In conclusion misoprostol has been shown to prevent NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal damage and certain 'at risk' groups of patients can be identified. Studies to address the question whether the use of misoprostol will prevent serious morbidity are underway. Meanwhile the conclusion in a recent review'6 regarding this aspect of the use of misoprostol would appear to be scientifically justified -'it seems likely (though unproven) that normalization of the gastric mucosa will reduce the likelihood of gastric ulcer complications'.