The Natural History of Peptic Ulcer Disease: The Influence of H₂-Antagonist Treatment

Little is known about the natural history of peptic ulcer disease. Its active phase tends to last about 15 years with a high frequency of complications (in 20-25% of cases) and recurrences after initial healing, although subsequently these problems are reduced. Until the advent of the H2 blockers, therapy (whether medical or surgical) failed to alter the course of the disease. Peptic ulcer disease, however, appears to respond positively to...