[Efficacy of a bismuth combination preparation. Efficacy in the treatment of chronic active gastritis and non-ulcerous dyspepsia].

: In an open, randomized controlled study, the effect of a combined bismuth preparation, bismuth nitrate and bismuth aluminate on the elimination of Helicobacter pylori, inflammatory activity in the gastric mucosa in chronic type B gastritis, and on the patient's symptoms was investigated. Included in the study were 36 patients with non-ulcerous dyspepsia and chronic gastritis. Twelve patients (Group A) received 4 x 1 tablet a day (800 mg total daily dose), 12 patients (Group B) 2 x 2 tablets a day (800 mg total daily dose), 12 patients (Group C) 2 x 1 tablet (400 mg total daily dose) for a period of 4 weeks. Elimination of Helicobacter pylori was observed in 73% of the patients in Group A, in 87% in Group B, but in only 16% in Group C. Inflammatory activity, measured in terms of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, regressed noticeably in Group A und B (p less than 0.01), but not in Group C. In all patient groups symptoms regressed significantly (p less than 0.01). Bismuth and methemoglobin concentrations in the serum were within the normal range in all patients on conclusion of treatment.