[Effect of 1-year long-term treatment with sucralfate on symptomatic recurrence of duodenal ulcer].

One hundred and two patients, who obtained relief from their duodenal ulcer symptoms with sucralfate (Antepsin R) in a dosage of 2 g b.i.d. for four weeks, were randomized to maintenance therapy with sucralfate 2 g at bedtime or a placebo for one year or until possible recurrence of symptoms. Ninety-four patients completed the study, 46 on sucralfate and 48 on the placebo. Eighteen of the sucralfate-treated patients (39%) experienced relapse of symptoms, as did 36 (75%) of the placebo treated patients. This difference was significant (p = 0.0008). In the sucralfate group most of the symptoms recurred within three months after randomisation, whereas the relapse rate seemed constant in the placebo group. It is concluded that 2 g sucralfate at bedtime is effective in preventing recurrence of duodenal ulcer symptoms.