[Duodenal ulcer and risk factors: influence of the treatment with misoprostol]

Two hundred and thirty five duodenal ulcer patients agreed to be treated with Misoprostol 400 mcg b.i.d. during four weeks. The influence of cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee on the healing rate were determined. Endoscopic examinations were performed at the beginning of the study and after four weeks of treatment. Clinical evaluations were done at the beginning and after two and four weeks of treatment. According to the type of cohort the healing rate after four weeks of treatment was: a) 70.6% when all 235 patients intended to be treated were considered; b) 77.9% when all patients reexamined after four weeks + 5 withdrawn because of side effects (3) or worsening of symptoms (2) where analysed and, c) 79.8% when only the 208 patients that completed four weeks of treatment were considered. Loosen stools or diarrhea were observed in 37% of the patients but only in 2 (0.85%) severe diarrhea resulted in interruption of the treatment. The healing rates were not altered by the use of cigarettes, alcohol or coffee, suggesting that Misoprostol probably inhibited the deleterious effects of those risk factors.