The effect of tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (De-Nol) on the healing of chronic duodenal ulcers.

Forty-six patients suffering from chronic duodenal ulcer, proven endoscopically, were treated in a randomized double-blind cross-over trial with either tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (De-Nol) or placebo for four weeks and assessed symptomatically and endoscopically. Those patients who failed to heal after treatment with either agent were crossed over to the alternative preparation and reassessed after a further 28 days. Forty-two patients completed the study involving 57 patient treatments. A highly significant improvement in both symptomatic response (P less than 0.01) and endoscopic healing (P less than 0.01) was seen in those patients receiving tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (De-Nol) as against placebo therapy.