Somatostatin and cimetidine in peptic-ulcer haemorrhage. A randomised controlled trial

In a randomised controlled trial somatostatin was compared with cimetidine in the treatment of severe and persistent gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer. The study was of a sequential design and lasted 2.5 years, when the designated level of significance had been reached. Of the 20 patients studied, 10 received somotostatin and 10 received cimetidine. In 7 of the 10 pairs of patients somatostatin was more effective than cimetidine; in 2 pairs somatostatin and cimetidine were both ineffective; and in 1 pair they were equally effective. Somatostatin may therefore be suitable for controlling peptic-ulcer bleeding in many patients who are unsuitable for surgery.