Helicobacter pylori-positive duodenal ulcer: a long-term double-blind randomized study in patients healed with H2-receptor antagonists.

BACKGROUND

The NIH Consensus Conference in 1994 (1) concluded that all patients with peptic ulcer disease should be tested and treated for Helicobacter pylori and that further evaluation was needed for patients in remission.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We evaluated in a double blind randomization 30 patients whose duodenal ulcers had been healed with H2-receptor antagonists and who remained in remission on maintenance therapy. After ulcer healing and the presence of H. pylori had been confirmed, these patients were randomized to receive eradication therapy or placebo and were followed for a mean period of 23 months.

RESULTS

Almost all patients receiving placebo had ulcer recurrence, whereas the patients treated with antibiotics demonstrate a low recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest, for the first time to our knowledge, the importance of treating with antibiotics duodenal ulcer patients whose disease is in remission.