title: Clinical interpretation of recurrence data.
abstract: High rates of recurrence of peptic ulcer disease have been demonstrated in numerous studies. Maintenance drug therapy can successfully reduce the rate of recurrence and probably should be given during the first year after healing, when complications are more likely to be serious. After the first year, serious complications such as perforation, bleeding, and death are not likely. The most appropriate candidates for maintenance therapy are patients older than age 50 and those who are at high risk for relapse (e.g., those who smoke, have a family history of ulcer disease, or a history of ulcer relapse). The currently available cytoprotective agent sucralfate may be the most appropriate agent to use for maintenance therapy because it is locally acting and low in toxicity, as well as effective.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013392:Sucralfate