Pantoprazole versus one-week Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for the prevention of acute NSAID-related gastroduodenal damage in elderly subjects

[Peptic ulcer]

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

Focusing on Helicobacter pylori infection in the elderly

As a confirmed carcinogen, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of inflammatory diseases of the upper digestive tract and even gastric cancer. There is a high prevalence of H. pylori infection among the elderly population, which may cause adverse clinical outcomes. Particularly noteworthy is that guidelines or expert consensus presently available on H. pylori infection overlook the management of the elderly population as a special group. A brief overview of H. pylori in the elderly is as follows. The detection of H. pylori infection can be divided into invasive and non-invasive techniques, and each technique has its advantages and shortcomings. There may be more side effects associated with eradication treatment in elderly individuals, especially for the frail population. Physical conditions and risk-benefit assessments of the elderly should be considered when selecting therapeutic strategies for H. pylori eradication. Unless there are competing factors, elderly patients should receive H. pylori eradication regimens to finally reduce the formation of gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the latest understanding of H. pylori in the elderly population to provide effective managements and treatment measures.

Does Helicobacter pylori Exacerbate Gastric Mucosal Injury in Users of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs? A Multicenter, Retrospective, Case-Control Study

Background/Aims

The interaction between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori remains controversial. We retrospectively investigated whether H. pylori infection exacerbates severe gastric mucosal injury among chronic NSAID users.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2013, a total of 245 long-term NSAID (including low-dose aspirin) users who had undergone an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and had been evaluated for H. pylori infection were enrolled at Okayama University Hospital and Tsuyama Chuo Hospital. The degree of gastric mucosal injury was assessed according to the modified Lanza score (MLS). Severe gastric mucosal injury was defined as an MLS ≥4. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

In the univariate analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 4.2), H. pylori-positivity (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.5), and the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.86) were significantly associated with severe gastric mucosal injury. The multivariate analysis was adjusted by age and sex and demonstrated that H. pylori-positivity (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.3) and the concomitant use of PPIs (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.99) significantly contributed to severe gastric mucosal injury.

Conclusions

H. pylori infection exacerbates severe gastric mucosal injury among chronic NSAID users.

Helicobacter pylori infection in older people

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago, H. pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community. Its linkage to several diseases, such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable. In particular, it has been noticed that, as the aged population is increasing worldwide, older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications. At the same time, gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people. In addition, it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people, resulting in a significantly higher mortality. Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people, only a few studies have been published regarding the latter. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and therapy of H. pylori infection in elderly people.

Optimal management of peptic ulcer disease in the elderly

Recent data report that the incidence of peptic ulcer is decreasing in the general population; conversely, the rates of gastric and duodenal ulcer hospitalization and mortality remain very high in older patients. Two major factors that might explain this epidemiological feature in the elderly population are the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the increasing prescriptions of gastroduodenal damaging drugs, including NSAIDs and/or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The main goals for treating peptic ulcer disease in old age are to reduce recurrence of the disease and to prevent complications, especially bleeding and perforation. The available treatments for peptic ulcer are essentially based on gastric acid suppression with antisecretory drugs and the eradication of H. pylori infection. The aim of this article is to report the available data on clinical efficacy and tolerability of peptic ulcer treatments in elderly patients and provide recommendations for their optimal use in this special population. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapies for 7 days are highly effective for the cure of H. pylori-positive peptic ulcers as well as for reducing ulcer recurrence. Antisecretory drugs are also the treatment of choice for NSAID- or aspirin-related peptic ulcers and are useful as preventive therapy in chronic users of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin as antiplatelet therapy. Antisecretory PPI therapy has a favourable tolerability profile in geriatric patients; however, monitoring is suggested in older patients with frequent pulmonary infections, gastrointestinal malabsorption, unexplained chronic diarrhoea, osteoporosis or those taking concomitant cytochrome P450 2C19-metabolized medications. The overall approach to the geriatric patient should include a comprehensive geriatric assessment that ensures multidimensional evaluation of the patient in order to better define the clinical risk of adverse outcomes in the older patient with peptic ulcer and its complications.

Interaction of Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in gastric and duodenal ulcers

BACKGROUND

Gastric (GU) and duodenal ulcers (DU) are in most instances either induced by Helicobacter pylori infection or by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whether eradication of H. pylori is beneficial in NSAID users for preventing NSAID induced GU and DU has been the focus of different studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mechanisms shared by both H. pylori and NSAIDs for the induction of GU and DU were reviewed and randomized controlled trials on H. pylori eradication for prevention and healing of GU and DU in patients requiring NSAID therapy were identified by a PubMed search.

RESULTS

Key factors in the induction of GU and DU for both H. pylori and NSAIDs are a decrease in pH, imbalance between apoptosis and proliferation, reduction in mucosal blood flow, and recruitment of polymorphonucleates in distinct compartments. For primary ulcer prevention, H. pylori eradication before starting an NSAID therapy reduces the risk of NSAID induced GU and virtually abolishes the risk of DU. H. pylori eradication alone is not sufficient for secondary prevention of NSAID induced GU and DU. H. pylori infection appears to further increase the protective effects of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) to reduce the risk of ulcer relapse. H. pylori eradication does not influence the healing of both GU and DU if NSAID intake is discontinued.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal ulcer is more closely related to H. pylori infection than GU in NSAID users. H. pylori eradication is recommended for primary prevention of GU and DU in patients requiring NSAID therapy. PPI therapy is mandatory for secondary prevention of gastroduodenal ulcers, and appears to further reduce the risk of ulcer relapse in the presence of H. pylori.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in the elderly

The efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of inflammation and pain of various origins is well established. Prescribing these drugs, however, remains a challenge because a great variety of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular safety issues need to be considered, particularly in older patients. Recent recommendations suggest that the prescription of non-selective NSAIDs and/or selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) may be appropriate in patients with low gastrointestinal risk (no prior gastrointestinal events, no concomitant treatments with other damaging drugs). Gastroprotection is appropriate in patients with gastrointestinal risk factors and in older patients. In patients at high risk for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events, however, NSAID or coxib prescriptions are contraindicated. Multidimensional impairment is a crucial point in evaluating the clinical outcome of older patients; thus, a comprehensive geriatric assessment is useful in predicting adverse outcomes, including morbidity and mortality.

Test-and-treat strategy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in older patients

Despite Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is highly prevalent in older populations, low rates of HP diagnosis and eradication are reported in older persons, even in geriatric wards. We aim to evaluate the results of a HP-eradicating program in a sample of older patients in relation to dyspeptic symptoms and to endoscopic findings. A pool of 140 subjects (female/ale=86/54, mean age 68.6±5.4 years) with positive C(13)-urea breath test were recruited, clinically evaluated to investigate the presence and characteristics of dyspepsia and abdominal pain, and underwent gastric endoscopic examination. HP-eradication was obtained in 87.9% of subjects with first-line triple therapy, regardless of endoscopic findings. Sixty-eight (48.6%) patients were symptomatic and 72 (51.4%) were asymptomatic. HP-related organic disease in endoscopic examination was frequent (present in 53.6% of the patients) but the distribution of different pathologies were similar in patients with and without symptoms (p=0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

even if diagnosis and treatment of HP infection in older patients is underestimated, this population should be a priority for HP-eradication since the infection is more frequent, peptic disease and gastric cancer are frequent, and eradication is effective.

Proton pump inhibitors for gastroduodenal damage related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin: twelve important questions for clinical practice

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are among the most commonly used medications worldwide. Their use is associated with significant gastroduodenal adverse effects, including dyspepsia, bleeding, ulcer formation, and perforation. Given their long-term use by millions of patients, there is a substantial impact at the population level of these complications. In this evidence-based review, we have endeavored to answer 12 commonly encountered questions in clinical practice that deal with the following: extent of the problem of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal damage and its impact on public health; role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the primary prevention, healing, and secondary prevention of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal ulceration as assessed by using endoscopic end points; role of PPIs in the prevention of adverse clinical outcomes related to NSAID/aspirin use; whether PPIs are effective in NSAID-induced dyspepsia; comparison of PPI co-therapy with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors for risk reduction of adverse clinical outcomes; role of PPIs in preventing rebleeding from aspirin +/- clopidogrel therapy in high-risk patients; identifying high-risk patients who can benefit from PPI co-therapy; the role of other gastroprotective agents for prevention of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal damage; and the cost-effectiveness of and limitations to the use of PPIs for prevention of gastroduodenal damage related to the use of NSAIDs or aspirin. We then summarized our recommendations on the use of PPIs for the clinical management of patients using NSAIDs or aspirin.

Management of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity: focus on proton pump inhibitors

The association between NSAIDs and the presence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications is well established. Evidence that acid aggravates NSAID-induced injury provides a rationale for minimizing such damage by acid suppression. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) appear to be very effective in treating NSAID-related dyspepsia, and also in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients continuing to receive the NSAID. An analysis of data from comparative studies of PPIs versus ranitidine, misoprostol and sucralfate shows a therapeutic advantage in favour of the PPI. Several studies now confirm the efficacy of co-therapy with PPIs in the short- and long-term prevention of NSAID-induced upper GI injury. PPIs are more effective than histamine H(2)-receptor antagonists at standard dosages in reducing the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcer, and are superior to misoprostol in preventing duodenal but not gastric lesions. However, when balancing effectiveness and tolerance, PPIs may be considered the treatment of choice in the short- and long-term prevention of NSAID-related mucosal lesions. To date, there are only a few published articles dealing with the role of PPIs in the prevention of upper GI complications. Recent epidemiological and interventional studies provide some evidence that PPIs are of benefit. However, more controlled studies using clinical outcomes are needed to establish the best management strategy (PPIs combined with traditional NSAIDs or with cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors) especially in patients with multiple risk factors, in patients using concomitant low-dose aspirin, corticosteroids or anticoagulants (high risk group), or in patients with a history of ulcer complications (very high risk group). Furthermore, it should be underlined that Helicobacter pylori infection positively interacts with the gastroprotective effect of PPIs; therefore, the true efficacy of these drugs in preventing NSAID-related ulcer complications should be reassessed without the confounding influence of this microorganism.

Canadian consensus guidelines on long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and the need for gastroprotection: benefits versus risks

BACKGROUND

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but are not without risks.

AIM

To provide evidence-based management recommendations to help clinicians determine optimal long-term NSAID therapy and the need for gastroprotective strategies based on an assessment of both gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular (CV) risks.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of 21 voting participants revised and voted on the statements and the strength of evidence (assessed according to GRADE) at a consensus meeting.

RESULTS

An algorithmic approach was developed to help manage patients who require long-term NSAID therapy. The use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in patients with high CV risk was assumed. For patients at low GI and CV risk, a traditional NSAID alone may be acceptable. For patients with low GI risk and high CV risk, full-dose naproxen may have a lower potential for CV risk than other NSAIDs. In patients with high GI and low CV risk, a COX-2 inhibitor plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may offer the best GI safety profile. When both GI and CV risks are high and NSAID therapy is absolutely necessary, risk should be prioritized. If the primary concern is GI risk, a COX-2 inhibitor plus a PPI is recommended; if CV risk, naproxen 500 mg b.d. plus a PPI would be preferred. NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

CONCLUSION

More large, long-term trials that examine clinical outcomes of complicated and symptomatic upper and lower GI ulcers are needed.

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.

Current management of Helicobacter pylori infections in the elderly

Helicobacter pylori infection is a chronic gastric gram-negative infection that increases with age worldwide. However, the percentage age of H. pylori-positive elderly patients who are tested and treated for their infection remains very low. It is now demonstrated that H. pylori infection induces a whole cascade of events leading to gastric pathologies, such as peptic ulcer diseases, gastric precancerous lesions and gastric cancer. Recent data also demonstrated that H. pylori chronic infection can play a role in gastric aging, appetite regulation and extradigestive diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, in the elderly. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection remains difficult to realize in the very old population, and the urea breath test obtains the best performance in this population. 1-week proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy regimens are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients, and antibiotic resistance remains very low. Low compliance is the main factor related to treatment failure in this population.

Infection à Helicobacter pylori chez la personne âgée

PURPOSES

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a chronic gastric Gram-negative infection that increases with age. Acquired in childhood, H. pylori infection may induce a whole cascade of events leading to gastric pathologies such as peptic ulcer diseases, gastric precancerous lesions, and gastric lymphomas (MALT). The characteristics of the diagnosis and the treatment of this infection in geriatrics are thus particularly important to take into account.

MAIN POINTS

1) The incidence of gastric and duodenal ulcers and their bleeding complications is increasing in old-aged populations. Clinical signs such as anorexia and malnutrition are proven to be excellent indications for endoscopic explorations in the elderly. NSAID-use and H. pylori infection were shown to be independent and unrelated risk factors for peptic ulcer and gastroduodenal bleeding in elderly subjects; 2) H. pylori infection diagnosis is difficult to realize in the very old population, and the urea breath test is the test which obtain the best performances in this population.

PERSPECTIVES

Recent work showed the part played by H. pylori chronic infection in gastric aging and in appetite regulation in the elderly. Research tasks should be continued in this field in order to better understand the part played by this chronic infection in gastric aging and in other pathologies (i.e. neurological or cardiovascular diseases) in this population.

Appropriate choice of proton pump inhibitor therapy in the prevention and management of NSAID-related gastrointestinal damage

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects, ranging from dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease to more serious complications such as haemorrhage or perforation. NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is a significant medical problem worldwide. Misoprostol is effective in reducing NSAID-induced mucosal damage, but patient compliance is limited by poor tolerance. Histamine receptor antagonists are relatively effective against duodenal ulcers but offer no significant protection against gastric ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as pantoprazole, omeprazole and lansoprazole, have been shown to be effective in preventing the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers in high-risk patients taking NSAIDs. PPI therapy is also beneficial in healing NSAID-induced ulcers and preventing their recurrence in patients requiring ongoing NSAID therapy. PPIs have an excellent safety profile, and pantoprazole--with its low potential for drug-drug interactions--is particularly suitable for administration to elderly patients who often require concomitant treatment with other medications.

High rate of Helicobacter pylori eradication with sequential therapy in elderly patients with peptic ulcer: a prospective controlled study

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates with triple therapies are decreasing, and few data in elderly patients are available. A 10-day sequential regimen succeeded in curing such H. pylori infection in unselected patients.

AIM

To compare this sequential regimen and the standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication in geriatric patients with peptic ulcer.

METHODS

Overall, 179 H. pylori-infected patients with peptic ulcer were enrolled (mean age: 69.5 years; range: 65-83). Patients were randomized to 10-day sequential therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg b.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.d. for the first 5 days, followed by rabeprazole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 500 mg, all b.d., for the remaining 5 days) or standard 7-day triple regimen (rabeprazole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1 g, all b.d.). Helicobacter pylori status was assessed by histology and rapid urease test at baseline and 4-6 weeks after completion of treatment.

RESULTS

The sequential regimen achieved eradication rates significantly higher in comparison with the standard regimen at both intention-to-treat (94% vs. 80%; P = 0.008) and per-protocol (97% vs. 83%; P = 0.006) analyses. In both treatment groups, compliance to the therapy was high (> 95%), and the rate of mild side-effects was similarly low (< 12%). At repeated upper endoscopy, peptic ulcer lesions were healed in 97% patients, without a statistically significant difference between the sequential regimen and the standard triple therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly patients with peptic ulcer disease, the 10-day sequential treatment regimen achieved significantly higher eradication rates in comparison with standard triple therapy.

Meta-analysis: role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the prevention of peptic ulcer in NSAID users

AIM

To evaluate whether eradication of Helicobacter pylori prevents peptic ulcer in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users by means of a meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the AGA congress. Randomized trials comparing H. pylori eradication vs. non-eradication or eradication vs. a proton pump inhibitor in patients receiving a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were selected.

RESULTS

Five studies and 939 patients were included in the analysis; 34 of 459 (7.4%) patients developed a peptic ulcer in the eradicated group vs. 64 of 480 (13.3%) in the control group. The odds ratio was 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.20-0.93). Sub-analyses showed a significant reduction of risk for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-naive (odds ratio = 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.49) but not for previously treated patients (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.53-1.72). Two studies with a total of 385 patients compared eradication vs. a proton pump inhibitor; five of 196 (2.6%) developed a peptic ulcer in the eradicated group vs. zero of 189 (0%) in the proton pump inhibitor group (odds ratio = 7.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-43.6).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori eradication reduces the incidence of peptic ulcer in the overall population receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It appears to be especially effective when performed in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-naïve patients. Nonetheless, eradication seems less effective than treatment with a maintenance proton pump inhibitor for preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated ulcers.

Proton-pump inhibitors reduce the risk of uncomplicated peptic ulcer in elderly either acute or chronic users of aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

BACKGROUND

Although administration of gastroprotective drugs may reduce the risk of peptic ulcers associated with the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin, no consensus exists as to whether this co-therapy is effective for short-term prevention, particularly in old age.

AIM

To evaluate the risk of peptic ulcer associated with acute and chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin therapy in elderly subjects, and the influence of antisecretory treatment on this risk.

METHODS

The study included 676 elderly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin users and 2435 non-users who consecutively underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin as well as antisecretory drugs (H2-blockers and proton-pump inhibitors) was evaluated by a structured interview. Diagnosis of gastric and duodenal ulcer as well as Helicobacter pylori infection were carried out by endoscopy and histological examination of the gastric mucosa.

RESULTS

About 47.3% of patients were acute and 52.7% chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin. The risk of peptic ulcer, adjusted for age, gender, H. pylori infection and antisecretory drug use was higher in acute (gastric ulcer: odds ratio, OR = 4.47, 95% CI: 3.19-6.26 and duodenal ulcer: OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.73-3.31) than chronic users (gastric ulcer: OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.97-3.99 and duodenal ulcer: OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.22-2.33). Proton-pump inhibitor treatment was associated with a reduced risk of peptic ulcer in both acute (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.24-2.04) and chronic (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users. Conversely, concomitant treatment with H2-blockers was associated with a significantly higher risk of peptic ulcer both in acute (OR = 10.9, 95% CI: 3.87-30.9) and chronic (OR = 6.26, 95% CI: 2.56-15.3) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users than non-users. Proton-pump inhibitor treatment resulted in an absolute risk reduction of peptic ulcer by 36.6% in acute and 34.6% in chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users; indeed, the number needed to treat to avoid one peptic ulcer in elderly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/aspirin users was three both in acute and chronic users.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that proton-pump inhibitor co-treatment is advisable in symptomatic elderly patients who need to be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin for a short period of time.

Efficacy and tolerability of pantoprazole compared with misoprostol for the prevention of NSAID-related gastrointestinal lesions and symptoms in rheumatic patients

AIM

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of pantoprazole 20 mg once daily (o.d.) with misoprostol 200 microg twice daily (b.i.d.), administered for 6 months to rheumatic patients who required long-term therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and who were at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal lesions.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel group comparison study was performed with rheumatic patients (n = 515) who were likely to take NSAIDs continuously for at least 6 months. Patients were 55 years or older, at risk to develop gastrointestinal lesions, had less than five erosions/petechiae in the stomach and duodenum, no ulcers, no reflux esophagitis (endoscopy-proven), and gastrointestinal symptoms of at most moderate intensity. A minimum daily dose was defined for NSAIDs (COX-2 inhibitors were not available at the time). Patients were randomized to take either pantoprazole 20 mg o.d. (n = 257) or misoprostol 200 microg b.i.d. (n = 258) for 6 months while continuing NSAID therapy. Endoscopy was performed at baseline, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS

Pantoprazole was superior to misoprostol (p < 0.001) with regard to 'therapeutic failure' (occurrence of a peptic ulcer, ten or more erosions/petechiae in the stomach/duodenum, reflux esophagitis, severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and/or 'likely' or 'definitely' related adverse event leading to study termination). Estimated remission rates at 3 and 6 months (Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis) were, respectively, 93 and 89% (pantoprazole) and 79 and 70% (misoprostol). Pantoprazole was superior to misoprostol (p = 0.005) with regard to 'endoscopic failure' (occurrence of a peptic ulcer, ten or more erosions/petechiae in the stomach/duodenum, or reflux esophagitis) after 6 months. Estimated remission rates at 3 and 6 months were, respectively, 98 and 95% (pantoprazole) and 95 and 86% (misoprostol). Patients discontinuing the study early due to adverse events 'likely' or 'definitely' related to the study drug accounted for 13/257 (5%) in the pantoprazole and 33/258 (13%) in the misoprostol treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Pantoprazole 20 mg o.d. is superior to misoprostol 200 microg b.i.d. in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal lesions and symptoms in patients on continuous long-term treatment with NSAIDs due to rheumatic diseases and at risk to develop such lesions or symptoms.

Traitements curatif et préventif des ulcères gastro-duodénaux induits par les AINS

The use of treatments to heal or to prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) associated gastroduodenal lesions is based on replacement of mucosal prostaglandin deficiency or inhibition of acid secretion. Four-week acid suppression by proton pump inhibitors (PPI) with 7-day eradication triple therapy in Helicobacter pylori positive patients is effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcer upon discontinuation of NSAIDs. In the event NSAIDs must be continued, PPIs (omeprazole 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg) are more effective than H2-blockers and cytoprotective agents (sucralfate, misoprostol) to heal mucosal lesions. In long-term prevention studies, omeprazole 20 mg, lansoprazole 15 mg, and pantoprazole 20 mg significantly reduce gastric and duodenal ulcer rates. Misoprostol 800 microg is as effective as PPIs for preventing symptomatic and complicated gastric ulcers, but less effective to prevent duodenal ulcer, with a high rate of adverse effects such as diarrhea. Helicobacter pylori eradication in infected patients decrease the risk of NSAIDs-associated lesions but is less effective than concomitant antisecretory treatment. Current data from comparative studies of PPIs vs ranitidine or misoprostol are in favor of the PPIs as well tolerated and effective drugs in the prophylaxis of NSAIDs-related gastroduodenal lesions in high-risk patients.

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Aging and upper gastrointestinal disorders

The prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is increasing in subjects aged 65 years and over. Pathophysiological changes in esophageal functions that occur with aging may, at least in part, be responsible for the high prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in old age. GERD symptoms are different in the elderly compared to young or adult patients; moreover, esophagitis is a more severe disease in the elderly than in young subjects, relapse occurring in a high percentage of cases in those elderly patients who are not in maintenance therapy with antisecretories. In old age, PPIs are more effective than H2-blockers in healing and reducing the relapse of esophagitis; PPI therapy is well tolerated and very effective even in elderly subjects with concomitant diseases and treatments. Discontinuing maintenance treatment with PPIs after 6 months is associated with a significant increase in the relapse rate. The incidence of gastric and duodenal ulcers and their bleeding complications is increasing in old-aged populations worldwide. Approximately 53-73% of elderly peptic ulcer patients are Helicobacter pylori positive; however, the percentage of H. pylori-positive elderly patients who are treated for their infection remains very low. We now have data that demonstrate the benefit of curing H. pylori infection in elderly patients with H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease and severe chronic gastritis. One-week PPI-based triple therapy regimens including clarithromycin, amoxycillin and/or nitroimidazoles are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients. Low doses of both PPIs and clarithromycin (in combination with standard doses of amoxycillin or nitroimidazoles) are sufficient. Almost 40% of GU and 25% of DU in the elderly patients are associated with the use of NSAID and/or aspirin. Several strategies are available to prevent NSAID-related peptic ulcers, i.e. the use of low doses and/or less damaging NSAIDs, the use of coxibs, gastroprotection with antisecretory drugs, the eradication of H. pylori infection in infected patients as well as educational programs to reduce inappropriate prescriptions. Strategies for subgroups of patients that will take account of the GI and non-GI risks, i.e. disability, co-morbidity and friality of patients, according to a comprehensive geriatric assessment are recommended.

Pantoprazole based therapies in Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To perform a systematic review on the efficacy of pantoprazole based therapies in Helicobacter pylori eradication, and to conduct a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of pantoprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when co-prescribed with antibiotics.

METHODS

Studies evaluating pantoprazole combined with antibiotics were considered. Only randomized clinical trials comparing pantoprazole and other PPIs when co-prescribed with antibiotics, and differing only in the PPI (pantoprazole vs other), were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Bibliographical searches in several electronic databases, and manual search of abstracts from congresses, were conducted. The percentage (weighted mean) of patients with eradication success was calculated. Meta-analysis was performed combining the odds ratios (ORs) of the individual studies in a global OR.

RESULTS

The mean eradication rate with pantoprazole plus clarithromycin for 14 days was 60%. Cure rates with 7 day pantoprazole based triple regimens were higher: pantoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (78%); pantoprazole, clarithromycin and nitroimidazole (84%); and pantoprazole, amoxicillin and nitroimidazole (74%). Twelve studies comparing pantoprazole and other PPIs were selected for the meta-analysis, including 534 and 603 patients, respectively. The mean eradication rate for H. pylori using pantoprazole plus antibiotics was 83%, and 81% when other PPIs were used (OR = 1; 95% confidence interval (CI) from 0.61 to 1.64). When sub-analysis was performed, including only studies comparing pantoprazole with omeprazole, or pantoprazole with lansoprazole, differences were also statistically non-significant. The meta-analysis of the six studies prescribing equivalent doses of all PPIs demonstrated similar results with pantoprazole and with other PPIs (OR = 1.07; 95% CI from 0.71 to 1.62), the results being statistically homogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS

Pantoprazole achieves similar cure rates to those of omeprazole and lansoprazole when co-prescribed with antibiotics for the eradication of H. pylori infection.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori by 7-day triple-therapy regimens combining pantoprazole with clarithromycin, metronidazole, or amoxicillin in patients with peptic ulcer disease: results of two double-blind, randomized studies

AIM

To compare the short-term (7-day) safety and efficacy of two triple-therapy regimens using pantoprazole with those of two dual-therapy regimens (one with pantoprazole and one without), for Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

METHODS

H. pylori infection was identified by rapid urease (CLOtest), and confirmed by histology and culture. Patients were enrolled into one of two randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group studies. In study A, patients received oral pantoprazole 40 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg (PCM); pantoprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin 1000 mg (PCA); or pantoprazole and clarithromycin (PC). In study B, patients received PCM, PCA, PC, or clarithromycin and metronidazole without pantoprazole (CM). Treatments were given twice daily for 7 days. H. pylori status after therapy was assessed by histology and culture at 4 weeks after completing the course of study treatment. Modified intent-to-treat (MITT; each study: n = 424, n = 512) and per-protocol (PP; each study: n = 371, n = 454) populations were analyzed. The MITT population comprised all patients whose positive H. pylori status was confirmed by culture and histology; the PP population comprised patients who also complied with > or = 85% of study medication doses.

RESULTS

A total of 1016 patients were enrolled. Cure rates among patients with clarithromycin-susceptible H. pylori strains were 82 and 86% for PCM, and 72 and 71% for PCA, in studies A and B, respectively. Cure rates among patients with metronidazole-susceptible H. pylori strains were 82 and 87% for PCM, and 71 and 69% for PCA, in studies A and B, respectively. The combined eradication rates observed with the PCM regimen were superior to those of all other regimens tested. Side-effects were infrequent and mild.

CONCLUSIONS

PCM had the highest overall eradication rate in these two studies examining 7-day treatment regimens. All regimens were safe and well tolerated.

The risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly users of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: the role of gastroprotective drugs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although the administration of gastroprotective drugs may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin during chronic treatment, no consensus exists as to whether such co-therapy is effective in short-term prevention, particularly in old age. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of bleeding associated with acute and chronic NSAID or aspirin therapy in elderly subjects, and the influence of gastroprotective treatment on such a risk.

METHODS

The study included 467 elderly NSAID or aspirin users and 1784 non-users, who consecutively underwent upper GI endoscopy. The use of NSAIDs and/or aspirin as well as gastroprotective drugs (misoprostol, H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors) was evaluated during a structured interview. Upper GI tract bleeding was diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and endoscopic signs of recent hemorrhage.

RESULTS

54.2% of patients were acute and 45.8% chronic users of NSAIDs or aspirin. The risk of bleeding was higher in acute [odds ratio (OR) 4.14, 95% CI 2.97-5.78] than chronic users (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.1-2.67). The risk of bleeding, adjusted for age, gender, Helicobacter (H) pylori infection, and gastroprotective drug use were 7.87 (CI 4.90-12.60) in acute users and 3.97 (95% CI 2.27-6.96) in chronic users of NSAIDs and/or aspirin. The risk of bleeding was significantly associated with acute but not chronic use of regular-dose aspirin (OR 5.53, 95% CI 2.29-13.3), diclofenac (OR 4.44, 95% CI 2.21-8.93), ketorolac (OR 4.81, 95% CI 2.13-10.9), naproxen (OR 14.9, 95% CI 4.23-52.4) or nimesulide (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.2-13.8). Piroxicam increased the risk of bleeding in both acute (OR 5.36, 95% CI 1.94-14.8) and chronic therapy (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.23-24.9). In acute users, concomitant therapy with proton pump inhibitors reduced the risk of bleeding compared with non-users (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.19-5.65), whereas co-treatment with H2-blockers was associated with a significantly higher risk of bleeding than in non-users (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.28-9.02). Chronic users of NSAIDs or aspirin co-treated with proton pump inhibitors had a lower risk of bleeding (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.21-6.07) than those treated with misoprostol (OR 1.91, 95% CI 0.33-10.9) or H2 blockers (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.81-6.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of upper GI bleeding is significantly higher in elderly acute vs chronic users of NSAIDs or regular-dose aspirin. In acute NSAID or aspirin users, co-treatment with proton pump inhibitors, but not with H2-blockers, may reduce the risk of bleeding compared with non-users.

Treatment of acid-related diseases in the elderly with emphasis on the use of proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have revolutionised the treatment of acid-related disorders, and they have also made it possible to define the spectrum of acid inhibition required for optimal treatment in each disorder. Five PPIs are now available: the older drugs, omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, and the two newest, rabeprazole and esomeprazole. These agents have predominantly been developed in the younger adult population, and data for the elderly population are limited. Subtle differences have emerged between the old and the new PPIs in their pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy profiles. The degree of clinical relevance of these differences in the adult population is in question. However, according to this review, based on the available data for the elderly and by inference from the adult population, the differences are highly relevant in the elderly population. Studies of the pharmacokinetics of older PPIs demonstrated considerable variation in drug clearance that was reflected in a wide range of efficacy related to acid suppression with standard dosages. The newer PPIs offer several advantages over older agents, particularly in terms of rapid, profound and consistent acid inhibition. Consistent acid inhibition is particularly important in the elderly since clinical response is often difficult to judge in this patient group. An individual's cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 genotype predicts the degree of acid suppression and consequently the clinical efficacy of the PPIs. The older PPIs are predominantly metabolised by CYP2C19, with this being of more importance for omeprazole and lansoprazole than pantoprazole. The hepatic metabolism of rabeprazole is predominantly by nonenzymatic reactions and minimally by CYP-mediated reactions, which therefore confers an advantage over older PPIs in that genetic polymorphisms for CYP2C19 do not significantly influence rabeprazole clearance, clinical efficacy or potential for drug interactions. The metabolism of esomeprazole involves CYP2C19 but to a lesser extent than its predecessor omeprazole. Furthermore, esomeprazole has a more rapid onset of action and less variation in clearance rates than omeprazole. Drug clearance decreases with age independently of CYP2C19 status, exaggerating some of the differences between the PPIs and increasing the risk of drug interactions.

Pantoprazole: an update of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic use in the management of acid-related disorders

Pantoprazole (Protonix) is an irreversible proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces gastric acid secretion. In combination with two antimicrobial agents (most commonly metronidazole, clarithromycin or amoxicillin) for 6-14 days, pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily produced Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of 71-93.8% (intent-to-treat [ITT] or modified ITT analysis) in patients without known antibacterial resistance. Pantoprazole-containing triple therapy was at least as effective as omeprazole- and similar in efficacy to lansoprazole-containing triple therapy in large trials. In the treatment of moderate to severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), oral pantoprazole 40 mg/day was as effective as other PPIs (omeprazole, omeprazole multiple unit pellet system, lansoprazole and esomeprazole) and significantly more effective than histamine H(2)-antagonists. Pantoprazole 20 mg/day provided effective mucosal healing in patients with GORD and mild oesophagitis. Intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg/day can be used in patients who are unable to take oral medication. Oral pantoprazole 20-40 mg/day for up to 24 months prevented relapse in most patients with healed GORD. According to preliminary data, oral pantoprazole 20 or 40 mg/day was effective at healing and preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-related ulcers, and intravenous pantoprazole was at least as effective as intravenous ranitidine in preventing ulcer rebleeding after endoscopic haemostasis. Oral or intravenous pantoprazole up to 240 mg/day maintained target acid output levels in most patients with hypersecretory conditions, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Oral and intravenous pantoprazole appear to be well tolerated in patients with acid-related disorders in short- and long-term trials. Tolerability with oral pantoprazole was similar to that with other PPIs or histamine H(2)-antagonists in short-term trials. Formal drug interaction studies have not revealed any clinically significant interactions between pantoprazole and other agents. In conclusion, pantoprazole is an effective agent in the management of acid-related disorders. As a component of triple therapy for H. pylori eradication and as monotherapy for the healing of oesophagitis and maintenance of GORD, pantoprazole has shown similar efficacy to other PPIs and greater efficacy than histamine H(2)-antagonists. Limited data suggest that it is also effective in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and in preventing ulcer rebleeding. Pantoprazole is well tolerated with minimal potential for drug interactions. The availability of pantoprazole as both oral and intravenous formulations provides flexibility when the oral route of administration is not appropriate. Thus, pantoprazole is a valuable alternative to other PPIs in the treatment of acid-related disorders.

Gastrointestinal diseases in the elderly

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The subject of gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly is timely and important because of the demographic reality that soon over 20% of our population will be older than 65 years of age, utilizing perhaps 50% of our total healthcare costs. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to some areas of clinical information that point in the direction of better clinical care for the elderly. Medicine is finally advancing from the era when most symptoms in older patients were ascribed to the aging process itself. Indeed, within gastroenterology there are few changes that occur inevitably as part of aging.

RECENT FINDINGS

Progress has been made in several areas of gastrointestinal pathophysiology. These include: the pathophysiology of swallowing and evacuation disorders and the beginning of the application of techniques derived from physiological studies to improve function; recognizing the importance of reflux esophagitis and its complications and improving treatment; understanding the importance of disorders of malabsorption and their impact upon nutrition in the elderly; major issues in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease in this age group; and approaches to the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

SUMMARY

As we pay more attention to these areas and encourage clinical research we expect to improve the treatment of older patients with these diseases and to reduce the burden of morbidity in this population.

Helicobacter pylori infection in geriatrics

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection increases with age worldwide. However, the percentage of H. pylori-positive elderly patients who are tested and treated for their infection remains very low. We now have data that demonstrate the benefit of curing H. pylori infection in elderly patients with H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease and severe chronic gastritis. Furthermore, the cure of H. pylori may prevent progression of intestinal metaplasia and gastric atrophy. Studies are needed to clarify the role of eradication for elderly patients who have nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. H. pylori infection may be easily diagnosed by histological evaluation, rapid urease test or culture performed on gastric biopsies taken during endoscopy. However, the biopsy site must be carefully selected in elderly patients. For noninvasive monitoring of H. pylori infection after treatment, the 13C-urea breath test has significantly higher accuracy than serology in the elderly. The role of the H. pylori stool antigen test in old age still needs to be clarified. One-week PPI-based triple therapy regimens including clarithromycin, amoxycillin and/or nitroimidazoles are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients. Low doses of both PPIs and clarithromycin (in combination with standard doses of amoxycillin or nitroimidazoles) are sufficient. Antibiotic resistance and low compliance are the main factors related to treatment failure at any age.

Review article: an approach to Helicobacter pylori infection in the elderly

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection increases with age world-wide, reaching levels of 40-60% in asymptomatic elderly subjects and over 70% in elderly patients with gastroduodenal diseases. However, the percentage of H. pylori-positive elderly patients who are treated for their infection remains very low. Data are now available that demonstrate the benefit of curing H. pylori infection in elderly patients with H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease and severe chronic gastritis. Furthermore, the cure of H. pylori may prevent the progression of intestinal metaplasia and gastric atrophy. New studies are needed to clarify the role of eradication in elderly patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and in those who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. H. pylori infection may be easily diagnosed by histological evaluation, rapid urease test or culture performed on gastric biopsies taken during endoscopy. However, the biopsy site must be carefully selected in elderly patients. For non-invasive monitoring of H. pylori infection after treatment, the 13C-urea breath test has significantly higher accuracy than serology in the elderly; further studies are needed to clarify the role of the H. pylori stool antigen test in old age. One-week proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy regimens, including clarithromycin, amoxicillin and/or nitroimidazoles, are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients. Low doses of both proton pump inhibitors and clarithromycin (in combination with standard doses of amoxicillin or nitroimidazoles) are sufficient. Low compliance and antibiotic resistance are the main factors related to treatment failure in old age.

Effects of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and non-selective NSAIDs on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils

BACKGROUND

It is still a point of controversy whether Helicobacter pylori-infected patients are more likely to develop mucosal damage while taking NSAIDs. Selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors may be associated with less severe gastric mucosal damage than conventional NSAIDs, but this association is undefined in H. pylori-induced gastritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selective COX-2 and nonselective NSAIDs on H. pylori-induced gastritis.

METHODS

After intragastric administration of indomethacin, NS-398 or vehicle alone, once daily for 5 days in H. pylori-infected and uninfected Mongolian gerbils, we evaluated gastric mucosal damage, inflammatory cell infiltration and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration. We investigated whether H. pylori infection induced the COX-2 expression.

RESULTS

In H. pylori-uninfected groups, the indomethacin-treated group showed the highest mucosal damage score and the lowest PGE2 concentration. There was no difference in mucosal damage scores and PGE2 concentration between NS-398 and vehicle-alone treated group. In H. pylori-infected groups, there was no difference in mucosal damage scores, irrespective of the type of drugs administered. The indomethacin-treated group showed the lowest PGE2 concentration, similar to that of the NS-398 and vehicle-alone treated groups, both without H. pylori infection. Gastric neutrophil and monocyte infiltration scores were higher in H. pylori-infected groups than in uninfected groups. However, there was no difference in these scores according to the type of drugs administered, within H. pylori-infected or uninfected groups. COX-2 protein expression was observed in H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils but not in uninfected ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Our animal study showed that H. pylori infection induced COX-2 expression and increased prostaglandin concentration. Administration of NSAIDs decreased the prostaglandin concentration, but did not increase mucosal damage in H. pylori-induced gastritis. Selective COX-2 inhibitors, instead of conventional NSAIDs, had no beneficial effect on preventing mucosal damage in H. pylori-induced gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease in older patients: current management strategies

The incidence of peptic ulcer and its severe complications, i.e. bleeding or perforation, is increasing in elderly patients worldwide. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with peptic ulcer aged over 65 years has been reported to range from 58 to 78%. However, in elderly patients hospitalised for ulcer disease, the rate of diagnostic screening or treatment for H. pylori infection was less than 60%, and only 50 to 73% of patients who had a positive H. pylori test were treated with antibacterials. The eradication of H. pylori infection is known to be of proven benefit for elderly patients with H. pylori-associated ulcer disease. Significant improvement of the clinical outcome, and reduction of ulcer recurrences, symptoms and histological signs of ulcer-associated chronic gastritis activity, as well as decreased costs in elderly healthcare, all result from successful therapy. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy regimens including clarithromycin, amoxicillin and/or nitroimidazoles are highly effective and well tolerated in elderly patients, particularly if therapy is of a short duration and low doses of both the PPI and clarithromycin are used. Resistance of H. pylori to antibacterials and low compliance are the major reasons for treatment failure. Surveillance of H. pylori susceptibility to antibacterials at the regional level and enhanced compliance programmes give promising results that suggest new approaches to anti-H. pylori treatment, especially in elderly patients. The role of H. pylori infection in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-related peptic ulcer still remains controversial. At present, no clear evidence supports the testing and treatment of H. pylori infection for the prevention of drug-related peptic ulcer in elderly patients receiving an NSAID or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). After therapy, elderly patients with peptic ulcer may be re-evaluated by invasive methods, i.e. endoscopy and gastric biopsies. or by noninvasive methods. In elderly patients, the 13C-urea breath test demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for detecting H. pylori infection than anti-H. pylori antibodies.

Helicobacter pylori infection: treatment

Current standard treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection provide eradication rates 80 to 90%. These rates have been achieved with a variety of 1-week triple therapies using two antibiotics and an acid suppressant. Antibiotic resistance, which may develop during failed treatment, is becoming increasingly common and has led to studies of new regimens for primary therapy, and new strategies for salvage of failed therapy. Other regimens have been designed and tested with the aim of decreasing the cost of initial therapy or to improve compliance, but abbreviated regimens have high incidence of failure and may add to the problem of resistance. Increasing attention has been paid to the need for, and timing of, the determination of antibiotic resistance of H. pylori isolates either at the time of initial diagnosis or after treatment failure. New, simpler, and noninvasive methods are offered for follow-up to determine if eradication has been successful. Treatment regimens should be chosen based on local drug susceptibility patterns and the availability of approved therapeutic agents in each country. Established indications for testing for H. pylori and administering therapy include active or inactive peptic ulcer disease, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, as well as hyperplastic polyps, hyperplastic gastropathy, postendoscopic resection for gastric malignancy, and acute H. pylori gastritis. It is now largely accepted that noninvestigated dyspepsia is an indication for testing for and treating H. pylori, but that dyspeptic symptoms shown not to be associated with ulcer (nonulcer dyspepsia) do not now provide an indication for testing. Controversial or unresolved indications for testing and treating include planned use of chronic antisecretory therapy, planned use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and use as a general approach to the prevention of gastric cancer.

Prophylaxis and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced upper gastrointestinal side-effects

The use of specific agents to heal mucosal lesions or to prevent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity, has focused upon two approaches: replacement of prostaglandin deficiency and inhibition of acid secretion. Acid suppression with traditional ulcer healing doses of H2-blockers is effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers upon discontinuation of the offending drug. In the event the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug must be continued, the use of H2-blockers is associated with a decrease in the healing rate. In long-term prevention studies, H2-blockers significantly reduce duodenal ulcer rates, but are ineffective in reducing gastric ulceration. More potent acid inhibition with a double-dose of H2-blockers (famotidine 80 mg daily, ranitidine 600 mg daily) may reduce the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Marked acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole 20-40 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg daily) also appears to be very effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients continuing the offending drug as well. An analysis of pooled data from comparative studies on omeprazole vs ranitidine, misoprostol and sucralfate shows a therapeutic advantage in favour of the proton pump inhibitor, ranging from 10 to 40%. In long-term prevention studies, omeprazole (20 mg daily) and pantoprazole (40 mg daily) have also been shown to reduce the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related dyspepsia. Current data from recent comparative studies of omeprazole (20 mg daily) vs ranitidine (150 mg daily) and misoprostol (200 microg daily) showed that, after 6 months' follow-up, the proton pump inhibitor was significantly superior to control drugs in reducing the risk both of gastric and duodenal ulcer. Misoprostol (at doses ranging from 400 microg to 800 microg/day) is an effective form of therapy for preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastroduodenal lesions. However high-dose misoprostol only, seems adequate for the prevention of ulcer complications, mainly in high-risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users. Thus, available data are undoubtedly in favour of the proton pump inhibitors as well tolerated and effective drugs in the prophylaxis and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related mucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Cure of Helicobacter pylori infection in elderly patients: comparison of low versus high doses of clarithromycin in combination with amoxicillin and pantoprazole

BACKGROUND

Advancing age may influence clarithromycin's pharmacokinetics. No studies have yet compared the effects of different dosages of clarithromycin in combination with a proton pump inhibitor and amoxicillin in elderly patients.

AIM

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of clarithromycin 250 mg vs. clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily (b.d.) in combination with pantoprazole and amoxicillin in elderly patients.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-four elderly patients with H. pylori-associated ulcer disease or chronic gastritis were consecutively randomized to receive pantoprazole 40 mg daily plus amoxicillin 1 g, and either clarithromycin 250 mg b.d. (PAC 250) or clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (PAC 500). Two months after therapy, endoscopy and gastric biopsies were repeated.

RESULTS

The cure rates of H. pylori infection in the PAC 250 and PAC 500 groups were, respectively, 83% and 79% (ITT analysis) and 94% and 88% (PP analysis) (P=N.S.). Significant decreases in chronic gastritis activity both in the body (P < 0.00001) and the antrum (P < 0.0001) of the stomach were found in H. pylori-cured patients, independently of clarithromycin dosage. Four patients in PAC 250 (5%) and seven in PAC 500 (9%) reported adverse events (P=N.S.). One patient in PAC 250 (25%) and three in PAC 500 (43%) discontinued the study because of these drug-related side-effects (P=N.S.).

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly patients, 1-week triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is a highly effective and well tolerated anti-H. pylori treatment. With this combination, clarithromycin at the lower dose of 250 mg b.d. achieved excel- lent cure rates and minimized adverse events and costs.