Ulcuskomplikationer i Fyns Amt i perioden 1980-1990. Aendringer i indlaeggelsesfrekvensen efter frigivelsen af potent ulcusmedicin til håndkøb?

With the object of investigating whether the release of H2-blockers and sucralfate for over-the-counter sale in 1989 in Denmark and the simultaneous discontinuation of the general subsidy for potent ulcer medicine have had any influence on the frequency of hospitalisation for ulcer complications, the number of these were investigated in the County of Funen during a nine-year period prior to these alterations. The number of hospitalisations on account of ulcer complications during the first year after the alterations and thereafter were assessed on the basis of the prior tendency. In addition, the characteristics of the patients were assessed by a retrospective review of the case reports for the one-year periods before and after the alterations in the dispensing rules. The number of hospitalisations on account of ulcer complications in the County of Funen rose by 45% during the period 1.4.1980-31.3.1989. No increases in the number of hospitalisations after the alterations could be demonstrated. The number of patients admitted to Odense Hospital with ulcer complications and their characteristics are, similarly, unchanged after the alterations. Three case histories are, however, registered in which the alterations may have influenced the development of the ulcer complications. There appear to be good ground to continue registration of ulcer complications with the object of investigating the long-term consequences of these alterations particularly if potent ulcer medicine is used to a greater extent as over-the-counter medicine.