Peptic ulcer disease.

The introduction of the "Maastricht 2-2000" document provides some guidance with regard to the management of Helicobacter pylori infection in both primary and specialist practice settings, albeit primarily in the European setting. The putative role of H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis was supported by a further study. Studies on the natural history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) highlight the particular vulnerability of the elderly patient to PUD and its complications, and focus attention on targeted intervention in this group, particularly the avoidance of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). Little has evolved with regard to the introduction of new NSAID, but reports indicate the potential association of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2)-selective agent use with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The role of H. pylori and NSAID as risk factors for peptic ulcer disease and its complications is again explored, and both meta-analysis and clinical studies provide some evidence of their synergistic effect. The introduction of esomeprazole, the S-isomer of omeprazole, has widened the clinician's therapeutic choice; the true value of this agent remains to be determined.