Comparative treatment of gastroduodenal haemorrhage with secretin and cimetidine

: In a prospective multicenter study 71 patients with acute, non-arterial gastroduodenal haemorrhage from ulcers or stress lesions were treated alternately with synthetic secretin (Hoe 0690 (n = 35) or with cimetidine (n = 36). Both medications were given by infusion over 48 hours. Prior to commencement of treatment the haemorrhage was verified gastroscopically. During infusion of secretin cessation of hemorrhage was achieved without recurrence in 30 out of the 35 patients within the 48-hour infusion time and in 3 patients with recurrence within the same period. Two patients failed to obtain discontinuation of haemorrhage within the infusion period. Cimetidine led to cessation of haemorrhage without recurrence within 48 hours in 20 out of 3 patients, 3 patients had recurrences. Haemorrhages could not be arrested in 13 patients within the two-day treatment period. Differences between success of treatment among the two groups are significant (P less than 0.01) favouring secretin.