Gastric acid secretion studies in Enugu, using pentagastrin stimulation

Mean acid output was studied in forty-three Nigerian subjects (twenty controls and twenty-three duodenal ulcer patients). 6 micrograms/kg body weight of pentagastrin was given to each after 1 hour basal acid output (B.A.O.) collection. Maximal and peak acid outputs (M.A.O. and P.A.O.) were measured in mmol/hr using the indicator-titration method. Gastric juice volume was measured in mls. For the control the B.A.O., M.A.O. and P.A.O. in mmol/hr were (Mean 1 S.D.) 1.7 +/- 1.6; 13.5 +/- 4.61 and 15.1 +/- 5.3 respectively. The corresponding figures for the duodenal ulcer patients was 3.2 +/- 2.7; 25.1 +/- 8.5; 28.4 +/- 11.1. P less than 0.05, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001 respectively). The mean stimulated gastric juice volume of 131.3 +/- 29.6 ml in the controls differed significantly from the volume 198.2 +/- 54.9 in the duodenal ulcer patients (P less than 0.001). 182 mls of gastric juice was found to be the volume above which is duodenal ulcer may be suspected. Acid values are compared with published data and reasons for any differences discussed.