Cimetidine: an advance in gastric ulcer treatment?. Issue 6148 (11th November 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morgan, A G; McAdam, W A; Pacsoo, C; Walker, B E; Simmons, A V
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 2:Issue 6148(1978)
• Page Start: 1323
• Page End: 1326
• Publication Date: 1978-11-11
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.2.6148.1323
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Sixty patients with endoscopically confirmed gastric ulceration took part in a single-blind trial of cimetidine 1 g daily compared with conventional treatment--namely, carbenoxolone in patients aged under 60 and Caved-(S) in those over 60. Twenty-nine patients received cimetidine: in 12 (41%) ulcer healing was complete after one month, in 26 (90%) healing was complete after two months, and all ulcers were healed after three months of treatment. In the under-60s, ulcers were healed in a greater proportion of patients given cimetidine than in those given carbenoxolone. The difference, however, was significant only at the 5% level, which owing to small numbers was of doubtful clinical validity. In the over-60s cimetidine and Caved-(S) were of similar efficacy. The 54 patients with healed ulcers are being followed up for two years; so far there have been 16 recurrences (30%). Further trials are needed, which should include maintenance treatment aimed at lowering the unacceptably high recurrence rate.