Comparative Study of Proton Pump Inhibitors versus H2 Blockers in Peptic Ulcer DiseaseManagement

Abstract

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is one of the common GI disorders where the disorder
requires good acid suppression to mitigate the symptoms and heal the mucosa. Proton pump
inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are known broadly used treatments, and
their preferable clinical performances need additional research.
Objective: In order to compare efficacy of PPIs and H2RAs in the treatment of PUD in respect
to symptom relief, ulcer healing and prevention.
Methodology: This comparative study was carried out at Hayatabad Medical Complex,
Peshawar and a 12 months period was taken in this study. Out of a total of 210 patients with
endoscopically confirmed PUD, the average age was randomly distributed into two groups; the
large control group designated (A) PPIs (n=105) and the other large group designated (B)
H2RAs (n=105). Demographics, type of ulcer, presence of Helicobacter pylori, symptom scores
(GSRS), healed outcomes and recurrence were data collected. The statistical analysis was
performed in SPSS version 26 and chi-square and t-tests were used, the value p < 0.05 was taken
to be statistically significant.
Results: There were no differences in baseline characteristic between groups (p > 0.05). At 6
weeks, the percentage of patients with reports of symptom relief was much greater in the PPI
group (mean GSRS reduction: 9.6 vs. 7.2; p < 0.001). PPIs had a higher proportion of ulcer
healing (89.5 % vs. 72.4%; p = 0. 002). The rate of recurrence at 3 months was lower in the PPI
group (4.8% vs. 16.2%; p 0.006). Adverse effects were minimal and comparable in the study
groups.
Conclusion: PPIs are much more effective over H2RAs in the treatment of PUD providing
improved symptom control, greater rates of healing and reduced recurrence.