The GU-MACH study: the effect of 1-week omeprazole triple therapy on Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric ulcer

Systematic review and meta-analysis: triple therapy combining a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and metronidazole for Helicobacter pylori first-line treatment

BACKGROUND

Due to clarithromycin resistance, the current efficacy of Helicobacter pylori first-line triple therapies including clarithromycin is low. It seems reasonable to explore alternative clarithromycin-free therapies.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of triple therapy including a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin and metronidazole (PAM) as first-line H. pylori therapy by systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies evaluating PAM in adult patients were included. Meta-analyses comparing PAM with other treatments were performed. The primary endpoint was the ITT eradication rate for H. pylori first-line treatment. In addition, sensitivity analyses ascertained the effects of treatment schedule, dosage and duration on cure rates.

RESULTS

Ninety-four studies (8061 patients) were included. Meta-analyses comparing PAM versus clarithromycin-including triple therapies showed a significant difference in favour of PPI, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (PAC) (70% versus 77.1%; OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56-0.88) and PPI, metronidazole and clarithromycin (PMC) therapy (66.4% versus 77.7%; OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.39-0.76). Sensitivity analyses showed a similar efficacy of PAM versus PAC when drugs were administered for 14 days (80% versus 84%; OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.44-1.12). There were not enough studies to perform further comparisons. Number of antibiotic doses (P = 0.012), length of treatment (P < 0.001) and use of high metronidazole doses (P = 0.021) were related to higher cure rates in the sensitivity analysis including observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS

PAM was less efficacious than clarithromycin-including triple therapies. However, its efficacy was similar to that of PAC when drugs were administered for 14 days, although ITT cure rates did not reach 90%. Use of 14 day, thrice daily and high-metronidazole-dose PAM treatments markedly increased the cure rate.

Early Attempts to Eradicate Helicobacter pylori after Endoscopic Resection of Gastric Neoplasm Significantly Improve Eradication Success Rates

PURPOSE

After endoscopic resection (ER) of gastric tumors, eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is advised to reduce metachronous recurrence. Optimal timing of such therapy (yet to be established) was investigated herein, examining early active and late scarring stages of post-ER iatrogenic ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis included 514 patients who received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication after ER for gastric neoplasms between January 2008 and June 2015. Clinicopathologic characteristics, particularly the timing of triple therapy, were used to compare eradication rates, assigning patients to early- (≤2 weeks), intermediate- (2-8 weeks), and late-phase (≥8 weeks) treatment groups.

RESULTS

H. pylori eradication rates differed significantly by timing of triple therapy after ER (early, 90.0%; intermediate, 76.2%, late, 72.4%; p <.001). However, eradication success rates were not significantly affected by age, smoking, alcohol consumption, preexisting comorbidity, method of ER, size and location of iatrogenic ulcer, and duration of therapeutic regimen. Early initiation of H. pylori eradication was also identified as a significant independent predictor of eradication success in multivariate analysis (Odds ratio = 3.67, 95% CI 2.18-6.16; p <.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing ER of gastric tumors, early post-ER attempts at eradication of H. pylori offer the best chance of eradication success.

Eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease in Helicobacter pylori-positive people

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease is the cause of dyspepsia in about 10% of people. Ninety-five percent of duodenal and 70% of gastric ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori. Eradication of H. pylori reduces the relapse rate of ulcers but the magnitude of this effect is uncertain. This is an update of Ford AC, Delaney B, Forman D, Moayyedi P. Eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003840. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003840.pub4.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the proportion of peptic ulcers healed and the proportion of participants who remained free from relapse with eradication therapy against placebo or other pharmacological therapies in H. pylori-positive people.To assess the proportion of participants that achieved complete relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life scores.To compare the incidence of adverse effects/drop-outs (total number for each drug) associated with the different treatments.To assess the proportion of participants in whom successful eradication was achieved.

SEARCH METHODS

In this update, we identified trials by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to March 2016) and Ovid EMBASE (1980 to March 2016). To identify further relevant trials, we handsearched reference lists from trials selected by electronic searching, and published abstracts from conference proceedings from the United European Gastroenterology Week (published in Gut) and Digestive Disease Week (published in Gastroenterology). The search was last updated in March 2016. We contacted members of Cochrane Upper GI and Pancreatic Diseases, and experts in the field and asked them to provide details of outstanding clinical trials and any relevant unpublished materials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We analysed randomised controlled trials of short- and long-term treatment of peptic ulcer disease in H. pylori-positive adults. Participants received at least one week of H. pylori eradication compared with ulcer healing drug, placebo or no treatment. Trials were included if they reported assessment from two weeks onwards.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We collected data on ulcer healing, recurrence, relief of symptoms and adverse effects. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using both fixed-effect and random-effects models with Review Manager software (RevMan 5.3) based on intention-to-treat analysis as far as possible.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 55 trials were included for one or more outcomes for this review.In duodenal ulcer healing, eradication therapy was superior to ulcer healing drug (UHD) (34 trials, 3910 participants, RR of ulcer persisting = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.76; 381/2286 (adjusted proportion: 12.4%) in eradication therapy plus UHD versus 304/1624 (18.7%) in UHD; low quality evidence) and no treatment (two trials, 207 participants, RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.53; 30/125 (adjusted proportion: 21.7%) in eradication therapy versus 48/82 (58.5%) in no treatment; low quality evidence).In gastric ulcer healing, the differences were imprecise between eradication therapy and UHD (15 trials, 1974 participants, RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.68; 220/1192 (adjusted proportion: 16.0%) in eradication therapy plus UHD versus 102/782 (13.0%) in UHD; very low quality evidence). In preventing duodenal ulcer recurrence the differences were imprecise between maintenance therapy with H.pylori eradication therapy and maintenance therapy with UHD (four trials, 319 participants, RR of ulcer recurring 0.73; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.25; 19/159 (adjusted proportion: 11.9%) in eradication therapy versus 26/160 (16.3%) in UHD; very low quality evidence), but eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (27 trials 2509 participants, RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.26; 215/1501 (adjusted proportion: 12.9%) in eradication therapy versus 649/1008 (64.4%) in no treatment; very low quality evidence).In preventing gastric ulcer recurrence, eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (12 trials, 1476 participants, RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.45; 116/697 (adjusted proportion: 16.3%) in eradication therapy versus 356/679 (52.4%) in no treatment; very low quality evidence). None of the trials reported proportion of people with gastric ulcer not healed after initial therapy between H.pylori eradication therapy and no active treatment or the proportion of people with recurrent gastric ulcer or peptic ulcers during maintenance therapy between H.pylori eradication therapy and ulcer healing drug therapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Adding a one to two-week course of H. pylori eradication therapy is an effective treatment for people with H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer when compared to ulcer healing drugs alone and no treatment. H. pylori eradication therapy is also effective in preventing recurrence of duodenal and gastric ulcer compared to no treatment. There is currently no evidence that H. pylori eradication therapy is an effective treatment in people with gastric ulcer or that it is effective in preventing recurrence of duodenal ulcer compared to ulcer healing drug. However, confidence intervals were wide and significant benefits or harms of H. pylori eradication therapy in acute ulcer healing of gastric ulcers compared to no treatment, and in preventing recurrence of duodenal ulcers compared to ulcer healing drugs cannot be ruled out.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for peptic ulcer disease 2015

The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE) revised the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for peptic ulcer disease in 2014 and has created an English version. The revised guidelines consist of seven items: bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy, non-eradication therapy, drug-induced ulcer, non-H. pylori, non-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ulcer, surgical treatment, and conservative therapy for perforation and stenosis. Ninety clinical questions (CQs) were developed, and a literature search was performed for the CQs using the Medline, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases between 1983 and June 2012. The guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Therapy is initially provided for ulcer complications. Perforation or stenosis is treated with surgery or conservatively. Ulcer bleeding is first treated by endoscopic hemostasis. If it fails, surgery or interventional radiology is chosen. Second, medical therapy is provided. In cases of NSAID-related ulcers, use of NSAIDs is stopped, and anti-ulcer therapy is provided. If NSAID use must continue, the ulcer is treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or prostaglandin analog. In cases with no NSAID use, H. pylori-positive patients receive eradication and anti-ulcer therapy. If first-line eradication therapy fails, second-line therapy is given. In cases of non-H. pylori, non-NSAID ulcers or H. pylori-positive patients with no indication for eradication therapy, non-eradication therapy is provided. The first choice is PPI therapy, and the second choice is histamine 2-receptor antagonist therapy. After initial therapy, maintenance therapy is provided to prevent ulcer relapse.

Comparison of 10-day sequential therapy with 7-day standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in inactive peptic ulcer disease and the efficiency of sequential therapy in inactive peptic ulcer disease and non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND

Eradication rates of standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections have decreased in recent years due to a worldwide increase in bacterial resistance. Sequential therapy has the advantage of a two-phase treatment regimen and achieves a superior result for H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease. However, no study has yet compared the efficacy of sequential therapy for H. pylori eradication exclusively in inactive duodenal ulcer (iDU) or non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

METHOD

We retrospectively recruited 408 patients with endoscopic proven iDU (170 patients) or NUD (238 patients) infected with H. pylori. Patients with iDU were assigned into two groups: iDU triple therapy group, 44 patients treated with 40 mg pantoprazole, 1000 mg amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin, twice daily for 7 days; iDU sequential therapy group, 126 patients treated with 40 mg pantoprazole and 1000 mg amoxicillin, twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by 40 mg pantoprazole, 500 mg clarithromycin and 500 mg tinidazole, twice daily for the next 5 days. All patients with NUD were treated with sequential therapy and assigned as the NUD sequential group. Post-treatment H. pylori status was confirmed by a (13)C-urea breath test.

RESULT

The eradication rates of intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis were 77.3 % (95 % CI 64.9-89.7 %) and 85.0 % (95 % CI 73.9-96.1 %) in the iDU triple therapy group and 87.3 % (95 % CI 81.5-93.1 %) and 92.4 % (95 % CI 87.6-97.2 %) in the iDU sequential therapy group. The overall eradication efficacy was superior in the sequential group than in the triple group, both with ITT analysis (83.5 % vs. 77.3 %, P = 0.29) and PP analysis (88.1 % vs. 85.0 %, P = 0.57). Eradication rates for ITT and PP analysis were 81.5 % (95 % CI 76.6-86.4 %) and 85.8 % (95 % CI 83.5-88.2 %) in the NUD sequential therapy group. Eradication rate was statistically better in the iDU sequential therapy group than the NUD sequential therapy group according to per protocol analysis (P = 0.04). Eradication rate was not significantly different between the iDU sequential- and iDU triple therapy groups according to protocol analysis (P = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

The sequential regimen has a better eradiation rate in the iDU group than in the NUD group. There is no statistically difference between 10-day sequential therapy and 7-day standard triple in iDU group.

Is There Any Difference in the Eradication Rate of Helicobacter pylori Infection According to the Endoscopic Stage of Peptic Ulcer Disease?

BACKGROUND

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be affected by the degree of inflammation of gastric mucosa represented by the endoscopic stage of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The aims of this study were to evaluate the eradication rates of H. pylori infection according to the endoscopic stage of PUD and to document whether early eradication in the active stage could yield a higher eradication rate in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,177 patients with PUD (380 gastric ulcer, 710 duodenal ulcer, and 87 combined ulcer) who received proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy were included, and the eradication rates were compared by ulcer stage. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing eradication rate. In PUB, the eradication rates between the early eradication group (≤7 days) and the late eradication group (>7 days) were compared.

RESULTS

The eradication rates according to endoscopic stage were significantly different in gastric ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 84.8% vs 82.7% vs 70.6%, p = .014, respectively), but there were no significant differences in duodenal ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 87.6% vs 80.9%% vs 80.9% p = .169, respectively). In multivariate analyses, active ulcer as well as age younger than 50 was a significantly independent predictor of successful eradication (Odds ratio; 2.799, 95% CI; 1.659-4.723, p = .0001). The eradication rate of the early eradication group was significantly higher than the late eradication group in PUB (89.2% vs 71.9%, 95% CI; 1.265-8.269, p = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant difference in the eradication rate according to the endoscopic stage of gastric ulcer. Active ulcer was an independent predictor of successful eradication. Furthermore, early H. pylori eradication should be considered in patients with PUB to yield a higher eradication rate.

Ten-day triple therapy versus sequential therapy versus concomitant therapy as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Clarithromycin-based triple therapy (TT) is the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in Singapore. There is awareness that TT may no longer be effective due to increased clarithromycin resistance rates. Sequential therapy (ST) and concomitant therapy (CT) are alternative treatment regimens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 10-day TT, ST, and CT as first-line treatment for H. pylori infection.

METHODS

A randomized study conducted in a teaching hospital. Patients aged 21 years and older with newly diagnosed H. pylori infection were randomized to 10-day TT, ST, or CT. Treatment outcome was assessed by 13-carbon urea breath test at least 4 weeks after therapy. Intention to treat (ITT), modified ITT (MITT), and per protocol (PP) analyses of the eradication rates were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 462 patients were enrolled (ST: 154; TT 155; CT 153). Patient demographics were similar. Eradication rates for ST versus TT versus CT: ITT analysis: 84.4% versus 83.2% versus 81.7% (P = not significant [NS]); MITT analysis: 90.3% versus 92.1% versus 94.7% (P = NS); PP analysis: 94.1% versus 92.8% versus 95.4% (P = NS). Antibiotic resistance rates for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole were 4.7%, 17.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. Dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance occurred in 7.5%. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

TT, ST, and CT all achieved eradication rates above 80% on ITT and above 90% on MITT and PP analyses. Dual resistance and lack of compliance were predictors of treatment failure (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02092506).

Helicobacter pylori: perspectives and time trends

The discovery of Helicobacter pylori three decades ago is a modern medical success story. It markedly changed our understanding of the pathophysiology of gastroduodenal diseases and led to an improvement in the treatment of diseases related to H. pylori infection. Many of these diseases (such as ulcer disease and mucosal associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) have become curable, and others (gastric cancer) might be preventable with the application of H. pylori eradication therapy. Since its discovery, H. pylori has also been identified as a trigger for some extragastric diseases. Promising results in this exciting field might have a clinical effect in the near future. This Timeline gives an overview of the success of clinical research on H. pylori to date and highlights some future trends in this area.

[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.

Rabeprazole: the role of proton pump inhibitors inHelicobacter pylorieradication

Proton pump inhibitors have become one of the cornerstones in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Rabeprazole (Pariet) is a substituted benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor with potent gastric acid suppression properties. Its high acid-base dissociation constant allows activation over a broader pH range, resulting in quick, irreversible binding to the H+/K+-ATPase pump, and a more rapid onset of action compared with omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole. Unlike other proton pump inhibitors, the metabolism of rabeprazole is primarily via a nonenzymatic reduction to the thioether derivative, and the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 is only partly involved in its metabolism. The effect of genetic polymorphism in cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rabeprazole is therefore limited. In humans, once-daily dosing of 5-40 mg of rabeprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro studies have shown that rabeprazole possesses more potent antibacterial properties against the growth of H. pylori than other proton pump inhibitors. Furthermore, its thioether derivative has more potent inhibitory in vitro activity against the growth and motility of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori than other proton pump inhibitors or commonly used antimicrobials. Despite these inherent favorable characteristics of rabeprazole, randomized controlled trials have largely shown equivalence amongst proton pump inhibitors when used with two antibiotics in the eradication of H. pylori, with cure rates of 75-89% on an intent-to-treat basis. However, rabeprazole appears to consistently achieve such comparable eradication rates even when used at reduced doses (10 mg twice daily) as part of clarithromycin-based triple therapy.

Alteration of the tongue manifestation reflects clinical outcomes of peptic ulcer disease

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether the tongue inspection technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used as a noninvasive auxiliary diagnostic tool to differentiate the subtypes of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and as an indicator of therapeutic efficacy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 198 outpatients from the China Medical University Hospital were recruited. The control group comprised 50 healthy adults. The remaining 148 patients were diagnosed with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, or Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection using upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, biopsy, and Campylobacter-like organism test. Tongue appearance was evaluated by a physician experienced in clinical Chinese medicine. Images of the tongue were immediately recorded using a high-resolution digital camera system.

RESULTS

The affected group of 148 patients received an 8-week course of ulcer therapy. Of these, 108 patients infected with Hp were subjected to triple therapy in the first week. Forty-nine of these 108 cases infected with Hp completed secondary examination of upper GI endoscopy and tongue inspection. Forty-one of 49 cases (83.7%) were fully cured of Hp infection. These results showed that the color of the tongue body did not change in the cured patients; however, tongue fur was markedly thinner with a color change to white (p<0.05), while sublingual veins with engorgement (p<0.05) and blood stasis (p<0.01) improved after the ulcer healed and Hp was eradicated.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM tongue inspection can be potentially used as a noninvasive auxiliary diagnostic method and as an indicator for clinical outcomes for patients with PUD.

Randomised clinical trial: simvastatin as adjuvant therapy improves significantly the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate--a placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori with standard treatments are decreasing worldwide.

AIM

To determine whether adding simvastatin as adjuvant to triple regimen in patients with H. pylori infection will improve the eradication rate.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial comparing a 7-day, triple eradication regimen consisting of two antibiotics (clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1 g, all twice per day) plus a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole 20 mg twice daily) supplemented with simvastatin 20 mg (CAO + S) or a comparable placebo (CAO + P). Both the simvastatin and the placebo were taken orally twice daily for 1 week in 113 patients with H. pylori infection. The presence of H. pylori was determined by positive rapid urease test and histology. Eradication was confirmed by ¹³C-urea breath test at least 1 month after treatment. Adverse effects were assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients underwent randomisation. Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT; n = 113) eradication rates were: CAO + S (86%; 95% CI: 78-92%), CAO + P (69%; 95% CI: 64-74%). Per protocol analysis (PP; n = 108) eradication rates were: CAO + S (91%; 95% CI: 84-94%), CAO + P (72%; 95% CI: 65-78%). Eradication rates were higher with CAO + S than CAO + P in PP and ITT (P = 0.03, P = 0.04 respectively). No differences were demonstrated between the two groups concerning compliance or adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

In this randomised clinical trial simvastatin as adjuvant to standard therapy improves significantly the H. pylori eradication rate.

Strategies for peptic ulcer healing after 1 week proton pump inhibitor-based triple Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in Japanese patients: differences of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy alone is insufficient to ensure healing of large ulcers with H. pylori-positive gastric ulcer (GU). The question of what is the optimum antiulcer treatment following H. pylori eradication therapy has not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, the ulcer healing effects of eradication therapy itself with H. pylori-positive duodenal ulcer (DU) have not been investigated. In GU study, the eradication therapy + proton pump inhibitor (PPI) group (group A) were administered eradication therapy followed by 7 weeks of a PPI, and the eradication therapy + gastroprotective drug (GP) group (group B) eradication therapy followed by 7 weeks of a GP. In DU study, the eradication therapy + PPI group (group C) were administered eradication therapy followed by 5 weeks of a PPI, and the eradication therapy only group (group D) was eradication therapy alone. In GU study, healing rates for ulcer of ≥15 mm in diameter were significant greater in the group A. In DU study, high healing rates were seen both the group C and D. In conclusion, a PPI could significantly heal GU than a GP after eradication therapy in GU. Meanwhile, the eradication alone is sufficient for DU.

[Guidelines for the treatment of functional dyspepsia]

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is defined as the presence of symptoms thought to originate in the gastroduodenal area, in the absence of any organic, systemic, or metabolic disease that is likely to explain the symptoms. Based on the available evidence and consensus opinion, thirteen consensus statements for the treatment of FD were developed using the modified Delphi approach. Proton pump inhibitor, prokinetics, and histamine 2 receptor antagonists are effective for the treatment of FD. Mucosal protecting agents, fundus relaxant, and drugs for visceral hypersensitivity can improve symptoms in FD. Antacids and antidepressants may help improving symptoms in FD. Comparing endoscopy with 'test and treat' of Helicobacter pylori, endoscopy may be more effective initial strategy for managing patients with FD in Korea given high incidence of gastric cancer and low cost of endoscopy. Helicobacter pylori eradication can be one of the therapeutic options for patients with FD. Psychotherapy is effective for those who have severe symptoms and refractoriness. Further studies are strongly needed to develop better treatment strategies for Korean patients with FD.

Patient factors affecting culture of Helicobacter pylori isolated from gastric mucosal specimens

PURPOSE

Culture is one of the methods used for detecting Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. However, since it is costly, labor-consuming, and in a number of infected subjects gives a false negative result, the procedure is not routinely used. The aim of the study was to analyze some of the factors that may affect the outcome of H. pylori culture from endoscopic gastric mucosal specimens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in a group of 265 subjects. The culture of gastric mucosal specimens was verified by urease test and histological examination. If the culture result was not consistent with one or two verifying tests, an additional two tests were used, i.e. H. pylori antigens in stool samples and anti-H. pylori antibodies in blood serum.

RESULTS

In patients infected with H. pylori (at least two positive diagnostic tests), the analysis of factors that may affect the culture outcome revealed that neither age, gender, smoking, history of eradication, endoscopic diagnosis, use of proton pump inhibitors, ultrasonography of the abdomen or chest radiology performed the day before or on the day of gastroscopy, nor preparation for colonoscopy using osmotic fluids 1-2 days prior to gastroscopy had an effect on the culture outcome. Only high activity of gastritis (neutrophil infiltration) and low bacterial load in gastric mucosal specimens as well as drinking alcohol and the use of histamine H₂ receptor blockers reduced culture efficacy in infected subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

High activity of gastritis, low bacterial load, drinking alcohol and the use of histamine H₂ receptor blockers can be the cause of failed H. pylori culture from gastric mucosa in the infected subjects. These factors should be taken into consideration when qualifying patients for the test and interpreting the results.

Twelve-month endoscopic and histological analysis following proton-pump inhibitor-based triple therapy in Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with gastric ulcers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate endoscopic and histological findings after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in gastric ulcer (GU) patients after 12 months' follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 401 GU patients were randomized to receive either twice-daily (b.i.d.) esomeprazole 20 mg+amoxicillin 1000 mg+clarithromycin 500 mg (EAC) for 1 week followed by placebo for 3 weeks, EAC followed by once-daily (o.d.) esomeprazole 20 mg for 3 weeks or esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. plus placebo antibiotics for 1 week followed by esomeprazole 20 mg o.d. for 3 weeks. Endoscopy with biopsy was performed at baseline, after treatment and at 6 and 12 months' follow-up (healed patients).

RESULTS

Endoscopic abnormalities, particularly in the stomach, were common at baseline and remained similar during follow-up, regardless of ulcer status and treatment. Helicobacter gastritis was present (antrum or corpus) in approximately 20% of patients following eradication therapy (versus approximately 80% with esomeprazole alone); these effects were sustained during follow-up. Similar trends were observed for other histological variables (granulocyte and lymphoplasmocytic cell infiltration, replacement of gastric surface cells by regenerative epithelium, and mucous depletion). No changes in atrophy or intestinal metaplasia were observed. Eighteen gastric cancer cases were detected: 11 at baseline endoscopy, and seven during treatment and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic abnormalities are common in GU patients and persist after proton-pump inhibitor-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication, which is associated with large, sustained improvements in histological variables. Follow-up endoscopy and histology may be necessary, even in patients with apparently non-malignant GU, to improve the detection rate of gastric malignancy in populations with a high prevalence of gastric cancer.

Esomeprazole: potent acid suppression in the treatment of acid-related disorders

Esomeprazole (S-omeprazole), an enantiomer of the racemate omeprazole, is the first proton pump inhibitor to be developed as an isomer. This confers improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared with the racemate R/S-omeprazole. The difference in the pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole compared with omeprazole and the R-isomer is due to reductions in total body clearance and first-pass metabolism in the liver. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that esomeprazole 40 mg provides greater intragastric acid control than respective doses of all the other proton pump inhibitors on the market. Several well-designed clinical trials, employing both endoscopic and symptomatic response criteria, have compared the efficacy of esomeprazole with that of other proton pump inhibitors in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients, and in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. In addition, the efficacy of esomeprazole for the healing and prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated dyspeptic symptoms and ulcers has been established. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and consequent clinical importance of esomeprazole in the treatment of acid-related disorders.

Peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcer disease had a tremendous effect on morbidity and mortality until the last decades of the 20th century, when epidemiological trends started to point to an impressive fall in its incidence. Two important developments are associated with the decrease in rates of peptic ulcer disease: the discovery of effective and potent acid suppressants, and of Helicobacter pylori. With the discovery of H pylori infection, the causes, pathogenesis, and treatment of peptic ulcer disease have been rewritten. We focus on this revolution of understanding and management of peptic ulcer disease over the past 25 years. Despite substantial advances, this disease remains an important clinical problem, largely because of the increasingly widespread use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose aspirin. We discuss the role of these agents in the causes of ulcer disease and therapeutic and preventive strategies for drug-induced ulcers. The rare but increasingly problematic H pylori-negative NSAID-negative ulcer is also examined.

Second Asia-Pacific Consensus Guidelines for Helicobacter pylori infection

The Asia-Pacific Consensus Conference was convened to review and synthesize the most current information on Helicobacter pylori management so as to update the previously published regional guidelines. The group recognized that in addition to long-established indications, such as peptic ulcer disease, early mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type lymphoma and family history of gastric cancer, H. pylori eradication was also indicated for H. pylori infected patients with functional dyspepsia, in those receiving long-term maintenance proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and in cases of unexplained iron deficiency anemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. In addition, a population 'test and treat' strategy for H. pylori infection in communities with high incidence of gastric cancer was considered to be an effective strategy for gastric cancer prevention. It was recommended that H. pylori infection should be tested for and eradicated prior to long-term aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy in patients at high risk for ulcers and ulcer-related complications. In Asia, the currently recommended first-line therapy for H. pylori infection is PPI-based triple therapy with amoxicillin/metronidazole and clarithromycin for 7 days, while bismuth-based quadruple therapy is an effective alternative. There appears to be an increasing rate of resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in parts of Asia, leading to reduced efficacy of PPI-based triple therapy. There are insufficient data to recommend sequential therapy as an alternative first-line therapy in Asia. Salvage therapies that can be used include: (i) standard triple therapy that has not been previously used; (ii) bismuth-based quadruple therapy; (iii) levofloxacin-based triple therapy; and (iv) rifabutin-based triple therapy. Both CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms and cigarette smoking can influence future H. pylori eradication rates.

The effects of probiotics on PPI-triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to evaluate whether the addition of probiotics to proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy increases the likelihood of successful Helicobacter pylori eradication.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and forty-seven H. pylori-infected patients were randomized into a triple-plus-yogurt group (yogurt group, n = 168) or a triple-only group (control group, n = 179). Triple therapy consisted of PPI b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. for 7 days. Yogurt group received triple therapy for 1 week and one bottle of Will yogurt per day for at 3 weeks, starting on the first day of triple therapy. Will yogurt (a Korean brand) contains Lactobacillus acidophilus HY2177, Lactobacillus casei HY2743, Bifidobacterium longum HY8001, and Streptococcus thermophilus B-1. (13)C-urea breath test was performed at least 4 weeks after completion of triple therapy. Eradication rates, compliances, and adverse events were compared.

RESULTS

By intention-to treat analysis the H. pylori eradication rates in the yogurt group 79.2% (133 of 168) was similar to that in the control group 72.1% (129 of 179) (p = .124). However, by per-protocol (PP) analysis, the eradication rate in the yogurt group, 87.5% (133 of 152) was higher than that in the control group, 78.7% (129 of 164) (p = .037). Common adverse events were metallic taste (11.8%) and diarrhea (8.6%). The frequency of adverse effects in the yogurt group 41.1% (69/168) were higher than in the control group, 26.3% (47 of 179) (p = .003). However, most adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity, and the severities of adverse effects were similar in both groups (p = .401).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of Will yogurt to triple therapy did not reduce the side-effects of triple therapy. But it increased the H. pylori eradication rate by PP analysis, encouraging more research in this field.

Effect of esomeprazole triple therapy on eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori, gastric ulcer healing and prevention of relapse in gastric ulcer patients

OBJECTIVES

To compare esomeprazole-based triple therapy with esomeprazole alone for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), healing of ulcer and prevention of relapse in H. pylori-related gastric ulcer (GU) diseases.

METHODS

In this double-blind study, 401 H. pylori-positive patients with more than or equal to two GUs were randomized to: esomeprazole (20 mg) twice daily (bid) and amoxicillin (1000 mg) bid and clarithromycin (500 mg) bid (EAC) for 1 week, followed by placebo for 3 weeks (EAC and placebo); EAC for 1 week, followed by esomeprazole (20 mg) once daily (E20) for 3 weeks (EAC and E20); or esomeprazole (20 mg) bid and placebo antimicrobials for 1 week, followed by E20 for 3 weeks (E20 bid and E20). Patients with unhealed GUs at 4 weeks received E20 for an additional 4 weeks. Healed patients were followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS

Eradication rates at 4 weeks or 8 weeks were 82% for EAC and E20, 77% for EAC and placebo and 9.5% for E20 bid and E20 (intention-to-treat analysis). Significantly more patients receiving EAC than those receiving esomeprazole alone remained free of GUs during follow-up [EAC and E20, 90%; EAC and placebo, 87%; P=0.0005 for combined group vs. esomeprazole alone [E20 bid and E20 (74%)]. All treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Esomeprazole-based triple therapy is effective for the eradication of H. pylori, healing of GU and prevention of relapse. Esomeprazole monotherapy for 3 weeks after triple therapy may be beneficial in terms of healing.

Use of NSAIDs and infection with Helicobacter pylori--what does the rheumatologist need to know?

OBJECTIVES

NSAID-induced gastroduodenal lesions are a frequent and potentially serious health problem in patients with rheumatic diseases. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has also been recognized as a major risk factor for the development of ulcer disease. However, the role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of NSAID-induced gastroduodenal lesions has remained controversial, and there is currently no clear consensus on the management of NSAID users who are infected with H. pylori.

METHODS

To clarify this situation we have performed a systematic literature search to find randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of eradication in patients receiving NSAIDs to prevent ulcer development.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials and one meta-analysis were identified. There were three papers on NSAID-naive patients. According to this data, NSAID-naive users benefit from testing for H. pylori infection and subsequent H. pylori eradication therapy prior to the initiation of NSAID. In contrast, H. pylori eradication alone does not protect chronic NSAID users with recent ulcer complications from further gastrointestinal (GI) events. To prevent recurrent ulcer bleeding long-term acid suppressive therapy is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, ulcer risk reduction after H. pylori eradication therapy is clearly more marked in patients beginning NSAID therapy than in patients who were already receiving and tolerating NSAID therapy. Thus, the management of H. pylori infection and the prevention of GI complications in NSAID users need to be individualized on the basis of recently published data.

The efficacy of bismuth containing quadruple therapy as a first-line treatment option for Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have tended to decrease recently, mostly due to increasing antibiotic-resistance. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of bismuth-based quadruple regimen with proton pump inhibitor-based triple regimen for eradication of H. pylori.

METHODS

Consecutive H. pylori-positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomized into one of two regimens: (i) bismuth subsalicylate 300 mg q.i.d., lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. and metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. (BLTM group) for 14 days; (ii) lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (LAC) for 14 days. Gastroscopy and (14)C-Urea breath test (UBT) were performed before enrollment, and UBT only was repeated for 6 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 240 patients were randomized into groups and 212 of them completed the protocols. The 'intention-to-treat' (ITT) and 'per protocol' (PP) H. pylori eradication rates were 70% (95%CI 61-78) and 82.3% (95%CI 74-89) in the BLTM group, and 57.5% (95%CI 48-66) and 62.7% (95%CI 53-71) in the LAC group. The BLTM treatment achieved a significantly better eradication rate compared with LAC treatment in PP analysis (82.3% vs. 62.7%, P = 0.002). Mild to severe side-effects, which were more frequent in the BLTM group, were reported in 18.2% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The bismuth-based quadruple regimen achieved a better eradication rate compared with proton pump inhibitor-based triple regimens as a first-line eradication option for H. pylori in our population.

Levofloxacin-containing triple therapy to eradicate the persistent H. pylori after a failed conventional triple therapy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the optimal dosage of levofloxacin to eradicate persistent Helicobacter pylori when triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole fails.

METHODS

We investigated 124 patients whose triple therapy including clarithromycin had failed. Clarithromycin resistance was indirectly assessed by the (13)C-urea breath test, with a post-treatment value cut-off point at 15. All patients were randomly divided into two groups, to receive 1-week amoxicillin 1 g and lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily, plus either levofloxacin 500 mg once (ALL-500 group) or twice daily (ALL-1000 group). Six weeks later, the (13)C-urea breath test was repeated to assess whether H. pylori was eradicated.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis showed no difference in H. pylori eradication rates in both the ALL-500 and ALL-1000 groups (ITT: 79% vs. 80.6%, p > .05; PP: 86% vs. 87.5%, p > .05). For both groups, the per-protocol H. pylori eradication rates were also similarly high between patients with a post-treatment value of (13)C-urea breath test < or = 15 and those with a value > 15 (ALL-500: 85% vs. 86.5%, p > .05; ALL-1000: 88.9% vs. 86.8%, p > .05).

CONCLUSION

One-week levofloxacin 500 mg daily-based triple therapy is effective for eradicating the persistent H. pylori after a failed triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori with triple therapy: an epidemiologic analysis of trends in Turkey over 10 years

BACKGROUND

There is increasing concern about the efficacy of current regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined rates of H. pylori eradication with a commonly used triple-therapy regimen consisting of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin in trials performed in Turkey from 1996 to 2005. It also investigated the relationship between eradication rates and the duration of treatment (7, 10, or 14 days), choice of PPI, and indication for treatment (dyspepsia or peptic ulcer).

METHODS

This was a retrospective epidemiologic analysis. Articles concerning H. pylori eradication in Turkey that were published in peer-reviewed national and international journals were identified through searches of MEDLINE using the terms Helicobacter, eradication, and Turkey, and of the Turkish Medical Index using the terms Helicobacter and eradication. Abstracts from the Turkish Gastroenterology Congress from 1996 through 2005 were searched manually. Open-label trials, controlled trials, treatment arms, and case series that included a triple-therapy regimen consisting of standard doses of any PPI (omeprazole 20 mg BID, lansoprazole 30 mg BID, pantoprazole 40 mg BID, or esomeprazole 40 mg BID) with clarithromycin 500 mg BID and amoxicillin 1 g BID for 7 to 14 days were selected for analysis. Trials including patients who had undergone a previous attempt at eradication of H. pylori were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 138 trials or treatment arms identified, 94 met the criteria for inclusion (3637 subjects). The pooled eradication rate was 68.8% (95% CI, 67.3-70.3). A marked decrease in eradication was noted after 2000. Pooled eradication rates each year from 1996 through 2005 were 79.4%, 83.7%, 81.8%, 81.8%, 75.1%, 61.3%, 65.6%, 65.1%, 55.3%, and 61.1%, respectively. Eradication rates were not affected by the duration of treatment, choice of PPI, or indication for treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of H. pylori eradication with the triple-therapy regimen decreased in Turkey over the 10-year period studied. In an era of increasing clarithromycin use, the effectiveness of this regimen for H. pylori eradication appears to require reassessment.

Comparison of 7-day and 14-day proton pump inhibitor-containing triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: neither treatment duration provides acceptable eradication rate in Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although triple combination therapy containing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two antibiotics is considered as a standard regimen for the first-line anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, there are still debates on the ideal duration of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of 7-day and 14-day PPI-containing triple therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed in a randomized, multicenter, prospective manner. After upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, H. pylori-infected patients with a gastric ulcer and/or a duodenal ulcer were randomly assigned to a PAC7 group (omeprazole 20 mg or equivalent dose of other PPIs, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days) or to a PAC14 group (the same regimen as the PAC7 group but for 14 days). H. pylori status was evaluated by (13)C urea breath test 5 weeks after anti-ulcer treatment completion.

RESULTS

A total of 598 patients were enrolled; 337 were randomized to the PAC7 group and 261 to the PAC14 group. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. The eradication rates of the PAC7 group were not inferior to those of the PAC14 group in both intention-to-treat analysis (71.2% vs. 75.5%) and per-protocol analysis (83.6% vs. 86.6%). Incidences of adverse events were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the 7-day PPI-containing triple anti-H. pylori therapy is not inferior to the 14-day therapy, neither treatment duration provides acceptable eradication rate reaching 90% in per-protocol analysis. New combination regimen with higher efficacy should be developed as a first-line eradication therapy for H. pylori in Korea.

Effective regimens for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy remains a challenge in medical practice. Currently, a proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin or nitroimidazole for 7 days is the recommended first-line treatment approach with an expected eradication success rate of approximately 80%. As a second-line treatment option in the case of failure, a ranitidine bismuth citrate-based quadruple therapy is currently recommended curing another 80% of patients, leaving a subset of patients with persistent H. pylori infection. For these patients, promising rescue options have been evaluated including regimens that contain rifabutin, quinolones, furazolidone or high-dose amoxicillin. The role of susceptibility testing is still under discussion. It is not generally recommended prior to first-line treatment but guidelines propose a role for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing after failure of the second attempt. Meanwhile, data on the geographic distribution of resistance pattern are available and may guide therapeutic decisions with regard to the combination of antibiotics chosen for the individual patients aiming at 100% cure rate in each individual patient.

Efficacy and safety of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and high- and low-dose clarithromycin in Japanese patients: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

Seven-day administration of omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 1500 mg/day + clarithromycin 800 mg/day is currently approved in Japan for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. We investigated the efficacy and safety of an omeprazole-based triple therapy regimen in combination with amoxicillin and low-dose clarithromycin in Japanese patients.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to either the low-dose group (omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 1500 mg/day + clarithromycin 400 mg/day) or the high-dose group (omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 1500 mg/day + clarithromycin 800 mg/day). A total of 288 patients were allocated to the low-dose (143) and high-dose (145) groups and were treated twice daily for 1 week.

RESULTS

For the full-analysis set, H. pylori eradication rates were 81.1% (116/143 patients, 90% confidence interval [CI] 74.9, 86.3) in the low-dose group and 80.0% (116/145 patients, 90% CI 73.7, 85.3) in the high-dose group. Per-protocol eradication rates were 81.7% (103/126 patients, 90% CI 75.1, 87.2) and 84.1% (90/107 patients, 90% CI 77.1, 89.6), respectively. When patients with non-susceptibility to clarithromycin were excluded, eradication rates were >80% for both gastric and duodenal ulcers in the two groups. The results suggested that eradication rates were affected more by susceptibility to clarithromycin than to amoxicillin. Both regimens were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that an omeprazole-based triple-therapy regimen with clarithromycin 400 mg/day was as effective as that with clarithromycin 800 mg/day for H. pylori eradication.

2-week triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection is better than 1-week in clinical practice: a large prospective single-center randomized study

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapies are considered the standard regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication, but the optimal duration of these regimens is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1-week versus 2-week triple therapies in H. pylori-positive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 486 consecutive H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive omeprazole, 20 mg b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and either amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. or metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d. for 1 or 2 weeks. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and histology were performed at entry and 2 months after the end of therapy. H. pylori status was defined according to histology and urea breath test.

RESULTS

At intention-to-treat analysis, 2-week therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin achieved a significantly higher eradication rate than 1- or 2-week regimens with metronidazole (70% versus 52%, p = .003, versus 56%, p < .01) and the same therapy for 1-week (70% versus 57%, p = .05). At per-protocol analysis, 2-week therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin showed a significantly higher eradication rate than 1-week of amoxicillin and metronidazole (77% versus 62%; p = .03) but no difference with 1-week same regimen (66%) or 2-week metronidazole and clarithromycin regimen (72%). Compliance and tolerability were good for all regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-week therapies, independently of antibiotic combination, lead to a significant increase of H. pylori eradication rate compared to 1-week therapies, with same compliance and tolerability, even if, taking account of low-eradication rates, one must question whether the triple therapy should still be used.

Antibiotic therapy for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections in the world. H pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is the most common cause of peptic ulcers and is believed to be responsible for 50% to 60% of all gastric carcinomas. This infection is difficult to treat because the bacterium is located within the gastric lumen in the mucus and not within the gastric tissue. Antimicrobial therapy for H pylori includes two or three antibiotics plus either a proton pump inhibitor or a histamine receptor antagonist. H pylori readily develops resistance to antibiotics; therefore, if the initial treatment is unsuccessful, repeat treatment should include different antibiotics.

Eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease in Helicobacter pylori positive patients

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease is the cause for dyspepsia in about 10% of patients. 95% of duodenal and 70% of gastric ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori. Eradication of H pylori reduces the relapse rate of ulcers but the magnitude of this effect is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The primary outcomes were the proportion of peptic ulcers healed initially and proportion of patients free from relapse following successful healing. Eradication therapy was compared to placebo or pharmacological therapies in H. pylori positive patients. Secondary aims included symptom relief and adverse effects.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches were conducted on the Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials - CENTRAL (which includes the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Group Trials Register) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 3 2002) MEDLINE (1966 to July 2002) and EMBASE (1980 to July 2002). Reference lists from trials selected by electronic searching were handsearched to identify further relevant trials. Published abstracts from conference proceedings from the United European Gastroenterology Week (published in Gut) and Digestive Disease Week (published in Gastroenterology) were handsearched. The search was updated in September 2003, November 2004 and November 2005. Members of the Cochrane UGPD Group, and experts in the field were contacted and asked to provide details of outstanding clinical trials and any relevant unpublished materials

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of short and long-term treatment of peptic ulcer disease in H. pylori positive adults were analysed. Patients received at least one week of H pylori eradication compared with ulcer healing drug, placebo or not treatment. Trials were included if they reported assessment from 2 weeks onwards.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on ulcer healing, recurrence, relief of symptoms and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

63 trials were eligible. Data extraction was not possible in 7 trials, and 56 trials were included. In duodenal ulcer healing, eradication therapy was superior to ulcer healing drug (UHD) (34 trials, 3910 patients, relative risk [RR] of ulcer persisting = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58, 0.76) and no treatment (2 trials, 207 patients, RR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.26, 0.53). In gastric ulcer healing, no significant differences were detected between eradication therapy and UHD (14 trials, 1572 patients, RR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.88, 1.76). In preventing duodenal ulcer recurrence no significant differences were detected between eradication therapy and maintenance therapy with UHD (4 trials, 319 patients, relative risk [RR] of ulcer recurring = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.42, 1.25), but eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (27 trials 2509 patients, RR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.26). In preventing gastric ulcer recurrence, eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (11 trials, 1104 patients, RR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.20, 0.42).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

A 1 to 2 weeks course of H. pylori eradication therapy is an effective treatment for H. pylori positive peptic ulcer disease.

Healing of lymphocytic gastritis after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

An association between Helicobacter pylori infection and lymphocytic gastritis has been postulated.

AIM

To assess the long-term effect of H. pylori eradication therapy on lymphocytic gastritis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.

METHODS

Patients with lymphocytic gastritis were randomized to receive either 1-week triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori or omeprazole plus placebo. Endoscopy and histology was performed at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Patients of the omeprazole/placebo group with persistent lymphocytic gastritis after 12 months received crossover open-label triple therapy.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were randomized. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed a trend to a higher healing rate of lymphocytic gastritis 3 months after triple therapy compared with omeprazole/placebo (83.3% vs. 57.7%, 95% CI for RR: 0.8-2.8, P = 0.06). After 12 months, the healing rate of lymphocytic gastritis was significantly higher after triple therapy compared with omeprazole/placebo (intention-to-treat 95.8% vs. 53.8%, 95% CI for RR: 1.1-3.5, P = 0.01). All patients (n = 5) who received crossover triple therapy, showed healing of lymphocytic gastritis after further 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that 1-week triple therapy aiming at eradication of H. pylori leads to a complete and long-lasting resolution of lymphocytic gastritis in the majority of patients.

Can gastric cancer be prevented by Helicobacter pylori eradication?

Helicobacter pylori infection always causes chronic gastritis and triggers several gastroduodenal pathologies ranging from peptic ulcer disease to gastric cancer. It is well established that H. pylori eradication decreases the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcer and its recurrence. However, despite being accepted as the critical risk factor for gastric cancer, there is no conclusive evidence that H. pylori eradication decreases the incidence of gastric cancer. Bacterial virulence characteristics, as well as genetic predisposition of the host in conjunction with certain environmental conditions, are the major factors which influence the development of gastric cancer. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that reversibility of precancerous lesions (atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia) is possible in some patients after H. pylori eradication. Since neoplastic lesions do not progress - or even regress in some cases - after H. pylori eradication, eradication therapy should be considered even in patients with precancerous lesions. Nonetheless, progression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia into cancer has been also demonstrated in patients after H. pylori eradication, suggesting that there might be a point of no return where genetic changes have already happened and are irreversible despite elimination of the triggering carcinogen (H. pylori). At the present time the clinical decision to treat a patient is based on established risk profiles. A general screen-and-treat policy, although desirable, currently awaits a less complex treatment regimen.

Rebamipide reduces recurrence of experimental gastric ulcers: role of free radicals and neutrophils

Mucosal inflammation is a crucial factor for the recurrence of peptic ulcer. In this study, we examined the effect of rebamipide on neutrophils infiltration, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative enzyme activities in the recurrence of experimental gastric ulcer. Ulcer recurrence was examined at 60, 100, and 140 days after production of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Gastric neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidative enzyme activities were determined by analyses of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the ulcer region, respectively. The effect of rebamipide, an antigastric-ulcer agent, on ulcer recurrence was assessed following oral administration at 60 mg/kg/day from day 20. In the control and rebamipide groups, gastric ulcer indices were reduced on day 100 compared with day 60; however, increases were observed on day 140, indicating ulcer recurrence. In the rebamipide group, the ulcer index was smaller than in the control group at each time point and the effect was significant on day 140. Although marked elevation of MPO activities was observed in the control group during the experiment, no significant elevations were seen in the rebamipide group on days 100 and 140. TBARS levels were significantly elevated in the control group on day 140, but not in the rebamipide group. Rebamipide suppressed the decrease in GSHpx activity on day 60. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation of gastric tissue mediated by free radicals from neutrophils is responsible for the recurrence of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats, and that the elimination of free radicals by rebamipide may contribute to the reduction of severity in ulcer recurrence.

Helicobacter pylori eradication has the potential to prevent gastric cancer: a state-of-the-art critique

Helicobacter pylori infection continues to play a key role in gastric diseases. Colonization of the gastric mucosa with the bacterium invariably results in the development of chronic gastritis and subsets of patients have a progression of the chronic gastritis to either ulcer or cancer. Epidemiological evidence indicates that the proportion of all gastric cancers attributable to H. pylori infection, and hence potentially preventable upon elimination of this risk factor, is somewhere in the range of 60% to 90%. This portends significant benefit in terms of morbidity and mortality, not least in populations with high prevalence of H. pylori infection coupled with high incidence of gastric cancer. The effect of prophylactic H. pylori eradication on gastric cancer incidence in humans remains unknown, however. Results from randomized trials are eagerly awaited, but availability of strong conclusive results may take many years. A growing number of studies show considerable variation in risk for gastric cancer development, depending on H. pylori strain type and the genetic predisposition of the host. There is also a remote possibility that elimination of the infection may have adverse health implications (e.g., antibiotic resistance), and therefore "simple" risk stratification and targeted chemoprevention is required. Based on "in depth" evidence presented at this workshop, the majority of the scientific task force favored a search-and-treat strategy in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients and an overwhelming majority felt that a more general screen-and-treat strategy should be focused in the first instance on a population with a high incidence of H. pylori-associated diseases.

Prevention of the rehaemorrhage of bleeding peptic ulcers: effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication and acid suppression

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the consequences of Helicobacter pylori eradication and acid suppression on rehaemorrhage caused by bleeding peptic ulcers.

METHODS

A total of 320 patients who had been diagnosed with bleeding peptic ulcers between January 1994 and December 2001 were included in the study. Cases between 1994 and 1997, prior to the introduction of eradication therapy, were assigned to group A, whereas those between 1998 and 2001, after the eradication therapy, were assigned to group B.

RESULTS

Of the 320 cases, 162 were designated as group A (113 gastric ulcers and 49 duodenal ulcers) and 158 as group B (116 and 42, respectively). Rehaemorrhage occurred in 24 cases (15%) and five cases (3%) in groups A and B, respectively, presenting a significantly decreased rate of rehaemorrhage in group B. Among those without eradication, rehaemorrhage was observed in 15 of 128 cases (12%) that received treatment with histamine(2)-receptor antagonist (famotidine), and 14 of 142 cases (10%) treated with proton-pump inhibitors, with no significant difference between the two.

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori eradication lowered the rates of rehaemorrhage. Treatment with histamine(2)-receptor antagonist or proton-pump inhibitors did not produce a difference in the rate of rehaemorrhage.

Implications of corpus gastritis, atrophy and cyclooxygenase in the development of gastric erosions after curing Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori eradication decreases recurrence of peptic ulcers with marked improvement in histological inflammation, but gastric mucosal injuries may be developed even after eradication.

PURPOSE

To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the development of gastric erosions after eradication, we analysed the relationship between clinicopathological risk factors and the occurrence of gastric erosion after curing H. pylori infection.

PATIENTS

Sixty patients underwent endoscopy before, and 3, 6 and 12 months after the completion of H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

Risk factors associated with the development of gastric erosions after eradication were assessed by multivariate analysis, and cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 immunoreactivity was histologically examined in the gastric mucosa before and after eradication.

RESULTS

The cumulative prevalence of gastric erosions after H. pylori eradication was 38.3% within 1 year. Using multivariate analysis, corpus gastritis scores (inflammation score+activity score), corpus atrophy scores and an age of more than 50 years were found to be independent factors associated with the development of gastric erosion after eradication with odds ratios of 7.39, 0.13 and 5.00, respectively. Cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactivity of the corpus was decreased for the non-erosion group after eradication, but not for the erosion group.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe gastritis or less severe atrophy in oxyntic glands but not in pyloric glands before eradication may be involved in the development of gastric erosions after curing H. pylori infection.

Efficacy of omeprazole and amoxicillin with either clarithromycin or metronidazole on eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese peptic ulcer patients

AIM: One-week triple therapy with proton pump inhibitors, clarithromycin and amoxicillin has recently been proposed as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection; however, data regarding the effects of this regimen in China are scarce. The aim of this prospective and randomized study was to compare the efficacy of clarithromycin and metronidazole when they were combined with omeprazole and amoxicillin on eradication of H pylori and ulcer healing in Chinese peptic ulcer patients.

METHODS: A total of 103 subjects with H pylori-positive peptic ulcer were randomly divided into two groups, and accepted triple therapy with omeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and either clarithromycin 500 mg (OAC group, n = 58) or metronidazole 400 mg (OAM group, n = 45). All drugs were given twice daily for 7 d. Patients with active peptic ulcer were treated with omeprazole 20 mg daily for 2-4 wk after anti-H pylori therapy. Six to eight weeks after omeprazole therapy, all patients underwent endoscopies and four biopsies (two from the antrum and two others from the corpus of stomach) were taken for rapid urease test and histological analysis (with modified Giemsa staining) to examine H pylori. Successful eradication was defined as negative results from both examination methods.

RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the entire course of therapy and returned for follow-up. The eradication rate of H pylori for the per-protocol analysis was 89.3% (50/56) in OAC group and 84.1% (37/44) in OAM group. Based on the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rate of H pylori was 86.2% (50/58) in OAC group and 82.2% (37/45) in OAM group. There were no significant differences in eradication rates between the two groups on either analysis. The active ulcer-healing rate was 96.7% (29/30) in OAC group and 100% (21/21) in OAM group (per-protocol analysis, P>0.05). Six patients in OAC group (10.3%) and five in OAM group (11.1%) reported adverse events (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: One-week triple therapy with omeprazole and amoxicillin in combination with either clarithromycin or metronidazole is effective for the eradication of H pylori. The therapeutic regimen comprising metronidazole with low cost, good compliance and mild adverse events may offer a good choice for the treatment of peptic ulcers associated with H pylori infection in China.

Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily in triple therapy and the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication related to CYP2C19 metabolism

AIM

To determine whether an increased dosage of esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily in triple therapy improved the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate for patients with different genotypes of S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylase (CYP2C19).

METHODS

Two hundred H. pylori-infected dyspeptic patients were randomized to receive clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily plus either omeprazole 20 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 1 week. Six weeks later, the success of H. pylori eradication was defined. The genotyping of CYP2C19 in each patient was defined as homologous, heterologous extensive metabolizer or poor metabolizer.

RESULTS

The age, gender, drug compliance and proportion of CYP2C19 genotypes were similar between the two groups. The H. pylori eradication rates were also similar between the omeprazole group and the esomeprazole group (intention-to-treat analysis: 79% vs. 86%, P > 0.05; per-protocol analysis: 85% vs. 94%, P > 0.05). For patients classified as homologous extensive metabolizers, the per-protocol H. pylori eradication rate was significantly higher in the esomeprazole group than in the omeprazole group (93% vs. 76%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for triple therapy may improve the H. pylori eradication compared to omeprazole-based therapy, but only for homologous extensive metabolizers of CYP2C19.

Rifabutin- and furazolidone-based Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies after failure of standard first- and second-line eradication attempts in dyspepsia patients

BACKGROUND

Optimal management approach is not well defined for subjects who fail initial first- and second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication attempts and are dealt on a case-by-case basis by the specialists.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of standard and 'rescue' eradication therapies at primary and secondary care levels.

METHODS

H. pylori infected dyspepsia patients referred to our C13 urea breath testing laboratory between January 1999 to February 2002 were included. Eradication failure at secondary care level was treated using strategies including antibiotic sensitivity testing and the use of rifabutin- and furazolidone-based therapies.

RESULTS

3280 patients received standard first-line eradication therapy, which was successful in 2530 (77%) patients. Second-line therapy (bismuth-based 'quadruple') or triple therapy (altering constituent antibiotics) was successful in 56% of 270 treated patients. Subsequent eradication attempts using rifabutin-based (n = 34) and furazolidone-based (n = 10) regimens were successful in 38% and 60% patients respectively. H. pylori eradication rates were significantly different for guidelines compliant (94.8%) and non-compliant (82%) groups (P = 0.0001). H. pylori eradication rates for non-ulcer dyspepsia (40%) and peptic ulcer disease (36%) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Available H. pylori eradication therapies remain very effective and compliance to guidelines achieves high success rates. Furazolidone-based 'rescue' regimen achieved high eradication rates after failure of the standard first-line, second-line and rifabutin-based therapies.

Efficacy of a Low-Dose Omeprazole-Based Triple-Therapy Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Independent of Cytochrome P450 Genotype

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacies of two different triple-therapy regimens (standard versus low doses), and the influence of cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) genetic polymorphism on these efficacies, in Japanese patients undergoing Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

METHODS

All patients received 1 week of triple therapy. Patients in group A (low-dose regimen) received omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 1500 mg/day + clarithromycin 800 mg/day; patients in group B (standard-dose regimen) received omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 2000 mg/day + clarithromycin 1000 mg/day.

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients (113 in group A and 112 in group B) were randomised to one of the two triple-therapy regimens. The eradication rates were 78.8% (89/113 patients; 95% CI 70.1, 85.9) in group A and 83.0% (93/112 patients; 95% CI 74.8, 89.5) in group B. Genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19, a major metabolic enzyme of omeprazole, did not affect eradication rates, while susceptibility to clarithromycin greatly affected the success of eradication. The cumulative ulcer relapse rate at 24 weeks after endoscopically documented ulcer healing (30 weeks after completion of the drug regimen) was 8.3% for group A and 12.5% for group B (log rank test: p = 0.6248). However, comparison of the cumulative relapse rate of 6.7% in patients after successful H. pylori eradication with the relapse rate of 27.3% in those who failed H. pylori eradication revealed a significant difference in the remission-time curve (log rank test: p = 0.0047). This finding suggested the existence of a relationship between H. pylori eradication failure and ulcer relapse. Both drug regimens were well tolerated. Endoscopically proven reflux esophagitis developed in about 10% of patients after eradication, but was not clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

One week of triple therapy with a low-dose regimen provides adequate H. pylori eradication in Japanese patients. CYP genetic polymorphism is of minimal clinical significance with both triple-therapy regimens.

Long-term effects of eradication of Helicobacter pylori on relapse and histology in gastric ulcer patients: a two-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The main purpose of this study was to compare omeprazole (ome) plus two antibiotics (OMC) with omeprazole plus placebo (OP) with regard to gastric ulcer relapse for a period of 2 years in patients who were Helicobacter pylori-positive at inclusion.

METHODS

Using double-blind randomization 125 patients with gastric ulcer were treated with either OMC (ome 20 mg b.i.d., metronidazole 400 mg b.i.d., clarithromycin 250 mg b.i.d.) (n = 64) or OP (ome 20 mg and placebo) (n = 61) for 1 week, followed by ome 20-40 mg o.d. until healing was confirmed endoscopically after 4, 8 or 12 weeks. Endoscopy and H. pylori diagnostics using culture, histology and serology were performed 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment or at symptomatic relapse. At inclusion, 35% of the OMC group and 38% of the OP group were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nine percent (11/125) of the ulcers were malignant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of H. pylori was 82% and the eradication rate 88% in the OMC group and 3% in the OP group. More than 90% of the ulcers were healed after 12 weeks. After 2 years, 76% of patients in the OMC group were in remission compared with 28% in the OP group (ITT) (P < 0.001). Sixty percent of patients in the OMC group that continued to take NSAIDs were in remission after 2 years compared with none in the OP group. Atrophy but not intestinal metaplasia decreased after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric ulcers are mainly caused by H. pylori, and relapse is effectively prevented by H. pylori eradication, even in patients on NSAIDs.

Eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease in Helicobacter pylori positive patients

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease is the cause for dyspepsia in about 10% of patients. 95% of duodenal and 70% of gastric ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori. Eradication of H pylori reduces the relapse rate of ulcers but the magnitude of this effect is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The primary outcomes were the proportion of peptic ulcers healed initially and proportion of patients free from relapse following successful healing. Eradication therapy was compared to placebo or pharmacological therapies in H. pylori positive patients. Secondary aims included symptom relief and adverse effects.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A search was undertaken according to the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Review Group module using CCTR, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. Experts in the field and pharmaceutical companies were contacted. Abstract books between 1994 and 2003 were hand-searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of short and long-term treatment of peptic ulcer disease in H. pylori positive adults were analysed. Patients received at least one week of H pylori eradication compared with ulcer healing drug, placebo or not treatment. Trials were included if they reported assessment from 2 weeks onwards.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were collected on ulcer healing, recurrence, relief of symptoms and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

60 trials were eligible. Data extraction was not possible in 7 trials, and 53 trials were included. In duodenal ulcer healing, eradication therapy was superior to ulcer healing drug (UHD) (34 trials, 3910 patients, relative risk [RR] of ulcer persisting = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58, 0.76) and no treatment (2 trials, 207 patients, RR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.26, 0.53). In gastric ulcer healing, no significant differences were detected between eradication therapy and UHD (13 trials, 1469 patients, RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.92, 1.90). In preventing duodenal ulcer recurrence no significant differences were detected between eradication therapy and maintenance therapy with UHD (4 trials, 319 patients, relative risk [RR] of ulcer recurring = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.42, 1.25), but eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (27 trials 2509 patients, RR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.26). In preventing gastric ulcer recurrence, eradication therapy was superior to no treatment (10 trials, 1029 patients, RR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.18, 0.43).

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

A 1 to 2 weeks course of H. pylori eradication therapy is an effective treatment for H. pylori positive peptic ulcer disease.