Acyclovir in the prevention of duodenal ulcer recurrence
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) does not cause recurrent duodenal ulcers. A trial of acyclovir, an antiviral drug, showed no significant difference in ulcer recurrence rates compared to placebo.
Area Of Science
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background
- Recurrent duodenal ulceration is a common clinical problem.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation is a potential, but unproven, cause of duodenal ulcers.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate if suppressing herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation with acyclovir influences the recurrence rate of duodenal ulcers.
Main Methods
- A double-blind, randomized trial comparing maintenance treatment with acyclovir (400 mg twice daily) versus placebo in patients with recently healed duodenal ulcers.
- 115 patients were enrolled; 76 completed the 25-week study.
- Endoscopy was used to assess ulcer recurrence upon symptom reappearance and at the study's end.
Main Results
- The cumulative relapse rate in the acyclovir group was 63%, compared to 56% in the placebo group.
- This difference was not statistically significant (NS).
Conclusions
- Reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) is unlikely to be a cause of recurrent duodenal ulceration.
- Antiviral therapy with acyclovir does not appear to alter the natural history of duodenal ulcer disease in this patient population.