Randomised trial of eradication of Helicobacter pylori before non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy to prevent peptic ulcers

Validity of rapid urease test using swab of gastric mucus to mucosal forceps and 13 C-urease breath test: a multicenter prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Theoretically, a rapid urease test (RUT) using a swab of the gastric wall (Swab-RUT) for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is safe. However, the validity and utility of Swab-RUT remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the validity and utility of Swab-RUT compared to RUT using mucosal forceps of the gastric wall (Forceps-RUT) and 13C-urea breath test (UBT).

METHODS

This study was a multicenter prospective observational study. When the examinees were suspected of H. pylori infection during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, we performed Swab-RUT and Forceps-RUT continuously. When the examinees were not suspected of H. pylori infection, we performed Swab-RUT alone. We validated the status of H. pylori infection using UBT.

RESULTS

Ninety-four examinees were enrolled from four institutions between May 2016 and December 2020 (median age [range], 56.5 [26-88] years). In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Swab-RUT to UBT were 0.933 (95% confidence interval: 0.779-0.992), 0.922 (0.827-0.974), and 0.926 (0.853-0.970), respectively. The Kappa coefficient of Swab-RUT to UBT was 0.833, and that of Swab-RUT to forceps-RUT was 0.936. No complications were observed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Swab-RUT is a valid examination for the status of H. pylori infection compared to the conventional Forceps-RUT.

[Peptic ulcer]

Peptic ulcer disease is a frequent pathology; although the incidence has decreased in recent years, it continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality associated with high healthcare costs. The most important risk factors are Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients with peptic ulcer disease remain asymptomatic, with dyspepsia being the most frequent and often characteristic symptom. It can also debut with complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation or stenosis. The diagnostic technique of choice is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors, eradication of H. pylori and avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the basis of treatment. However, prevention is the best strategy, it includes an adequate indication of proton pump inhibitors, investigation and treatment of H. pylori, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or using those that are less gastrolesive.

Research Trends on Clinical Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1983 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies related to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication have been published since the discovery of H. pylori. This study aimed to use a quantitative method to assess the development of this field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a search of related articles from Web of Science published in 1983-2020 using a combination of the search terms "H. pylori" and "eradication". Eligible studies were included after a two-stage screening process, and the following data were extracted: title, author, institution, country, study type, sample size, eradication regimen, publication year, number of citations, journal, and H-index.

RESULTS

A total of 1402 studies were finally identified. The results showed that the period from 1994-2003 was the most influential period in this field. Italy and the USA were dominant countries in this field, while China's publication number increased sharply in the last ten years. Baylor College of Medicine was the most influential institution. Alimentary Pharmacology Therapeutics was the most productive journal. The effects of H. pylori eradication on peptic ulcers and gastric cancer and H. pylori eradication therapy were the most cited topics in this field. After the publish of Maastricht/Florence Ⅳ guideline, the research of quadruple therapy was more than triple therapy. Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy became the most focused regimen after Maastricht/Florence Ⅴ guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we summarized the characteristics of the publications; identified the most influential countries, institutions, journals; identified the popular research topics and eradication regimen of clinical H. pylori eradication.

Clinical Guidelines for Drug-Related Peptic Ulcer, 2020 Revised Edition

Korean guidelines for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic ulcer were previously developed in 2009 with the collaboration of the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research and Korean Society of Gastroenterology. However, the previous guidelines were based mainly upon a review of the relevant literature and expert opinion. Therefore, the guidelines need to be revised. We organized a guideline Development Committee for drug-related peptic ulcer under the auspices of the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research in 2017 and developed nine statements, including four for NSAIDs, three for aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, and two for anticoagulants through a de novo process founded on evidence-based medicine that included a literature search and a meta-analysis, A consensus was reached through the application of the modified Delphi method. The primary target of these guidelines is adult patients undergoing long-term treatment with NSAIDs, aspirin or other antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. The revised guidelines reflect the expert consensus and is intended to assist clinicians in the management and prevention of drug-induced peptic ulcer and associated conditions.

[Clinical Guidelines for Drug-induced Peptic Ulcer, 2020 Revised Edition]

The Korean guidelines for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic ulcers were previously developed under co-work with the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research and Korean Society of Gastroenterology at 2009. On the other hand, the previous guidelines were based mainly on a literature review and expert opinions. Therefore, the guidelines need to be revised. In this study, a guideline development committee for drug-induced peptic ulcers was organized under the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research in 2017. Nine statements were developed, including four for NSAID, three for aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, and two for anticoagulants through de novo processes based on evidence-based medicine, such as a literature search, meta-analysis, and the consensus was established using the modified Delphi method. The primary target of this guideline was adult patients taking long-term NSAIDs, aspirin, or other antiplatelet agent and anticoagulants. The revised guidelines reflect the consensus of expert opinions and are intended to assist relevant clinicians in the management and prevention of drug-induced peptic ulcers and associated conditions.

[Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Drug-related Peptic Ulcer]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide, and their long-term use often leads to peptic ulcers (PUs) along with serious complications, such as bleeding and perforation. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant risk factor for developing NSAID-related PU and ulcer bleeding during long-term aspirin use. In a revised version of the Clinical Guidelines for Drug-induced Peptic Ulcer, two statements regarding H. pylori eradication are recommended. 1) Patients scheduled for long-term NSAID therapy should be tested and treated for H. pylori infection to prevent PU and its complications. 2) Patients with a history of PU receiving long-term low-dose aspirin (LDA) therapy should undergo treatment for H. pylori infection to prevent PU and its complications. On the other hand, unlike NSAID-naïve patients, the preventive effects of H. pylori eradication in chronic NSAID users are unclear. In addition, anti-ulcer drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors, may be necessary for maintenance therapy after H. pylori eradication in a subset of long-term LDA users, particularly if the patients are taking concomitant antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants.

Prevention of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-induced Peptic Ulcers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in clinical practice. The long-term use of NSAIDs is one of the main causes of peptic ulcers and the increased risk of upper gastrointestinal tract complications, such as perforation and bleeding. Thus, the prevention of NSAID-induced peptic ulcers is an important clinical issue. Previous studies have evaluated various strategies for preventing ulcers in patients requiring prolonged NSAID use. The Korean clinical practice guidelines have been published recently based on the evidence of the currently available data. This review describes the strategies for the prevention of peptic ulcers due to NSAID. An assessment of the risk factors for peptic ulcers from NSAID is recommended to identify patients who should be considered for primary prophylaxis. The risk of NSAID-induced peptic ulcers can be reduced by the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), misoprostol, and histamine-2 receptor antagonists. Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors can be used with caution due to concerns regarding cardiovascular toxicity. Attempts should be made to use the lowest dose and shortest duration of the NSAID.

Helicobacter pylori: A Review of Current Diagnostic and Management Strategies

As one of the most prevalent infections globally, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) continues to present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians worldwide. Diagnostically, the "test-and-treat" strategy is the recommended approach for healthcare practitioners when managing this potentially curable disease. The choice of testing method should be based on several factors including patient age, presenting symptoms, and medication use, as well as test reliability, availability, and cost. With rising antibiotic resistance, particularly of macrolides, care must be taken to ensure that therapy is selected based on regional resistance patterns and prior antibiotic exposure. In the USA, macrolide antibiotic resistance rates in some areas have reached or exceeded a generally accepted threshold, such that clarithromycin triple therapy may no longer be an appropriate first-line empiric treatment. Instead, bismuth quadruple therapy should be considered, while levofloxacin-based or alternative macrolide-containing therapies are also options. Once treated, it is essential to test for eradication as untreated H. pylori is associated with serious complications including peptic ulcer disease, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. This review article aims to consolidate current knowledge of H. pylori infection with a particular emphasis on diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Perforated and bleeding peptic ulcer: WSES guidelines

Background

Peptic ulcer disease is common with a lifetime prevalence in the general population of 5-10% and an incidence of 0.1-0.3% per year. Despite a sharp reduction in incidence and rates of hospital admission and mortality over the past 30 years, complications are still encountered in 10-20% of these patients. Peptic ulcer disease remains a significant healthcare problem, which can consume considerable financial resources. Management may involve various subspecialties including surgeons, gastroenterologists, and radiologists. Successful management of patients with complicated peptic ulcer (CPU) involves prompt recognition, resuscitation when required, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical/radiological treatment.

Methods

The present guidelines have been developed according to the GRADE methodology. To create these guidelines, a panel of experts was designed and charged by the board of the WSES to perform a systematic review of the available literature and to provide evidence-based statements with immediate practical application. All the statements were presented and discussed during the 5th WSES Congress, and for each statement, a consensus among the WSES panel of experts was reached.

Conclusions

The population considered in these guidelines is adult patients with suspected complicated peptic ulcer disease. These guidelines present evidence-based international consensus statements on the management of complicated peptic ulcer from a collaboration of a panel of experts and are intended to improve the knowledge and the awareness of physicians around the world on this specific topic. We divided our work into the two main topics, bleeding and perforated peptic ulcer, and structured it into six main topics that cover the entire management process of patients with complicated peptic ulcer, from diagnosis at ED arrival to post-discharge antimicrobial therapy, to provide an up-to-date, easy-to-use tool that can help physicians and surgeons during the decision-making process.

Helicobacter pylori And Duodenal Ulcer: Systematic Review Of Controversies In Causation

Background

There are controversies on the causal role of H. pylori in duodenal ulceration. Helicobacter pylori are curved gram-negative microaerophilic bacteria found at the layer of gastric mucous or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. It’s a public health significance bacteria starting from discovery, and the prevalence and severity of the infection varies considerably among populations. H. pylori are a risk for various diseases, while the extent of host response like gastric inflammation and the amount of acid secretion by parietal cells affects the outcome of infection.

Method

Relevant literature were searched from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.

Result

The review evidence supports a strong causal relation between H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer, as patients are more likely to be infected by virulent strains which later cause duodenal ulceration. Thus, eradication of H. pylori infection decreases the incidence of duodenal ulcers, and prevents its recurrence by reducing both basal gastrin release and acid secretion without affecting parietal cell sensitivity. On the other hand, some studies show that H. pylori infection is not associated with the development of duodenal ulcers and such a lack of association revealed that duodenal ulceration has different pathogenesis.

Conclusion

Despite controversies observed in the causal role of H. pylori to duodenal ulceration by various studies, Hill criteria of causation proved the presence of a causal relation between H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcers. Other factors are also responsible for the development of duodenal ulcers and such factors are responsible for the differences in the prevalence of the diseases.

Oral paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for treating pain after soft tissue injuries: Single centre double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue injuries commonly present to the emergency department (ED), often with acute pain. They cause significant suffering and morbidity if not adequately treated. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used analgesics, but it remains unknown if either one or the combination of both is superior for pain control.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the analgesic effect of paracetamol, ibuprofen and the combination of both in the treatment of soft tissue injury in an ED, and the side effect profile of these drugs.

METHODS

Double-blind, double dummy, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial. 782 adult patients presenting with soft tissue injury without obvious fractures attending the ED of a university hospital in the New Territories of Hong Kong were recruited. Patients were randomised using a random number table into three parallel arms of paracetamol only, ibuprofen only and a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome measure was pain score at rest and on activity in the first 2 hours and first 3 days. Data was analysed on an intention to treat basis.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in pain score in the initial two hours between the three groups, and no clinically significant difference in pain score in the first three days.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in analgesic effects or side effects observed using oral paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both in patients with mild to moderate pain after soft tissue injuries attending the ED.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT00528658).

Consensus on the clinical management, screening-to-treat, and surveillance of Helicobacter pylori infection to improve gastric cancer control on a nationwide scale

BACKGROUND

Previous international consensus statements provided general policies for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, there are geographic differences in the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori, and in the availability of medications and endoscopy. Thus, nationwide or regional consensus statements are needed to improve control of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This consensus statement for management of H. pylori in Taiwan has three major sections: (1) optimal diagnosis and indications; (2) current treatment strategies; and (3) screening-to-treat and surveillance for control of gastric cancer. The literature review emphasized recent data for development of draft statements and determination of levels of evidence. Twenty-five Taiwan experts conducted a consensus conference, by a modified Delphi process, to modify the draft statements. Consensus, defined as an agreement of least 80% of the experts, and recommendation grade were determined by anonymous voting.

RESULTS

There were 24 consensus statements. Section 1 has seven statements on recommendations for the diagnosis and indications for treatment of H. pylori infection. Section 2 has 10 statements that provide an updated treatment algorithm for first-line, second-line, and third-line regimens. Section 3 has seven statements regarding H. pylori eradication for reducing the risk of gastric cancer, with a cost-benefit analysis. After H. pylori eradication, the consensus highlights the use of endoscopic surveillance and/or chemoprevention to further reduce the burden of gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus statement has updated recommendations for improving the clinical management of H. pylori infection in areas such as Taiwan, which have high prevalence of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common worldwide infection that is an important cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. H. pylori may also have a role in uninvestigated and functional dyspepsia, ulcer risk in patients taking low-dose aspirin or starting therapy with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. While choosing a treatment regimen for H. pylori, patients should be asked about previous antibiotic exposure and this information should be incorporated into the decision-making process. For first-line treatment, clarithromycin triple therapy should be confined to patients with no previous history of macrolide exposure who reside in areas where clarithromycin resistance amongst H. pylori isolates is known to be low. Most patients will be better served by first-line treatment with bismuth quadruple therapy or concomitant therapy consisting of a PPI, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole. When first-line therapy fails, a salvage regimen should avoid antibiotics that were previously used. If a patient received a first-line treatment containing clarithromycin, bismuth quadruple therapy or levofloxacin salvage regimens are the preferred treatment options. If a patient received first-line bismuth quadruple therapy, clarithromycin or levofloxacin-containing salvage regimens are the preferred treatment options. Details regarding the drugs, doses and durations of the recommended and suggested first-line and salvage regimens can be found in the guideline.

Helicobacter pylori screening: options and challenges

Helicobacter pylori gastritis is the most frequent infectious disease in the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical sequelae of the infection including peptic ulcer disease, sporadic gastric cancer (GC) and primary B-cell gastric lymphoma (MALT-lymphoma) may develop in up to 20% of the infected individuals. The H. pylori screen-and-treat strategy is addressed to members of communities with high GC incidence, and first-degree relatives of GC patients. For primary GC prevention, H. pylori screen-and-treat is most effective in patients without precancerous conditions. In populations at moderate risk, strategies for GC prevention need to be explored. A special clinical scenario for primary and secondary prevention of H. pylori related benign complications are patients on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and low-dose aspirin. Vaccination represents another option for eliminating H. pylori infection in the population and a new H. pylori vaccine has shown promising results. However, long-term effects with the use of vaccine are not available.

Acute Pain Management

Acute pain management is improving steadily over the past few years, but training and professional education are still lacking in many professions. Untreated or undertreated acute pain could have detrimental effects on the patient in terms of comfort and recovery from trauma or surgery. Acute undertreated pain can decrease a patient's vascular perfusion, increase oxygen demand, suppress the immune system, and possibly risk increased incidence of venous thrombosis. Although acute postoperative pain needs to be managed aggressively, patients are most vulnerable during this period for developing adverse effects, and therefore, patient assessment and careful drug therapy evaluation are necessary processes in therapeutic planning. Acute pain management requires careful and thorough initial assessment and follow-up reassessment in addition to frequent dosage adjustments, and managing analgesic induced side effects. Analgesic selection and dosing must be based on the patient's past and recent analgesic exposure. There is no single acute pain management regimen that is suitable for all patients. Analgesics must be tailored to the individual patient.

Management of NSAID-associated peptic ulcer disease

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use increases the risk of gastrointestinal complications such as ulcers or bleeding. The presence of factors like advanced age, history of peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents increase this risk further. COX-2 inhibitors and antisecretory drugs, particularly proton pump inhibitors, help to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal complications in high-risk patients. This review presents a practical approach to the prevention and treatment of NSAID-associated peptic ulcer disease and examines the new advances in the rational use of NSAIDs.

Factors associated with gastro-duodenal disease in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

BACKGROUND

There is a high prevalence of gastro-duodenal disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Peptic ulcer disease in dyspeptic patients, 24.5%, was comparable to prevalence of gastro-duodenal disease among symptomatic individuals in developed countries (12 - 25%). Limited data exists regarding its associated risk factors despite accumulating evidence indicating that gastroduodenal disease is common in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates risk factors associated with gastro-duodenal disease at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional design to consecutively recruit patients referred with upper gastro-intestinal symptoms for endoscopy. The study questionnaire was administered to study participants. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by rapid-urease examination at endoscopy.

RESULTS

Of 242 patients sampled; 64 had duodenal ulcer, 66 gastric ulcer, 27gastric cancer and 64 non-ulcer dyspepsia. Nineteen (19) had duodenal and gastric ulcer while 2 had gastric ulcer and cancer. A third (32.6%) of patients had history of NSAID-use. H. pyloriwas associated with gastric ulcer (p=0.033) and duodenal ulcer (p=0.001). There was an increased prevalence of duodenal ulcer in H. pylori-infected patients taking NSAIDs, P=0.003.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori was a major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease. However, NSAID-related gastro-duodenal injury has been shown to be common in H. pylori infected patients. It highlights the need for awareness of the adverse gastro-intestinal effects in a H. pylori endemic area.

Helicobacter pylori infection in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users

NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal (GI) damage occurs easily in people with a prior history of complicated or uncomplicated ulcers. Many recent clinical studies have proved the benefit of Helicobacter pylori eradication in NSAID users; however, the exact pathophysiologic relationship between concomitant H. pylori infection and NSAID use has not yet been fully elucidated. Testing and eradication of H. pylori are generally recommended in patients who are at a high risk for NSAID-induced GI damage. However, in high-risk patients, ulcer prophylaxis with proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol is needed even if H. pylori has been successfully eradicated. In low-risk patients, it is still questionable whether or not eradication of H. pylori can reduce upper GI damage. However, in western countries, due to its cost effectiveness, testing and eradication of H. pylori is recommended before starting aspirin or NSAID irrespective of the risk level. In regions with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection (>20%), the usefulness of testing and eradication of H. pylori has not yet been determined.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication within 120 Days Is Associated with Decreased Complicated Recurrent Peptic Ulcers in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Patients

Background/Aims

The connection between Helicobacter pylori and complicated peptic ulcer disease in peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has not been established. In this study, we sought to determine whether delayed H. pylori eradication therapy in PUB patients increases complicated recurrent peptic ulcers.

Methods

We identified inpatient PUB patients using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We categorized patients into early (time lag ≤120 days after peptic ulcer diagnosis) and late H. pylori eradication therapy groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used. The primary outcome was rehospitalization for patients with complicated recurrent peptic ulcers.

Results

Our data indicated that the late H. pylori eradication therapy group had a higher rate of complicated recurrent peptic ulcers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; p=0.006), with time lags of more than 120 days. However, our results indicated a similar risk of complicated recurrent peptic ulcers (HR, 1.20; p=0.275) in time lags of more than 1 year and (HR, 1.10; p=0.621) more than 2 years.

Conclusions

H. pylori eradication within 120 days was associated with decreased complicated recurrent peptic ulcers in patients with PUB. We recommend that H. pylori eradication should be conducted within 120 days in patients with PUB.

Management of Patients with Rebleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a common emergency. Management of ulcer bleeding requires prompt risk stratification, initiation of pharmacotherapy, and timely evaluation for endoscopy. Although endoscopy can achieve primary hemostasis in more than 90% of peptic ulcer bleeding, rebleeding may occur in up to 15% of patients after therapeutic endoscopy and is associated with heightened mortality. Early identification of high-risk patients for rebleeding is important. Depending on bleeding severity and center availability, patients with rebleeding may be managed by second endoscopy, transarterial angiographic embolization, or surgery. This article reviews the current management of peptic ulcers with an emphasis on rebleeding.

Association between early Helicobacter pylori eradication and a lower risk of recurrent complicated peptic ulcers in end-stage renal disease patients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients exhibit an increased incidence of peptic ulcer disease. Helicobacter pylori plays a central role in the development of peptic ulcers. The effect of early H pylori eradication on the recurrence of complicated peptic ulcer disease in ESRD patients remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore whether early H pylori eradication therapy in ESRD patients can reduce the risk of recurrent complicated peptic ulcers.We conducted a population-based cohort study and recruited patients with ESRD who had developed peptic ulcers. We categorized patients into early (time lag ≦120 days after peptic ulcer diagnosis) and late H pylori eradication therapy groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used. The endpoint was based on hospitalization for complicated recurrent peptic ulcers.The early and late H pylori eradication therapy groups consisted of 2406 and 1356 ESRD patients, respectively, in a time lag of 120 days. After adjusting for possible confounders, the early eradication group exhibited a lower rate of complicated recurrent peptic ulcer disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.91, P = 0.003) in a time lag of ≦120 days, but a similar rate of complicated recurrent peptic ulcer disease in time lags of ≦1 year (HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.79-1.19, P = 0.758) and 2 years (HR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.86-1.44, P = 0.433) compared with the late eradication group.We recommend administering H pylori eradication within 120 days after peptic ulcer diagnosis to H pylori infected ESRD patients who have developed peptic ulcers.

Estimates of benefits and harms of prophylactic use of aspirin in the general population

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence supports an effect of aspirin in reducing overall cancer incidence and mortality in the general population. We reviewed current data and assessed the benefits and harms of prophylactic use of aspirin in the general population.

METHODS

The effect of aspirin for site-specific cancer incidence and mortality, cardiovascular events was collated from the most recent systematic reviews. Studies identified through systematic Medline search provided data regarding harmful effects of aspirin and baseline rates of harms like gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer.

RESULTS

The effects of aspirin on cancer are not apparent until at least 3 years after the start of use, and some benefits are sustained for several years after cessation in long-term users. No differences between low and standard doses of aspirin are observed, but there were no direct comparisons. Higher doses do not appear to confer additional benefit but increase toxicities. Excess bleeding is the most important harm associated with aspirin use, and its risk and fatality rate increases with age. For average-risk individuals aged 50-65 years taking aspirin for 10 years, there would be a relative reduction of between 7% (women) and 9% (men) in the number of cancer, myocardial infarction or stroke events over a 15-year period and an overall 4% relative reduction in all deaths over a 20-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic aspirin use for a minimum of 5 years at doses between 75 and 325 mg/day appears to have favourable benefit-harm profile; longer use is likely to have greater benefits. Further research is needed to determine the optimum dose and duration of use, to identify individuals at increased risk of bleeding, and to test effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori screening-eradication before starting aspirin prophylaxis.

Prophylactic use of aspirin: systematic review of harms and approaches to mitigation in the general population

A careful assessment of benefits and harms is required to assess suitability of aspirin as a prophylactic public health measure. However, comprehensive population-level data on harms are lacking. We collected and synthesized age and sex-specific data on harms relevant to aspirin use in average-risk individuals aged 50 years or older. We conducted systematic literature searches to identify baseline rates of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, peptic ulcer, major extra-cranial bleeding, and case-fatality rates due to GI bleeding or peptic ulcer in general population. The magnitude of aspirin-associated increase, the prevalence and attributable risk of Helicobacter pylori infection on these events in aspirin users was also assessed. Baseline rates of major extracranial bleeding events and GI complications increase with age; an almost threefold to fourfold increase is observed from age 50-54 to 70-74 years. Low or standard-dose aspirin use increases GI bleeding events by 60% leading to an annual excess of 0.45 and 0.79 GI bleeding events per 1,000 women and men aged 50-54 years respectively. 5-10% of major GI complications are fatal; a clear age dependence--higher fatality in older individuals, is seen. Eradication of H. pylori infection before aspirin use could reduce the incidence of upper GI complications by 25-30%. GI complications are increased by about 60% due to aspirin use but are fatal only in a very small proportion of individuals younger than 70 years of age. Major bleeding events that are comparable in severity to cancer or CVD, are infrequent. Screening and eradication of H. pylori infection could substantially lower aspirin-related GI harms.

Beyond the stomach: An updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an extremely common, yet underappreciated, pathogen that is able to alter host physiology and subvert the host immune response, allowing it to persist for the life of the host. H. pylori is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. In the United States, the annual cost associated with peptic ulcer disease is estimated to be $6 billion and gastric cancer kills over 700000 people per year globally. The prevalence of H. pylori infection remains high (> 50%) in much of the world, although the infection rates are dropping in some developed nations. The drop in H. pylori prevalence could be a double-edged sword, reducing the incidence of gastric diseases while increasing the risk of allergies and esophageal diseases. The list of diseases potentially caused by H. pylori continues to grow; however, mechanistic explanations of how H. pylori could contribute to extragastric diseases lag far behind clinical studies. A number of host factors and H. pylori virulence factors act in concert to determine which individuals are at the highest risk of disease. These include bacterial cytotoxins and polymorphisms in host genes responsible for directing the immune response. This review discusses the latest advances in H. pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Up-to-date information on correlations between H. pylori and extragastric diseases is also provided.

[Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea, 2013 revised edition]

Since the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has first developed the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in 1998, the revised guideline was proposed in 2009 by the same group. Although the revised guideline was made by comprehensive review of previous articles and consensus of authoritative expert opinions, the evidence-based developmental process was not applied in the revision of the guideline. This new guideline has been revised especially in terms of changes in the indication and treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea, and developed by the adaptation process as evidence-based method; 6 guidelines were retrieved by systematic review and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II process, 21 statements were made with grading system and revised by modified Delphi method. After revision, 11 statements for the indication of test and treatment, 4 statements for the diagnosis and 4 statements for the treatment have been developed, respectively. The revised guideline has been reviewed by external experts before the official endorsement, and will be disseminated for usual clinical practice in Korea. Also, the scheduled update and revision of the guideline will be made periodically.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea, 2013 revised edition

The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research first developed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in 1998, and revised guidelines were proposed in 2009 by the same group. Although the revised guidelines were based on a comprehensive review of published articles and the consensus of expert opinions, the revised guidelines were not developed using an evidence-based process. The new guidelines presented in this study include specific changes regarding indication and treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea, and were developed through the adaptation process using an evidence-based approach. After systematic review of the literature, six guidelines were selected using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II process. A total of 21 statements were proposed with the grading system and revised using the modified Delphi method. After the guideline revisions, 11 statements about indication of test and treatment, four statements about diagnosis, and four statements about treatment of H. pylori infection were developed. The revised guidelines were reviewed by external experts before receiving official endorsement from the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research, and disseminated to physicians and other medical professionals for use in clinical practice in Korea. The guidelines will continue to be updated and revised periodically.

NSAID ulcers: prevalence and prevention

Abstract The epidemic of life-threatening complications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has prompted the development of prevention strategies. Recent clinical trials of endoscopic ulcer prevention are critiqued regarding their results in relation to doses and outcome measures as well as H. pylori status. Misoprostol is the only agent proven to prevent life-threatening ulcer complication in NSAID users. Proton pump inhibitor therapy was not significantly better than the minimally effective dose of misoprostol for prevention of gastroduodenal ulcers in chronic NSAID users, and was significantly inferior to misoprostol in those with "true" NSAID ulcers (i.e., without complicating H. pylori infection). Antisecretory therapy accelerates corpus gastritis in those with H. pylori infection, suggesting it is prudent to consider H. pylori eradication in those in whom long term co-therapy with anti-secretory therapy is contemplated. H. pylori status is a critical variable with regard to endoscopic ulcers in NSAID users. The data suggest that if full-dose misoprostol cannot be given, the combination of an antisecretory drug (e.g., either ranitidine or omeprazole) plus low-dose misoprostol may be better than either alone for the prevention of NSAID ulcer complications. The use of omeprazole alone likely results in a false sense of security.

Management of GI emergencies: peptic ulcer acute bleeding

Peptic ulcer bleeding is a common medical emergency. Management of acute ulcer bleeding requires prompt assessment for risk stratification, evaluation for early endoscopy, initiation of pharmacotherapy and treatment of co-morbid diseases. Tremendous advances in endoscopic technique and pharmacotherapy in the past few decades have reduced recurrent bleeding, the need for surgery and mortality of the disease. Strategies to minimize recurrence have been defined for various types of peptic ulcers. This article reviews the current management of acute peptic ulcer bleeding.

Prevention of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage: current controversies and clinical guidance

Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common medical emergency and associated with significant morbidly and mortality. The risk of bleeding from peptic ulceration and oesophagogastric varices can be reduced by appropriate primary and secondary preventative strategies. Helicobacter pylori eradication and risk stratification with appropriate gastroprotection strategies when used with antiplatelet drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in preventing peptic ulcer bleeding, whilst endoscopic screening and either nonselective beta blockade or endoscopic variceal ligation are effective at reducing the risk of variceal haemorrhage. For secondary prevention of variceal haemorrhage, the combination of beta blockade and endoscopic variceal ligation is more effective. Recent data on the possible interactions of aspirin and NSAIDs, clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with all nonaspirin cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors have increased the complexity of choices for preventing peptic ulcer bleeding. Such choices should consider both the GI and cardiovascular risk profiles. In patients with a moderately increased risk of GI bleeding, a NSAID plus a PPI or a COX-2 selective agent alone appear equivalent but for those at highest risk of bleeding (especially those with previous ulcer or haemorrhage) the COX-2 inhibitor plus PPI combination is superior. However naproxen seems the safest NSAID for those at increased cardiovascular risk. Clopidogrel is associated with a significant risk of GI haemorrhage and the most recent data concerning the potential clinical interaction of clopidogrel and PPIs are reassuring. In clopidogrel-treated patients at highest risk of GI bleeding, some form of GI prevention is indicated.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and upper and lower gastrointestinal mucosal damage

NSAIDs are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide and their beneficial therapeutic properties are thoroughly accepted. However, they are also associated with gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. NSAIDs can damage the whole GI tract including a wide spectrum of lesions. About 1 to 2% of NSAID users experienced a serious GI complication during treatment. The relative risk of upper GI complications among NSAID users depends on the presence of different risk factors, including older age (>65 years), history of complicated peptic ulcer, and concomitant aspirin or anticoagulant use, in addition to the type and dose of NSAID. Some authors recently reported a decreasing trend in hospitalizations due to upper GI complications and a significant increase in those from the lower GI tract, causing the rates of these two types of GI complications to converge. NSAID-induced enteropathy has gained much attention in the last few years and an increasing number of reports have been published on this issue. Current evidence suggests that NSAIDs increase the risk of lower GI bleeding and perforation to a similar extent as that seen in the upper GI tract. Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have the same beneficial effects as nonselective NSAIDs but with less GI toxicity in the upper GI tract and probably in the lower GI tract. Overall, mortality due to these complications has also decreased, but the in-hospital case fatality for upper and lower GI complication events has remained constant despite the new therapeutic and prevention strategies.

Cost Effectiveness Associated with Helicobacter pylori Screening and Eradication in Patients Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and/or Aspirin

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was performed to investigate the cost effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori screening/eradication in South Korean patients treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or aspirin.

METHODS

A decision Markov model was used to estimate the effectiveness and economic impact of an H. pylori screening/eradication strategy compared to a no-screening strategy among patients who were included in the model at the age of 40 years. Utility weights were applied to four of the health status groups to reflect quality-adjusted life years (QALY). The costs of screening, H. pylori eradication, and managing peptic ulcer and ulcer complications were obtained from South Korea-specific data.

RESULTS

The total costs per patient were US $2,454 for the H. pylori screening/eradication and US $3,182 for the no-screening strategy. The QALYs for the two strategies were 16.05 and 15.73, respectively. The results were robust for the analyses of all different cohort groups who entered the model at the age of 30, 50, or 60 years and for NSAIDs-naïve patients. Through the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the robustness of our study's results was also determined.

CONCLUSIONS

The H. pylori screening/eradication strategy was found to be less expensive and more effective compared to the no-screening strategy among South Korean patients taking NSAIDs and/or aspirin.

Cost Effectiveness Associated with Helicobacter pylori Screening and Eradication in Patients Taking Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and/or Aspirin

Background/Aims

This study was performed to investigate the cost effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori screening/eradication in South Korean patients treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or aspirin.

Methods

A decision Markov model was used to estimate the effectiveness and economic impact of an H. pylori screening/eradication strategy compared to a no-screening strategy among patients who were included in the model at the age of 40 years. Utility weights were applied to four of the health status groups to reflect quality-adjusted life years (QALY). The costs of screening, H. pylori eradication, and managing peptic ulcer and ulcer complications were obtained from South Korea-specific data.

Results

The total costs per patient were US $2,454 for the H. pylori screening/eradication and US $3,182 for the no-screening strategy. The QALYs for the two strategies were 16.05 and 15.73, respectively. The results were robust for the analyses of all different cohort groups who entered the model at the age of 30, 50, or 60 years and for NSAIDs-naïve patients. Through the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the robustness of our study's results was also determined.

Conclusions

The H. pylori screening/eradication strategy was found to be less expensive and more effective compared to the no-screening strategy among South Korean patients taking NSAIDs and/or aspirin.

Is NSAIDs-related gastrointestinal damage preventable?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most commonly used drugs worldwide; however, they are not innocuous. The spectrum of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract damage caused by NSAIDs has been well established, and strategies to prevent this have been widely studied and implemented. Removing modifiable risk factors, the selection of less toxic NSAIDs and treatment with gastroprotective drugs, if necessary, are the main strategies employed. However, injury of the NSAIDs-related lower GI tract remains poorly characterized. In the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in this field and the search for effective preventive treatments is under way. Use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, prostaglandin, antibiotic or drugs that are not yet commercially available such as nitric oxide-releasing and hydrogen sulfide (H(2) S)-releasing NSAIDs compounds seem to reduce lower GI injury, but more evidence are needed before any of them are recommended in high-risk patients.

Assessment of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients on NSAID treatment

Background

In this post-hoc analysis of a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial, we measured the sensitivity and specificity of Helicobacter pylori IgG-antibody titer changes, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains, immunohistochemical (IHC) stains and culture results in NSAID using patients, following H. pylori eradication therapy or placebo.

Methods

347 NSAID using patients who were H. pylori positive on serological testing for H. pylori IgG-antibodies were randomized for H. pylori eradication therapy or placebo. Three months after randomization, gastric mucosal biopsies were taken for H. pylori culture and histological examination. At 3 and 12 months, blood samples were taken for repeated serological testing. The gold standard for H. pylori infection was based on a positive culture or both a positive histological examination and a positive serological test. Sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating curves (ROC) were calculated.

Results

H. pylori eradication therapy was successful in 91% of patients. Culture provided an overall sensitivity of 82%, and 73% after eradication, with a specificity of 100%. Histological examination with either H&E or IHC stains provided sensitivities and specificities between 93% and 100%. Adding IHC to H&E stains did not improve these results. The ROC curve for percent change in H. pylori IgG-antibody titers had good diagnostic power in identifying H. pylori negative patients, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70 (95 % CI 0.59 to 0.79, P = 0.085) at 3 months and 0.83 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.89, P < 0.0001) at 12 months. A cut-off point of at least 21% decrease in H. pylori IgG-antibody titers at 3 months and 58% at 12 months provided a sensitivity of 64% and 87% and a specificity of 81% and 74% respectively, for successful eradication of H. pylori.

Conclusions

In NSAID using patients, following H. pylori eradication therapy or placebo, histological examination of gastric mucosal tissue biopsies provided good sensitivity and specificity ratios for evaluating success of H. pylori eradication therapy. A percentual H. pylori IgG-antibody titer change has better sensitivity and specificity than an absolute titer change or a predefined H. pylori IgG-antibody titer cut-off point for evaluating success of H. pylori eradication therapy.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection reduces the incidence of peptic ulcer disease in patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the association between use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and Helicobacter pylori infection, interactive effect of H. pylori infection and NSAID use on the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and the effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on PUD development.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in EMBASE and PubMed for relevant articles published in English between January 1989 and August 2010, with the following MeSH and/or key words: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, peptic ulcer disease or PUD, and randomized-control study or clinical trial. The meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager 4.2.2.

RESULTS

In the analysis of five studies, the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 74.5% and 71.1% in NSAID users and non-NSAID users, respectively, (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.35-1.20, p = .170). In the analysis of nine studies, the pooled prevalence of PUD in NSAID users was 31.2% and 17.9% in the presence and absence of H. pylori infection, respectively, (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.26-7.55, p = .010). Moreover, in the analysis of seven studies, PUD developed in 6.4% and 11.8% of NSAID users with and without eradication therapy, respectively (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36-0.74, p < .001). The preventive effect of the eradication therapy was further revealed in NSAID-naive users (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.49, p < .0001) and in the Asian population (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-0.56, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

NSAID use is not associated with H. pylori infection in patients with PUD. PUD is more common in H. pylori positive than in negative NSAID users. Moreover, H. pylori eradication therapy reduces PUD incidence in NSAID users, especially in naive users and in the Asian population.

Endoscopic and clinical features of gastric ulcers in Japanese patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection who were using NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic characteristics of gastric ulcers in patients who were using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low-dose aspirin (LDA) and were infected with Helicobacter pylori remain unclear. We elucidated the endoscopic characteristics of gastric ulcers that occurred in the presence or absence of H. pylori infection and were associated with the use of these drugs.

METHODS

A total of 379 patients with active-stage gastric ulcer were divided into three groups: H. pylori-positive patients using neither NSAIDs nor LDA (control group, n = 216), H. pylori-positive or -negative patients using NSAIDs (NSAIDs group, n = 100), and H. pylori-positive or -negative patients using LDA (LDA group, n = 63). The differences among these groups in endoscopic characteristics of the ulcers (site, multiplicity, and morphology) were determined. The influence of an antacid drug, i.e., a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or a histamine H(2) receptor antagonist (H(2)RA), was also investigated.

RESULTS

The NSAIDs group, regardless of H. pylori infection status, had higher incidences of antral, multiple, and irregularly shaped ulcers. The LDA group had a higher incidence of antral ulcers in H. pylori-negative patients and, regardless of H. pylori infection status, a higher incidence of multiple ulcers. However, the incidence of irregularly shaped ulcers in the LDA group did not differ from that in the control group. Neither the concomitant use of an antacid nor the dosing period of NSAIDs affected the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study elucidated the morphological characteristics of gastric ulcers in persons taking NSAIDs or LDA in the presence and absence of H. pylori infection. Our results may be clinically useful for inferring the causes of ulcers from their morphological characteristics.

Burden of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet drug use in Asia: a multidisciplinary working party report

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We established a working group to examine the burden of atherothrombotic and musculoskeletal diseases in Asia and made recommendations for safer prescribing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose aspirin.

METHODS

By using a modified Delphi process, consensus was reached among 12 multidisciplinary experts from Asia. Statements were developed by the steering committee after a literature review, modified, and then approved through 3 rounds of anonymous voting by using a 6-point scale from A+ (strongly agree) to D+ (strongly disagree). Agreement (A+/A) by ≥ 80% of panelists was defined a priori as consensus.

RESULTS

We identified unique aspects of atherothrombotic and musculoskeletal diseases in Asia. Asia has a lower prevalence of degenerative arthritis and coronary artery disease than Western countries. The age-adjusted mortality of coronary artery disease is lower in Asia; cerebrovascular accident has higher mortality than coronary artery disease. Ischemia has replaced hemorrhage as the predominant pattern of cerebrovascular accident. Low-dose aspirin use is less prevalent in Asia than in Western countries. Traditional Chinese medicine and mucoprotective agents are commonly used in Asia, but their efficacy is not established. For Asian populations, little is known about complications of the lower gastrointestinal tract from use of NSAIDs and underutilization of gastroprotective agents. Our recommendations for preventing ulcer bleeding among users of these drugs who are at high risk for these complications were largely derived from Asian studies and are similar to Western guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

By using an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach, we have identified unique aspects of musculoskeletal and atherothrombotic diseases and strategies for preventing NSAID-related and low-dose aspirin-related gastrointestinal toxicity in Asia.

Management of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage: Controversies and areas of uncertainty

Upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage (UGIH) remains a common presentation requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Accurate assessment, appropriate intervention and apt clinical skills are needed for proper management from time of presentation to discharge. The advent of pharmacologic acid suppression, endoscopic hemostatic techniques, and recognition of Helicobacter pylori as an etiologic agent in peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has revolutionized the treatment of UGIH. Despite this, acute UGIH still carries considerable rates of morbidity and mortality. This review aims to discuss current areas of uncertainty and controversy in the management of UGIH. Neoadjuvant proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy has become standard empiric treatment for UGIH given that PUD is the leading cause of non-variceal UGIH, and PPIs are extremely effective at promoting ulcer healing. However, neoadjuvant PPI administration has not been shown to affect hard clinical outcomes such as rebleeding or mortality. The optimal timing of upper endoscopy in UGIH is often debated. Upon completion of volume resuscitation and hemodynamic stabilization, upper endoscopy should be performed within 24 h in all patients with evidence of UGIH for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. With rising healthcare cost paramount in today’s medical landscape, the ability to appropriately triage UGIH patients is of increasing value. Upper endoscopy in conjunction with the clinical scenario allows for accurate decision making concerning early discharge home in low-risk lesions or admission for further monitoring and treatment in higher-risk lesions. Concomitant pharmacotherapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiplatelet agents, such as clopidogrel, has a major impact on the etiology, severity, and potential treatment of UGIH. Long-term PPI use in patients taking chronic NSAIDs or clopidogrel is discussed thoroughly in this review.