling ulcer", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki