Healing of gastric body ulcer with gastroprotective versus antisecretory treatment

The aim of this study was to compare the healing effect of a gastroprotective agent and antisecretory drugs in gastric body ulcer where failure of the mucosal defense might be an important factor. Eighty-five patients with benign gastric ulcer were divided into four groups: treated with antacids (I), cimetidine (II), ranitidine (III), and colloidal bismuth subcitrate (De-Nol) (IV). Endoscopically confirmed complete healing was achieved in 57, 61, and 63% in groups I, II, and III, respectively, and in 88% in group IV (P < 0.05). Gastric secretion did not change significantly. Relapses during the next three years occurred several times more frequently in groups I, II, and III than in group IV. Helicobacter pylori was positive in about half the relapsing patients in groups I, II, and III but negative in those of group IV. It is concluded that De-Nol treatment of gastric body ulcer was more efficient than antisecretory drugs both initially and in reducing relapses.