The impact of H2-receptor antagonists on the complications, morbidity and mortality of peptic ulcer disease.
The epidemiology and character of peptic ulcer has changed over the last 20 years, with only some of the change being due to the introduction of H2-receptor antagonists in the mid-1970s. There is evidence that duodenal ulcer was declining before this change in therapeutics. H2-receptor antagonists have, however, greatly reduced the morbidity and the time off work due to peptic ulcer disease. There is no strong evidence, however, that mortality due to peptic ulcer disease, which was already relatively small, has been reduced. The incidence of complications such as gastric haemorrhage, perforation and obstruction, may have increased in elderly patients. This may be associated with independent variables, such as increased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Isenberg
J I
JI
Gastroenterology Section, University Hospital, San Diego, CA 92103.
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists