Predictors of relapse in peptic ulcer.

Four hundred and two patients with peptic ulcer were selected for acute therapy with either pirenzepine (100 mg/day) or cimetidine (800 mg/day) using the envelope method. Those who achieved healing within 3 months (251 patients) were randomized in a double-blind fashion to maintenance therapy with either pirenzepine (75 mg/day) or placebo. In a preliminary study of 163 patients in which a multiple regression life-table method was employed, 4 out of 15 possible predictors were found to have a significant influence on relapse. These were site of ulcer lesions, psychological stress, endoscopic findings at the time of healing of the original ulcers, and acute therapy. Stratified analysis of the evolution of relapse by the Cutler-Ederer life-table method indicated that several other factors also influenced relapse in certain patient subgroups. Most relapses (93.8%) occurred at the same site as, or close to the site of, the original ulcers, indicating that ulcer scars also play a role in relapse.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes