Endoscopic evaluation of rioprostil in the management of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastritis: an interim analysis.

The effects of the synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, rioprostil, on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced (NSAID) gastritis are investigated. The study is of randomized, double-blind design. Patients are included who had classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, had been taking a stable dose of NSAID or aspirin for at least one month and had endoscopically proven gastric lesion. Endoscopy is performed prior to, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the treatment period. Patients receive either rioprostil, 300 micrograms or 100 micrograms q.d.s., or placebo q.d.s. The results of the endoscopies show greater healing of the mucosa in patients taking rioprostil compared with those taking placebo. It is therefore concluded that rioprostil is an effective compound for the management of patients with NSAID-induced gastritis.