Effect of prostaglandin E2 on the healing of gastric ulcers: a double-blind endoscopic trail.

A double-blind trial was performed to assess the effect of prostaglandin E2 on the healing of gastric ulcers. The prostaglandin preparation was given orally in doses of 1 mg, 6 hourly for two weeks to ten subjects with proven gastric ulcer. The control group consisted of ten subjects with proven gastric ulcer, without prostaglandin treatment. Gastric ulcer healing was assessed endoscopically with a duodenofiberscope. 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 two cases, considerable healing (50% and more) in three cases, and the overall mean healing rate was 42%. In the control group, complete healing was seen in none, considerable healing in one case, and the overall mean healing rate was 14-3%. The difference, statistically, was significant. The results show that prostaglandin E2 is effective in promoting the healing of gastric ulcers.