[The effect of rabeprazole on gastric pH in patients with gastric ulcer]

To evaluate the effect of a single dose of rebeprazole (RAB) versus omeprazole (OME) on acid suppression and symptom relief in patients with gastric ulcer.

In this randomized, paralleled, double-blind, controlled study, 177 patients with active gastric ulcer confirmed by endoscopy received a single dose of either RAB 10 mg (n = 89) or OME 20 mg (n = 88). Using 24 h pH monitoring, the percentage of time with intragastric pH > 3 and pH > 4 was calculated for daytime (08:30-21:00), night-time (21:00-08:30) and total 24 h period. The symptoms improvement was analyzed before and after using RAB and OME.

(1) There were no differences in improvement of symptoms between two groups (P > 0.05). (2) The percentage of time with pH > 3 and pH > 4 at night-time, and pH > 4 in the total 24 h period were significantly higher with RAB than with OME (P < 0.05). (3) The percentage of patients with pH > 3 over 30% of daytime, night-time and 24 h total period was significantly higher with RAB than with OME, also as intragastric pH > 4 over 30% of daytime and night-time. (4) Percentage of poor responders to acid suppression with RAB (pH > 3 for < 30% of the 24 h period) was significantly lower compared with OME (7.8% vs 16.4%, respectively, P < 0.05).

One dose of RAB (10 mg) and OME (20 mg) could improve symptoms in patients with gastric ulcer, however RAB provides superior acid suppression compared with OME, especially on night-time period.