Comparison of ranitidine and lansoprazole in short-term low-dose triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Seroconversion and seroreversion of Helicobacter pylori antibodies over a 9-year period and related factors in Japanese adults

BACKGROUND

There are still insufficient data on the frequency of seroconversion and seroreversion of Helicobacter pylori antibodies. The frequency of serochange and related factors were investigated in this study over 9 years.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using sera from 3104 workers who underwent health checks in 1989 and again in 1998, H. pylori antibodies were measured. Those with intermediate serology were excluded from the study. Information on past history was collected using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the 912 seronegative and 1286 seropositive subjects in 1989, seroconversion was observed in 57 and seroreversion in 91 subjects. Seroconversion and seroreversion rates over the 9-year period were 6.3% and 7.1%, respectively, giving rates per 1000 person-years (with 95% confidence interval) of 7.0 (5.2-8.7) and 7.9 (6.3-9.4), respectively. Subjects that reported abdominal symptoms or gastric fiberscope use showed significantly higher seroconversion rates than controls (8.7 vs. 4.5 and 9.2 vs. 1.6, respectively), which remained significant after adjustment for age and gender. Those with a history of duodenal ulcers, a smoking habit or a drinking habit showed significantly lower seroreversion rates than controls (3.5 vs. 8.9, 5.4 vs. 9.2 and 5.9 vs. 13.3, respectively). After adjustment, the association between seroreversion and smoking habit disappeared, while the associations with history of duodenal ulcers and drinking habit remained.

CONCLUSIONS

Those with a history of nonspecific abdominal symptoms and those with a history of gastric fiberscope use showed higher seroconversion rates. Alcohol consumption and duodenal ulcers may inhibit the autoeradication of H. pylori, possibly through increased acid secretion.

Meta-analysis: proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists--their efficacy with antibiotics in Helicobacter pylori eradication

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether proton pump inhibitors are superior to H2-receptor antagonists in Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.

AIM

To perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of both antisecretors when co-prescribed with antibiotics.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials comparing proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists with the same antibiotics were selected. Data sources included PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and abstracts from congresses up to January 2002. A meta-analysis was performed by combining the odds ratios.

RESULTS

Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean eradication rates with proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists plus antibiotics were 74% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71-76%] and 69% (95% CI, 66-71%), respectively. The odds ratio for this comparison was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.09-1.58). The number needed to treat with proton pump inhibitors to achieve eradication success, compared with H2-receptor antagonists, was 25. When studies prescribing very high doses of H2-receptor antagonists (two of the outliers) were excluded, the odds ratio (for proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists) increased to 1.37, the number needed to treat decreased to 20 and the heterogeneity between the studies decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2-receptor antagonists when prescribed at usual doses with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection.

Lafutidine, a novel histamine H2-receptor antagonist, vs lansoprazole in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

In contrast to the growing amount of data concerning proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is still controversial whether proton pump inhibitor can be replaced by H2 receptor antagonist without compromising efficacy. Lafutidine is a novel potent H2 receptor antagonist with gastroprotective activities such as enhancement of gastric mucosal blood flow.

METHODS

122 outpatients with positive cultures and subsequent successful cultivation of H. pylori for antimicrobial susceptibility tests were randomized to receive a 7-day course of either lafutidine (20 mg twice daily) or lansoprazole (30 mg twice daily), plus clarithromycin (200 mg twice daily) and amoxicillin (750 mg twice daily). Eradication was considered successful if the rapid urease test, culture, histology and [13]C-urea breath test were all negative at least 4 weeks after cessation of therapy. Cytochrome p450 2C19 genotype status using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was also studied.

RESULTS

On intention-to-treat basis, H. pylori cure was achieved in 52 of 61 (85.2%) patients and 49 of 61 (80.3%) patients for the lafutidine- and lansoprazole-based therapies, respectively. The predicted 95% confidential intervals for the 4.9% of the difference were -1.8-11.6%. Using per protocol analysis, the eradication rates were 88.2% (52/59) and 84.5% (49/58), respectively. The predicted 95% confidential intervals for the 3.7% of the difference were -2.6-10.0%. Adverse events were observed in five and six patients, from the lafutidine and lansoprazole groups, respectively, but they were generally mild. Genetic predisposition of cytochrome p450 2C19 had no significant influence on treatment outcome in both regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The lafutidine-clarithromycin-amoxicillin therapy yielded satisfactory results for eradicating H. pylori, which was comparable with those of the lansoprazole-based regimen with the same drug combination.

Pooled analysis of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimes in Asia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Differences in Helicobacter pylori strains and their resistance to antimicrobials between Asian and Western countries may affect the success in eradicating this bacterium. Our objective was to systematically review the regimens that have been tested in Asia.

METHODS

Data on anti-H. pylori therapies reported from Asia in a large number of publications identified up to December 1998 were pooled into a few groups based on the combination of drugs used. A comparison of different groups was made by calculating the pooled eradication rates.

RESULTS

Seventy-three studies with 134 treatment arms were reviewed. Pooled eradication rates of dual, triple and quadruple therapies were 61.0, 86.5 and 93.4%, respectively. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based combinations were more widely used and effective, with overall eradication rates of 90.7% in triple therapy and 93.4% in quadruple therapy. Bismuth combined with tetracycline and metronidazole also showed a high eradication rate of 92.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy with either clarithromycin, amoxycillin or metronidazole was one of the most commonly used and effective anti-H. pylori triple therapy regimens in Asia. The classical triple therapy with a bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole combination has a similar efficacy. The results of anti-H. pylori treatment in Asia are not different from those in Western countries.

Rabeprazole, amoxycillin and low- or high-dose clarithromycin for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Rabeprazole sodium is a proton pump inhibitor.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1-week triple therapy with rabeprazole, amoxycillin and clarithromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

METHODS

A total of 100 subjects with H. pylori were randomly divided into two groups of 1-week triple therapy with rabeprazole 10 mg b.d., amoxycillin 750 mg b.d. and either clarithromycin 200 mg b.d. (RAC400, n=50) or clarithromycin 400 mg b. d. (RAC800, n=50). Endoscopic examination with four biopsies (two specimens from the antrum and two from the gastric body) was performed. The status of H. pylori infection was determined using culture and histology (Giemsa stain) of the biopsy specimens. Sensitivity to clarithromycin was determined using the E-test: MIC > 8 g/mL was considered to be resistant, whereas MIC < 2 g/mL was considered to be sensitive. Cure was defined as no evidence of H. pylori infection 1 month after completion of treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics of the two groups. Eradication rates (intention-to-treat and per protocol, respectively) were: RAC400: 86% (95% CI: 76-95%) and 89% (95% CI: 80-97%); RAC800: 94% (95% CI: 87-100%) and 97% (95% CI: 94-100%). There was no significant difference between the eradication rates of either regimen. Three subjects with failed eradication in the RAC400 group were all infected with a clarithromycin-resistant strain before beginning the therapy. Haemorrhagic colitis was the only severe adverse event, which was observed in one patient in the RAC800 group.

CONCLUSION

One-week triple therapy with rabeprazole, amoxycillin and low-dose clarithromycin is effective for the eradication of H. pylori infection.

Head-to-head comparison of 1-week triple regimens combining ranitidine or omeprazole with two antibiotics to eradicate Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Triple therapies containing omeprazole and ranitidine have been shown to be equivalent in eradicating H. pylori infection, but have been assessed either separately or head-to-head, only in small trials.

AIM

To carry out a large randomized controlled study comparing omeprazole and ranitidine combined with two antibiotic combinations for 1 week.

METHODS

Three hundred and twenty H. pylori-positive patients were randomly subdivided into four equal-sized groups and received one of the following treatments: OAM = omeprazole 20 mg b.d. + amoxycillin 1 g b.d. + metronidazole 500 mg b.d.; RAM = ranitidine 300 mg b.d. + amoxycillin 1 g b.d. + metronidazole 500 mg b.d.; OAC = omeprazole 20 mg b.d. + amoxycillin 1 g b.d. + clarithromycin 250 mg t.d.s.; RAC = ranitidine 300 mg b.d. + amoxycillin 1 g b.d. + clarithromycin 250 mg t.d.s. The assessment of H. pylori status was performed before and 4 weeks after the end of therapy by means of CLO-test and histology. H. pylori infection was considered to be eradicated when both tests were negative.

RESULTS

OAM and RAM eradicated H. pylori in 89% and 85% of cases on per protocol (P = 0.48) and in 77% and 75% of cases on intention-to-treat analyses (P = 0.71). OAC and RAC eradicated H. pylori in 67% and 70% of cases on per protocol (P = 0.68) and in 57% and 64% of cases on intention-to-treat analyses (P = 0.41). In contrast, there was significant difference between OAM and OAC (P<0.01) and between RAM and RAC (P<0.05). Side-effects occurred in 15%, 10%, 17% and 16% of patients with respect to the above four subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole and ranitidine combined with two antibiotics for 1 week are equally effective in the eradication of H. pylori infection, and these results question the role of profound acid suppression in the eradication of the bacterium.

Efficacy of 1 week omeprazole or lansoprazole-amoxycillin-clarithromycin therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Japanese population

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of curative therapy for Helicobacter pylori may vary according to the geographic region and patient population, thus the efficacy of each treatment regimen should be determined according to the specific patient population. However, there is no literature available concerning the efficacy of 1 week omeprazole-amoxycillin-clarithromycin (OAC) regimens for the cure of H. pylori infection in Japan.

METHODS

Helicobacter pylori-positive patients (224) with peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomized to receive one of three different omeprazole or lansoprazole-amoxycillin-clarithromycin (PPI/AC) regimens for 7 days: (1) OAC 20 regimen (n = 76), omeprazole (OPZ) 20 mg daily, amoxycillin (AMOX) 500 mg t.d.s. and clarithromycin (CAM) 200 mg b.d.; (2) LAC 30 regimen (n = 73), Lansoprazole (LPZ) 30 mg daily, AMOX 500 mg t.d.s. and CAM 200 mg b.d.; and (3) OPZ 40 regimen (n = 75), OPZ 20 b.d., AMOX 500 mg t.d.s. and CAM 200 mg b.d. Cure of the infection was determined by the [13C]-urea breath test, 1 month after completion of the treatment.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat based cure rates for OAC 20, LAC 30 and OAC 40 regimens were 75.0% (95% CI, 64-84%), 82.2% (95%, CI 72-90), and 80.0% (95% CI, 69-88), respectively and per-protocol based cure rates of these regimens were 79.2% (95% CI, 68-88%), 83.3% (95%, CI 73-91), and 83.1% (95% CI, 72-91%), respectively. Adverse effects, which included diarrhoea, glossitis or skin rash, were reported by 26.1% of the patients. However, these were mild and did not affect compliance.

CONCLUSION

One week PPI/AC regimens for H. pylori infection with smaller proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobial dosages compared to regimens used in Western countries were revealed to provide sufficient cure rate (more than 80% by ITT analysis) with mild adverse effects in the Japanese population.

Optimal duration of therapy combining ranitidine bismuth citrate with clarithromycin and metronidazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) co-prescribed with clarithromycin and metronidazole for 1 week has been shown to be an effective eradicating regimen for Helicobacter pylori.

AIM

To determine the optimal duration of this regimen.

METHODS

A series of 165 dyspeptic patients were recruited for this randomized, open, parallel-group study. They were subdivided into three groups receiving RBC 400 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. and metronidazole 500 mg b.d. for three different periods (4, 7 and 10 days). H. pylori infection was assessed by the concomitant positivity of CLO-test and histology performed at the pre-entry endoscopy. The bacterium was considered eradicated on the basis of a negative 13C-urea breath test performed at least 28 days after the completion of treatment.

RESULTS

The three subgroups were well matched and 16 patients dropped out of the study for many reasons (six in the 4-day, five in the 7-day and five in the 10-day treatment regimens). Intention-to-treat cure rates were 60%, 84% and 85%, and the per-protocol rates 67%, 92% and 94% in the 4-day, 7-day and 10-day treatment regimens, respectively. There was a significant difference, P = 0.003-0.006 on intention-to-treat and P = 0.001-0. 002 on per protocol analysis between the 4-day and the 7-day and the 4-day and the 10-day periods, respectively. The 7-day and 10-day periods did not differ from each other. Side-effects were reported in 9%, 14% and 20% of the 4-, 7- and 10-day regimens. They led to stopping treatment in four cases (one in the 7-day and three in the 10-day period). There was no statistical difference among them.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the duration of RBC-based triple therapy to 4 days provides a low and unacceptable rate of H. pylori eradication. As there is no difference between 7 and 10 days of treatment, 1 week represents the optimal time period for this kind of treatment, based on RBC plus two antibiotics.

Review article: one-week clarithromycin triple therapy regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

One-week triple therapies have been endorsed as the treatment regimens of choice for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Those that include clarithromycin appear to be the most effective.

AIM

To review reports of triple therapies that include clarithromycin.

METHODS

Reports were identified from the literature to May 1998. The variation between study designs prevents a formal meta-analysis. A measure of the relative efficacies of regimens has, however, been gained by comparison and by pooling of intention-to-treat eradication rates.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-two studies were identified which included 264 treatment arms of a 1-week triple therapy composed of clarithromycin with amoxycillin or a nitroimidazole (metronidazole or tinidazole), and either ranitidine bismuth citrate or a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole). From reports of these studies, an intention-to-treat H. pylori eradication rate could be determined from 210 treatment arms of 151 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is little to choose between the efficacies of 1-week clarithromycin-based triple therapy eradication regimens. However, those comprising clarithromycin, a nitroimidazole and either ranitidine bismuth citrate or a high dose of omeprazole are, in general, the most effective. Against antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori, regimens including ranitidine bismuth citrate may be more effective than those including a proton pump inhibitor.

Nizatidine in combination with amoxycillin and clarithromycin in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of H2-antagonists in combination with antibiotics in curing Helicobacter pylori infection remains controversial, and it is uncertain whether double dose H2-antagonist therapy is superior to standard dose.

AIM

To determine the efficacy of two doses of nizatidine in combination with two antibiotics in the treatment of H. pylori.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 160 patients comparing nizatidine 150 mg with 300 mg b.d. (standard vs. double dose), in combination with clarithromycin (500 mg) and amoxycillin (1000 mg) b.d. for 14 days, in Australia and Taiwan. Compliance was based on a clinical assessment and pill count. H. pylori status was determined by histology (antrum and corpus) and CLO-test.

RESULTS

Baseline clinical and endoscopic findings were similar in both arms of the study. Based on an intention-to-treat analysis, cure of H. pylori was achieved in 78% (95% CI: 70.4-85.4%) in the standard nizatidine dose arm and 70% (95% CI: 61.6-78.2%) in the double dose arm (P=0.2). Similar cure rates were observed in ulcer and non-ulcer patient groups. Compliance was excellent in the single and double dose arms (85 and 91%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of nizatidine in standard or double dose with clarithromycin and amoxycillin is similarly efficacious in curing H. pylori infection.