The treatment of gastric ulcer with antisecretory drugs. Relationship of pharmacological effect to healing rates.

Published clinical trials (N = 56) of antisecretory drugs in the treatment of benign gastric ulcer were reviewed. Composite healing rates for various drug regimens were calculated using a method previously described for duodenal ulcer. Healing rates were compared with data on suppression of intragastric acidity to see if any relationship was evident. No significant correlations between the two existed, unless placebo data were included in the analysis. Correlations were stronger with suppression of total 24-hr rather than nocturnal acidity. Using Williams' method for assessing trends, it was found that an increase in antisecretory effect is not associated with a concomitant increase in healing rates. Duration of medical treatment is the single most important factor in healing of benign gastric ulcer; healing rates for all drug regimens and placebo show a consistent increase with prolongation of treatment.