Effect of 15 (R) 15 methyl prostaglandin E2 on the healing of gastric ulcers: a double-blind endoscopic study.

A double-blind trial was carried out to assess the effect of 15 (R) 15 methyl prostaglandin E2 on the healing of gastric ulcers. The prostaglandin preparation was given orally in doses of 150 mug every 6 hours for two weeks to 10 subjects with proven gastric ulcer. The control group consisted of 10 subjects with proven gastric ulcer, who did not receive prostaglandin treatment. All were in hospital, and at rest in bed. Ulcer healing was assessed endoscopically with a duodenofibrescope. The maximum diameter of the ulcer crater was determined endoscopically just before and after two weeks of treatment. In the prostaglandin group, complete healing was seen in three cases and considerable healing (50% and more) in five cases, and the overall mean healing rate was 63-3%. In the control group, complete healing was seen in no case and considerable healing in one case, and the overall mean healing rate was 17-1%. The difference was highly significant. The results confirm the belief that 15 (R) 15 methyl prostaglandin E2 is effective in promoting the healing of gastric ulcers.20