Management of peptic ulcer bleeding—the roles of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication

Summary Peptic ulcer bleeding is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The goals of management are to control any active bleeding and prevent re‐bleeding and then to heal the ulcer and prevent its recurrence. Initial management strategies are guided by the patient's clinical condition and endoscopic findings. Thus, treatment may consist of endoscopic and medical therapy and, sometimes, surgery. Control of acid secretion, preferably with proton pump inhibitor therapy in the initial management continues to evolve; it has also been used as both an adjunct to endoscopic therapy and as primary treatment. These agents have been found to be effective in some trials in the reduction of re‐bleeding and the need for surgery, although there is no clear benefit demonstrated for overall mortality. Proton pump inhibitors have been administered either intravenously or orally in different trials. The long‐term management of patients with peptic ulcer, after the initial bleeding episode, should include patient stratification based upon risk factors for ulcer recurrence (i.e. Helicobacter pylori infection, use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs). Elimination or modification of these risk factors reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence and, hence, of recurrent ulcer bleeding.