Patients with a history of idiopathic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding face an increased risk of recurrent ulcer gastrointestinal bleeding. Our ongoing clinical trial demonstrates a possible reduced risk of recurrent idiopathic gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), yet there is a significant risk of recurrent ulcer bleeding as PPI may increase the risk of small bowel bleeding. Our preliminary data provide strong plausibility that a combination therapy of misoprostol (MISO) with a PPI reduces the recurrent ulcer bleeding as well as clinical gastrointestinal bleeding. The investigators are going to provide the definitive answer to this important clinical question through a randomised trial.
HYPOTHESIS The hypothesis that a combination therapy of misoprostol and lansoprazole is superior to lansoprazole alone for the prevention of recurrent ulcer bleeding in patients with a history of idiopathic ulcer bleeding. STUDY DESIGN OVERVIEW It is a two-year, double blinded, randomized trial of a combination therapy with misoprostol with PPI (lansoprazole) versus misoprostol placebo plus PPI (lansoprazole) in patients with a history of idiopathic ulcer bleeding. Randomization All eligible patients will be randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) to receive 24 months of either misoprostol 800 micrograms daily (i.e. misoprostol 200 micrograms four times daily) combined with lansoprazole 30 mg once daily, or misoprostol placebo four times daily plus lansoprazole 30 mg once daily. A computer-generated randomisation schedule is used to assign patients to the treatment sequences. Concealment of allocation will be ascertained by an independent research staff member. The Clinical Research Pharmacy located in Prince of Wales Hospital will dispense consecutively numbered, identical packs that contain sealed bottles of the study medications. Follow-up assessment After the randomisation visit, patients will return at month 2, month 6, and then every four months thereafter until 24 months (follow up ± 14 days from scheduled clinic visit is allowed). At each visit, we will assess patients' complete blood picture, renal and liver function tests, and serum salicylate level, compliance to study medications, and the use of other medications including over-the-counter drugs, and safety of the treatment. Drug adherence is assessed by counting the study drugs. Patients are permitted to take antacids to relieve dyspepsia. Drugs prohibited during the study include anticoagulant agents, NSAIDs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, over-the-counter analgesics (including herbal products), misoprostol, sucralfate, antiplatelet drugs, bisphosphonates, and PPIs/H2RAs apart from the study drugs. :
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
154
Misoprostol 200mcg
Placebo Tablet
Endoscopy Center, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGRecurrent ulcer bleeding
Recurrent ulcer bleeding confirmed endoscopically. Clinical gastrointestinal bleeding is as defined as haematemesis, per-rectal bleeding and/or melena confirmed and documented by the attending doctor, or a drop in haemoglobin level of 2 g/dL from baseline or more. An ulcer is defined as a circumscribed mucosal break at least 5 mm in the largest diameter and with an observable depth. Bleeding erosion is defined as a break in gastric or duodenal mucosa of any size with the co-existence of blood in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Time frame: 24 months
Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding
Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding) as defined according to the clinical criteria stated in primary endpoint
Time frame: 24 months
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