THE USE OF MELATONIN IN THE TREATMENT OF DUODENAL ULCER IN THE EUROPEAN NORTH

Abstract

Objective: to study changes in the course of the duodenal ulcer in patients residing in the European North, using melatonin as an addition to standard antiulcer therapy. Materials and methods: the study involved 80 patients with uncomplicated active duodenal ulcer. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group I (test, 40 patients), received a triple regimen (omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin) and melatonin as an addition; Group II (control, 40 patients) received only a triple regimen. Taking into account the peculiarities of photoperiodism in the region subgroups A and B were marked in the 1st Group, subgroups C and D - in the 2nd group (A and C- received treatment from March to August; and B and D-from September to February). Results: Before treatment in all groups and subgroups patients complained of epigastric burning, ulcerative pain and sleep disturbance. Complaints disappeared faster in the test group than in the control; in the subgroup A and B compared to subgroups C and D respectively. Study of time limits of patients' physical status recovery did not reveal statistically significant differences between test and control groups, however, faster recovery was observed in subgroup A compared to sub-group C. Cicatrization according EGD on the 14 day of the therapy took place in 100 % cases in the study group and the subgroups A and B, whereas in the control group and in the sub-groups C and D - 60, 80 and 40 %, respectively. Conclusions: antiulcer therapy in combination with melatonin is more effective, especially when administered in a period of growth and maximum day light duration.