Oxygen-derived free radical scavengers: a new approach to the problem of refractory peptic ulceration.

Refractory peptic ulceration refers to ulcers which are slow to heal despite active treatment for at least three months. Oxygen-derived free radicals are cytotoxic and promote tissue injury. Twelve consecutive patients with refractory peptic ulceration (eight with duodenal ulcers and four with solitary pre-pyloric gastric ulcers) were treated using the radical scavengers allopurinol or dimethyl sulphoxide. This treatment was well tolerated by all patients and produced no adverse effects. Endoscopic examination four weeks later demonstrated complete healing (an intact gastric or duodenal mucosa without any breaches) in all patients. The results suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals perpetuate the process of peptic ulceration and exert an adverse effect on healing. Scavengers of these radicals stimulate the healing of refractory gastric and duodenal ulceration.