Recurrence of duodenal ulcer after medical treatment.

562 patients whose duodenal ulcers had healed in a series of double-blind controlled trials of various medical treatments were enrolled in a long-term endoscopic follow-up. 436 were followed for up to four years or until relapse. Relapse rates did not differ between the groups treated with cimetidine, ranitidine, pirenzepine, or placebo. At six and twelve months but not subsequently, there was a significant advantage for tripotassium dicitrato-bismuthate. Relapse rates were at all times higher in smokers than in non-smokers.