[The effect of rabeprazole on gastric pH in patients with gastric ulcer].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a single dose of rebeprazole (RAB) versus omeprazole (OME) on acid suppression and symptom relief in patients with gastric ulcer.

METHODS

In this randomized, paralleled, double-blind, controlled study, 177 patients with active gastric ulcer confirmed by endoscopy received a single dose of either RAB 10 mg (n = 89) or OME 20 mg (n = 88). Using 24 h pH monitoring, the percentage of time with intragastric pH > 3 and pH > 4 was calculated for daytime (08:30-21:00), night-time (21:00-08:30) and total 24 h period. The symptoms improvement was analyzed before and after using RAB and OME.

RESULTS

(1) There were no differences in improvement of symptoms between two groups (P > 0.05). (2) The percentage of time with pH > 3 and pH > 4 at night-time, and pH > 4 in the total 24 h period were significantly higher with RAB than with OME (P < 0.05). (3) The percentage of patients with pH > 3 over 30% of daytime, night-time and 24 h total period was significantly higher with RAB than with OME, also as intragastric pH > 4 over 30% of daytime and night-time. (4) Percentage of poor responders to acid suppression with RAB (pH > 3 for < 30% of the 24 h period) was significantly lower compared with OME (7.8% vs 16.4%, respectively, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

One dose of RAB (10 mg) and OME (20 mg) could improve symptoms in patients with gastric ulcer, however RAB provides superior acid suppression compared with OME, especially on night-time period.