Intravenous omeprazole prevents rebleeding in peptic ulcer patients with a non-bleeding visible vessel: a preliminary report of a randomized controlled study.
BACKGROUND
In patients with peptic ulcer bleeding, acid can enhance platelet disaggregation and cause lysis of the clot. Omeprazole, a potent acid suppressor, may be helpful in reducing their rebleeding rate.


METHODS
Between March and October 1994, 40 patients with a non-bleeding, visible vessel (NBVV) at ulcer bases were enrolled for study. They were randomized into four groups. Group 1 (n = 10) patients received cimetidine 300mg intravenously (i.v.) q6h; Group II (n = 10) patients received heater probe thermocoagulation therapy and cimetidine 300mg i.v. q6h; Group III (n = 10) patients received omeprazole 40mg intravenous bolus initially followed by 40mg i.v. qd and Group IV (n = 10) patients received omeprazole 40mg intravenous bolus initially followed by 40mg i.v. q12h. Endoscopic examination was done for follow-up, daily, for 1-3 days.


RESULTS
Preliminary results showed that the age, initial hemoglobin, ulcer size as well as NBVV size in Groups I-IV were not significantly different (p < 0.05). The rebleeding rates were 40% in Group I, 20% in Group II, 20% in Group III and 0% in Group IV, (p < 0.05 when Group IV is compared with Group I).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous omeprazole 40mg given q12h can reduce the rebleeding rate of patients with a NBVV.
Chua
R T
RT
Department of Medicine, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Lin
H J
HJ
Wang
K
K
Perng
C L
CL
Lo
W C
WC
Lee
C H
CH
Lee
S D
SD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010438:Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012008:Recurrence; D013270:Stomach / Q000098:blood supply*
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D009853:Omeprazole