Omeprazole: outcome benefit for patients treated for bleeding peptic ulcers?

Endoscopic therapy is a highly effective treatment for bleeding peptic ulcer disease. However, recurrent bleeding occurs in 15% to 20% patients and carries a high morbidity. Acid suppression has been shown to enhance ulcer healing and improve intra-lesional platelet aggregation. Previous outcome studies of early acid suppression have given conflicting results, though a statistically insignificant trend towards improved outcomes in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors has been noted.