H2 antagonists in the treatment of reflux esophagitis: a critical analysis.

To ascertain through clinical and endoscopic assessment, the clinical benefits of using H2 antagonists to treat patients with reflux esophagitis, we researched the English language literature using Index Medicus (1978-87) and bibliographic resources of textbooks. We selected 10 of 20 articles originally reviewed, which specifically addressed the stated purpose. Forty-three percent to 63% of patients treated with H2 antagonists improved symptomatically, compared with 9% to 35% of patients receiving placebo. Sixty percent to 88% of patients receiving H2 antagonists improved endoscopically, compared with 26% to 28% of patients receiving placebo. H2 antagonists are an effective treatment for reflux esophagitis. They cause a symptomatic and endoscopic improvement, mainly in moderate-to-severe erosive esophagitis.