Eradication Rates of Helicobacter pylori in Korea Over the Past 10 years and Correlation of the Amount of Antibiotics Use: Nationwide Survey

Meta-analysis of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy using vonoprazan as an acid suppressor compared with bismuth quadruple therapy

BACKGROUND

Vonoprazan, a novel acid suppressant, has recently emerged as a regimen for eradicating Helicobacter pylori. However, uncertainties exist about the effectiveness and safety of VPZ-based regimens compared with those of bismuth-based quadruple therapy in eradicating H. pylori. The present meta-analysis was performed to compare the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan-based regimens with those of bismuth quadruple therapy in eradicating H. pylori.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials comparing the vonoprazan-based therapy with the bismuth quadruple therapy were included in this meta-analysis. Information was also extracted by two evaluators, and if heterogeneity existed, a random-effects model was used to calculate the combined relative ratio and 95% confidence interval; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. And subgroup analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies, comprising 2587 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the combined eradication rate of patients treated with the vonoprazan-based regimen was significantly higher than that of patients treated with bismuth quadruple therapy, in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, and the differences were statistically significant. Among the intention-to-treat analyses results: (90.28% vs. 83.64% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.27, 2.70), p = 0.001]); in the per-protocol analyses: (94.80% vs. 89.88%, [OR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.37, 3.69), p = 0.001]). The occurrence of adverse events was significantly lower in patients treated with vonoprazan-based regimens than in those treated with bismuth quadruple therapy, (14.50% vs. 25.89%, [OR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.32, 0.75), p = 0.001]).

CONCLUSIONS

For eradicating H. pylori, vonoprazan-based regimens are remarkably advantageous over bismuth quadruple therapy. Furthermore, vonoprazan-based regimens exhibit a lower rate of adverse events than bismuth quadruple therapy.

Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. The increasing rates of H. pylori antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains pose significant challenges to its treatment. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms underlying the resistance of H. pylori to commonly used antibiotics and the clinical implications of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, potential strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance are discussed. These approaches aim to improve the treatment outcomes of H. pylori infections while minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance. The continuous evolution of treatment perspectives and ongoing research in this field are crucial for effectively combating this challenging infection.

Optimizing Helicobacter pylori Treatment: An Updated Review of Empirical and Susceptibility Test-Based Treatments

As the rate of discovery of drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori cases increases worldwide, the relevant societies have updated their guidelines for primary eradication regimens. A promising strategy against drug-resistant H. pylori is tailored therapy based on the results of an antibiotic susceptibility test; however, it is difficult to apply this strategy to all cases. Although culture-based antibiotic susceptibility tests can assess resistance to any antimicrobial agent, their greatest disadvantage is the time required to draw a conclusion. In contrast, molecular-based methods, such as polymerase chain reaction, can rapidly determine the presence of resistance, although a single test can only test for one type of antimicrobial agent. Additionally, the limited availability of facilities for molecular-based methods has hindered their widespread use. Therefore, low-cost, minimally invasive, simple, and effective primary regimens are needed. Several studies have compared the efficacy of the latest primary eradication regimens against that of tailored therapies, and their results have shaped guidelines. This article reviews the latest research on empirical and tailored treatments for H. pylori infections. Evidence for the superiority of tailored therapy over empirical therapy is still limited and varies by region and treatment regimen. A network meta-analysis comparing different empirical treatment regimens showed that vonoprazan triple therapy provides a superior eradication effect. Recently, favorable results towards vonoprazan dual therapy have been reported, as it reached eradication levels similar to those of vonoprazan triple therapy. Both vonoprazan dual therapy and tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility tests could contribute to future treatment strategies.

Effective Eradication Regimen and Duration According to the Clarithromycin Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori Determined Using Dual Priming Oligonucleotide-Based Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background/Aims

Dual priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (DPO-PCR) has recently been used for both the detection of Helicobacter pylori and the identification of H. pylori 23S ribosomal RNA point mutations that cause clarithromycin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the duration of effective standard triple therapy in a clarithromycin susceptible group and of bismuth-based quadruple therapy in a resistant group based on DPO-PCR.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of 184 patients who, between September 2019 and December 2020, received eradication therapy following detection of H. pylori, and the subsequent identification of the clarithromycin susceptibility of their H. pylori using DPO-PCR. Patients were treated with 7- or 14-day standard triple therapy in the clarithromycin susceptible group, whereas 7- or 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy in the clarithromycin resistance group.

Results

In the clarithromycin susceptible group, per-protocol analyses showed eradication rates of 87.5% (42/48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 77.1% to 95.8%) for 7-day therapy and 87.2% (41/47; 95% CI, 78.7% to 95.7%) for 14-day therapy (p=0.969). The eradication rates in the clarithromycin resistance group were 91.4% (32/35; 95% CI, 80.0% to 100.0%) for 7-day therapy and 90.3% (28/31; 95% CI, 77.4% to 100.0%) for 14-day therapy (p=0.876). There was no significant difference in the eradication rates, patient compliance, or rate of adverse events between the 7- and 14-day therapies for both groups.

Conclusions

Compared to the 14-day therapy, 7-day eradication therapy is sufficient after DPO-PCR-based clarithromycin susceptibility testing.

Antibiotic Resistance, Susceptibility Testing and Stewardship in Helicobacter pylori Infection

Despite the declining trend of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence around the globe, ongoing efforts are still needed to optimize current and future regimens in view of the increasing antibiotic resistance. The resistance of H. pylori to different antibiotics is caused by different molecular mechanisms, and advancements in sequencing technology have come a far way in broadening our understanding and in facilitating the testing of antibiotic susceptibility to H. pylori. In this literature review, we give an overview of the molecular mechanisms behind resistance, as well as discuss and compare different antibiotic susceptibility tests based on the latest research. We also discuss the principles of antibiotic stewardship and compare the performance of empirical therapies based on up-to-date resistance patterns and susceptibility-guided therapies in providing effective H. pylori treatment. Studies and clinical guidelines should ensure that the treatment being tested or recommended can reliably achieve a pre-agreed acceptable level of eradication rate and take into account the variations in antibiotic resistance across populations. Local, regional and international organizations must work together to establish routine antibiotic susceptibility surveillance programs and enforce antibiotic stewardship in the treatment of H. pylori, so that it can be managed in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Comparative Efficacy of 14-Day Tegoprazan-Based Triple vs. 10-Day Tegoprazan-Based Concomitant Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Tegoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, is currently available for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. We compared the efficacies of tegoprazan-based triple and concomitant therapies in a real-world practice. Data of patients treated with a 14-day tegoprazan-based triple therapy (50 mg of tegoprazan + 1000 mg of amoxicillin + 500 mg of clarithromycin twice daily) or 10-day tegoprazan-based concomitant therapy (50 mg of tegoprazan + 1000 mg of amoxicillin + 500 mg of clarithromycin + 500 mg of metronidazole twice daily) were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoint was eradication rate in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Of the 928 included patients, 551 and 377 were treated with triple and concomitant therapies, respectively. Eradication rate from ITT analysis was 76.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.7−79.8%) in the triple therapy group and 85.9% (95% CI, 82.2−89.2%) in the concomitant therapy group (p < 0.001). Eradication rate in the per-protocol analysis was also higher in the concomitant therapy group than in the triple therapy group (triple vs. concomitant therapy: 84.5% [81.1−87.5%] vs. 91.1% [87.8−93.8%]). Overall adverse event rate was 29.0% in the triple therapy group and 45.9% in the concomitant therapy group (p < 0.001). Adherence rate was similar between the two groups (triple vs. concomitant therapy: 90.0 vs. 92.6%, p = 0.180). Overall, the 10-day tegoprazan-based concomitant therapy had superior efficacy than the 14-day tegoprazan-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. Although concomitant therapy showed common adverse events, adherence was comparable between the two therapies.

Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori: Problems and Advances

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is chronic and etiologically linked to gastric cancer (GC) derived from gastric epithelium. The potential mechanism is complex, covering chronic inflammation, epithelial senescence, NF-κB activation, the cytotoxin-associated gene A protein translocation, and related abnormal signaling pathways. In clinical practice, the test-and-treat strategy, endoscopy-based strategy, and (family-based) screen-and-treat strategy are recommended to detect H. pylori and prevent GC. It has been demonstrated that the decreasing annual incidence of GC is largely attributable to the management of H. pylori. This study reviews the current clinical practice of H. pylori on the detection and eradication, alternative treatment strategies, and related problems and advances, and hopes to contribute to the better clinical management of H. pylori.

Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy versus Metronidazole-Intensified Triple Therapy as a First-Line Treatment for Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims

Clarithromycin resistance is a main factor for treatment failure in the context of Helicobacterpylori infection. However, the treatment regimen for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection has not yet been determined. We aimed to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy versus 14-day metronidazole-intensified triple therapy for clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection with genotypic resistance.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 782 patients with H. pylori infection examined using sequencing-based clarithromycin resistance point mutation tests were recruited between December 2018 and October 2020 in four institutions in Korea. Patients with significant point mutations (A2142G, A2142C, A2143G, A2143C, and A2144G) were randomly assigned to receive either 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy (n=102) or 14-day metronidazole-intensified triple therapy (n=99).

Results

The overall genotypic clarithromycin resistance rate was 25.7% according to the sequencing method. The eradication rate of 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy was not significantly different in the intention-to-treat analysis (80.4% vs 69.7%, p=0.079), but was significantly higher than that of 14-day metronidazole-intensified triple therapy in the per-protocol analysis (95.1% vs 76.4%, p=0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of side effects. In addition, the 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy was more cost-effective than the 14-day metronidazole-intensified triple therapy.

Conclusions

Fourteen-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy showed comparable efficacy with 14-day metronidazole-intensified triple therapy, and it was more cost-effective in the context of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection.

Efficacy of Twice a Day Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Second-Line Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is an effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. However, frequent dosing schedules of BQT regimen often compromise drug adherence and may affect treatment outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy of twice-daily BQT compared to that of four times a day therapy. From August 2018 to November 2020, adult patients who failed first-line standard triple therapy and underwent BQT were eligible. Patients were categorized into two groups according to dosing schedule: (i) the BQT group (n = 213) who received standard BQT administered four times a day; and (ii) the BQTb group (n = 141) who received proton pump inhibitor, bismuth 600 mg, metronidazole 500 mg, and tetracycline 1 g twice a day. The eradication rate did not differ between the BQT (92.5%) and the BQTb groups (90.1%) (p = 0.441). Adherence and adverse event rate were similar between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that current smoking was associated with eradication failure; however, dosing frequency was not associated with the efficacy of eradication therapy. This study suggested that twice a day BQT is as effective as four times a day therapy for second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Association between proton pump inhibitor use and gastric cancer: a population-based cohort study using two different types of nationwide databases in Korea

OBJECTIVE

The association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and gastric cancer related to Helicobacter pylori eradication has not been fully investigated in geographical regions with high risk of gastric cancer. We aimed to evaluate the association between PPIs and gastric cancer in Korea.

DESIGN

This study analysed the original and common data model versions of the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2013. We compared the incidence rates of gastric cancer after 1-year drug exposure, between new users of PPIs and other drugs excluding PPIs, by Cox proportional hazards model. We also analysed the incidence of gastric cancer among PPI users after H. pylori eradication.

RESULTS

The analysis included 11 741 patients in matched PPI and non-PPI cohorts after large-scale propensity score matching. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, PPI use was associated with a 2.37-fold increased incidence of gastric cancer (PPI≥30 days vs non-PPI; 118/51 813 person-years vs 40/49 729 person-years; HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.68, p=0.001). The incidence rates of gastric cancer showed an increasing trend parallel to the duration of PPI use. In H. pylori-eradicated subjects, the incidence of gastric cancer was significantly associated with PPI use over 180 days compared with the non-PPI group (PPI≥180 days vs non-PPI; 30/12 470 person-years vs 9/7814 person-years; HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.67, p=0.036).

CONCLUSION

PPI use was associated with gastric cancer, regardless of H. pylori eradication status. Long-term PPIs should be used with caution in high-risk regions for gastric cancer.

Pretreatment with Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate May Improve Success Rates of Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled and Open-Label Study

Effective Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is a major public health concern; however, eradication failure rates with the standard triple therapy remain high. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) pretreatment before standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. A prospective, randomized, controlled, and open-label clinical trial was conducted from June to December 2019. H. pylori eradication rate, safety, and tolerability were compared between the standard treatment group (esomeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 7 days) and RBC pretreatment group (RBC for 2 weeks before standard triple therapy). This trial ended earlier than estimated owing to the N-nitrosodimethylamine concerns with ranitidine. Success rates of H. pylori eradication were 80.9% and 67.3% in the RBC pretreatment (n = 47) and standard treatment (n = 52) (p = 0.126) groups, respectively. Our trial was discontinued earlier than planned; however, a statistical significance would be achieved by expansion of our data (p = 0.031) if patient enrollment numbers reached those initially planned. Adverse event rates were comparable between groups (25.5% in the pretreatment group vs. 28.8% in the standard treatment group), without serious event. Tolerability was excellent in both groups, recorded as 97.9% and 100% in the pretreatment and standard treatment groups, respectively. Compared with the standard triple regimen, RBC pretreatment for 2 weeks may achieve higher H. pylori eradication rates, with excellent safety and tolerability. However, this study necessitates further validation as it was discontinued early owing to the N-nitrosodimethylamine issues of ranitidine.

Efficacy of Seven-day High-dose Esomeprazole-based Triple Therapy versus Seven-day Standard Dose Non-esomeprazole-based Triple Therapy as the First-line Treatment of Patients with Helicobacter pylori Infection

Background/Aims

The rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication have declined with the use of proton pump inhibitor- amoxicillin-clarithromycin as the first-line triple therapy. On the other hand, several studies have suggested that high gastric pH levels could affect the H. pylori eradication rate by enhancing the efficacy of antimicrobials. This study compared the efficacy of seven-day high-dose esomeprazole-based triple therapy (7-HEAC) for first-line H. pylori eradication with the seven-day standard dose non-esomeprazole-based triple therapy (7-NEAC) to identify the risk factors related to eradication failure.

Methods

This study included 223 patients who were diagnosed with a H. pylori infection and received 7-HEAC or 7-NEAC between June 2016 and January 2017. The H. pylori eradication rates, as well as demographic and clinical factors, were investigated retrospectively. H. pylori eradication was confirmed by a ¹³C-urea breath test or rapid urease test at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy.

Results

The eradication rates were 67.7% (105/155; 95% CI 59.5-74.8%) in the 7-NEAC group and 80.9% (55/68; 95% CI 69.9-89.8%) in the 7-HEAC group (p=0.045). The adverse event rates were 5.8% (9/155) in the 7-NEAC group and 7.4% (5/68) in the 7-HEAC group (p=0.661). Multivariate analysis revealed being female (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.15-3.76) to be associated with the failure of H. pylori eradication therapy.

Conclusions

The eradication rate of the 7-HEAC group was higher than that of the 7-NEAC group. Nevertheless, more effective first-line therapies may be necessary for H. pylori eradication in the near future.

Second-Line Bismuth-Containing Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacterpylori Infection: A 12-Year Study of Annual Eradication Rates

Background: Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) consisting of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline is recommended as a second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection when PPI-based standard triple therapy (STT) consisting of a PPI, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is unsuccessful. The purpose of this study was to analyze the long-term results of BQT as a second-line therapy to determine its effectiveness. Methods: This study included 643 subjects who failed first-line STT and received 7 or 10–14 days of BQT as a second-line therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the annual H. pylori eradication rates, demographic factors and adverse events. Results: The overall eradication rates by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were 80.7% (519/643) and 93.3% (519/556), respectively. By PP analysis, the eradication rates for 2008–2011, 2012–2015, and 2016–2019 were 93.3%, 91.0%, and 96.4%, respectively (p = 0.145). There were no significant differences between the 7-day group and the 10–14-day group in both the ITT (79.7% vs. 86.0%, p = 0.148) and the PP analyses (92.7% vs. 96.6%, p = 0.187). A multivariate analysis showed that current smoking was associated with eradication failure. Eighty-nine subjects (16.0%) suffered adverse events, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, but only six cases were severe. Conclusions: BQT as a second-line therapy is an effective treatment for H. pylori. Treatment for 10–14 days showed a higher eradication rate compared with a 7-day regimen, but not significantly.

Evidence based guidelines for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea 2020

Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. H. pylori is responsible for substantial gastrointestinal morbidity with a high disease burden. Since the revision of the H. pylori Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2013 in Korea, the eradication rate of H. pylori has gradually decreased with the use of a clarithromycin based triple therapy. According to a nationwide randomized controlled study by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research released in 2018, the intention-to-treat eradication rate was only 63.9%, which was mostly due to increased antimicrobial resistance to clarithromycin. The clinical practice guidelines for treatment of H. pylori were updated based on evidence-based medicine from a meta-analysis conducted on a target group receiving the latest level of eradication therapy. The draft recommendations developed based on the meta-analysis were finalized after expert consensus on three recommendations regarding the indication for treatment and eight recommendations on the treatment itself. These guidelines were designed to provide clinical evidence for the treatment of H. pylori to patients, nurses, medical school students, policymakers, and clinicians. These may differ from current medical insurance standards, and will be revised if more evidence emerges in the future.

Consistency of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of first-line concomitant and sequential therapies in Korea: A nationwide multicenter retrospective study for the last 10 years

BACKGROUND

Eradication rate of standard triple therapy for H. pylori has declined to unacceptable level, and alternative regimens such as concomitant and sequential therapy have been introduced. We aimed to assess the consistency of eradication rates of concomitant and sequential therapies as for the first-line H. pylori eradication in Korea.

METHODS

A nationwide multicenter retrospective study was conducted including 18 medical centers from January 2008 to December 2017. We included 3,800 adults who had test to confirm H. pylori eradication within 1 year after concomitant or sequential therapy.

RESULTS

Concomitant and sequential therapy were prescribed for 2508 and 1292 patients, respectively. The overall eradication rate of concomitant therapy was significantly higher than that of sequential therapy (91.8% vs. 86.1%, p < .001). In time trend analysis, the eradication rates of concomitant therapy were 90.2%, 88.2%, 92.1%, 94.3%, 91.1%, and 93.4% for each year from 2012 to 2017 with an increasing trend (p = .0146), while those of ST showed no significant trend (p = .0873). Among 263 patients with second-line therapy, bismuth quadruple therapy showed significantly higher eradication rate than quinolone-based triple therapy (73.9% vs. 51.5% in ITT analysis, p = .001; 82.7% vs. 63.0% in PP analysis, p = .002).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant therapy is the best regimen for the first-line H. pylori eradication showing consistently higher eradication rate with an increasing trend for the last 10 years in Korea. Bismuth quadruple therapy should be considered for second-line therapy after eradication failure using non-bismuth quadruple therapy.

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea 2020

Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Although the prevalence of H. pylori is gradually decreasing, approximately half of the world&#039;s population still becomes infected with this disease. H. pylori is responsible for substantial gastrointestinal morbidity worldwide, with a high disease burden. It is the most common cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer. Since the revision of the H. pylori clinical practice guidelines in 2013 in Korea, the eradication rate of H. pylori has gradually decreased with the use of a clarithromycin-based triple therapy for 7 days. According to a nationwide randomized controlled study conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research released in 2018, the intention-to-treat eradication rate was only 63.9%, which was mostly due to increased antimicrobial resistance, especially from clarithromycin. The clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori were updated according to evidence-based medicine from a meta-analysis conducted on a target group receiving the latest level of eradication therapy. The draft recommendations developed based on the meta-analysis were finalized after an expert consensus on three recommendations regarding the indication for treatment and eight recommendations for the treatment itself. These guidelines were designed to provide clinical evidence for the treatment (including primary care treatment) of H. pylori infection to patients, nurses, medical school students, policymakers, and clinicians. These may differ from current medical insurance standards and will be revised if more evidence emerges in the future.

Role of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing before First-Line Treatment Containing Clarithromycin for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in the Clinical Setting

BACKGROUND

Checking Helicobacter pylori susceptibility tests in the clinical setting before first-line treatment is considered difficult. We compared susceptibility-guided therapy (SGT) with empirical therapy (ET) as a first-line treatment containing clarithromycin and investigated the eradication rate using antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

METHODS

257 patients with H. pylori infection, with AST, performed before the eradication of clarithromycin-containing regimens were enrolled and divided into two groups: the SGT and ET groups.

RESULTS

Eradication rates in the SGT and ET groups were 85.4% and 58.4% (P < 0.01), respectively. In triple therapy (TT), eradication rates of the SGT and ET groups were 85.1% and 56.6% (P < 0.01), respectively. In sequential therapy (SET), eradication rates of the SGT and ET groups were 86.2% and 65.6% (P = 0.06), respectively. According to AST, TT had an eradication rate of 84.6% with strains susceptible to clarithromycin and amoxicillin and 11.1% with strains resistant to both. SET had an eradication rate of 89.5% with strains susceptible to clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole, whereas it was 0% with strains resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole.

CONCLUSIONS

SGT as first-line treatment improved eradication rates of TT and SET by 28.5 (P < 0.01) and 20.6 (P = 0.06) percent points, respectively, compared with ET.

Evidence-based Guidelines for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea: 2020 Revised Edition

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Although its incidence is gradually decreasing, about half of the world's population still get infected. H. pylori infection is responsible for substantial gastrointestinal morbidity worldwide. It is the most common cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as gastric cancer. Since the revision of the H. pylori Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2013, the eradication rate of H. pylori has gradually decreased with the use of classical triple therapy, wherein amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and proton pump inhibitors are administered, for 7 days. According to a nationwide randomized controlled study conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research released in 2018, the intention-to-treat eradication rate was only 63.9%, which was due to increased antimicrobial resistance induced by the use of antibiotics, especially clarithromycin. The update of clinical practice guideline for treatment of H. pylori was developed based on evidence-based medicine by conducting a meta-analysis. The draft recommendations were finalized after expert consensus on three recommendations regarding the indication for treatment and eight recommendations on the treatment itself. These guidelines are designed to provide patients, nurses, medical school students, policymakers, and clinicians with clinical evidence to guide primary care and treatment of H. pylori infection. These may differ from current medical insurance standards and will be revised further, if necessary, based on research-based evidence.

First-line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate of the 10-day Hybrid Therapy

Background/Aims: To improve the eradication rate of a first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection, alternate regimens such as sequential, concomitant, and hybrid therapies have been tried. The aim of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of the 10-day hybrid therapy as a first-line therapy.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 124 patients from the Korea University Ansan Hospital between April 2016 and December 2019. The 10-day hybrid therapy comprised 5 days of dual therapy (proton pump inhibitor [PPI] standard dose and amoxicillin 1 g, twice daily) followed by 5 days of quadruple therapy (PPI, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, twice daily). We compared the 10-day hybrid therapy with the 10-day concomitant therapy comprising PPI, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, twice daily. Eradication was assessed by a ¹³C-urea breath test or gastroscopic biopsy at least 4 weeks after treatment completion.Results: The eradication rates of the 10-day hybrid and concomitant therapies were 74.2% (46/62) and 67.7% (42/62), respectively, in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 88.5% (46/52) and 82.4% (42/51), respectively, in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. There was no significant difference in the eradication rates between the two groups in the ITT (P=0.429) and PP analysis (P=0.380). Adverse events developed in 75.0% and 70.6% of patients in the hybrid and concomitant groups, respectively, but there was no significant difference (P=0.615).Conclusions: The 10-day hybrid therapy can be an option for a first-line therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Impact of previous metronidazole exposure on metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The negative effects on the eradication success of Helicobacter pylori infection after previous exposure to macrolides, including clarithromycin on clarithromycin-based first-line therapy have been demonstrated. However, whether this is true for metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between past administration of metronidazole and the failure of metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy in patients with H. pylori infection.

METHODS

Patients over 20 years of age who were diagnosed with H. pylori infection between January 1998 and March 2016 were enrolled in this study. The relationship between the clinical parameters and the results of a C13-urea breath test after metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy was analyzed in patients for whom clarithromycin-based triple therapy failed to eradicate H. pylori.

RESULTS

The H. pylori eradication failure rate was significantly higher in patients with a history of metronidazole use than in patients without a history of metronidazole use (p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis showed that the odds ratio of previous metronidazole use for eradication failure was 3.468 (95% confidence interval, 1.391 to 8.649; p = 0.008). In the subgroup analysis of patients with a history of metronidazole use, the duration of metronidazole use and interval between its use and eradication therapy did not significantly affect H. pylori eradication failure.

CONCLUSION

Previous exposure to metronidazole was a significant risk factor for treatment failure of metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy; therefore, this should be considered when establishing a treatment strategy for patients with H. pylori infection.

Ten-Day Concomitant, 10-Day Sequential, and 7-Day Triple Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Nationwide Randomized Trial in Korea

Background/Aims

This nationwide, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 10-day concomitant therapy (CT) and 10-day sequential therapy (ST) with 7-day clarithromycin-containing triple therapy (TT) as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Korean population.

Methods

Patients with H. pylori infection were assigned randomly to 7d-TT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days), 10d-ST (lansoprazole 30 mg and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for the remaining 5 days), or 10d-CT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 10 days). The primary endpoint was eradication rate by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses.

Results

A total of 1,141 patients were included. The 10d-CT protocol achieved a markedly higher eradication rate than the 7d-TT protocol in both the ITT (81.2% vs 63.9%) and PP analyses (90.6% vs 71.4%). The eradication rate of the 10d-ST protocol was superior to that of the 7d-TT protocol (76.3% vs 63.9%, ITT analysis; 85.0% vs 71.4%, PP analysis). No significant differences in adherence or serious side effects were found among the three treatment arms.

Conclusions

The 10d-CT and 10d-ST regimens were superior to the 7d-TT regimen as standard first-line treatment in Korea.

Comparison of 7- and 14-Day Eradication Therapy for Helicobacter pylori with First- and Second-Line Regimen: Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Although Helicobacter pylori is a key cause of gastric cancer development, its eradication rate has been decreasing by standard regimens. For successful eradication, duration of treatment has been issued for overcoming antibiotics resistance. We were to compare the eradication rate of 7-day vs. 14-day treatment in first- and second-line regimens.

METHODS

This study was an open-label randomized controlled trial. A total of 369 H. pylori-infected patients were enrolled and assigned either to 7-day or 14-day proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based standard triple therapy (STT; PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin). Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy was used as second-line therapy. Eradication success was defined as a negative ¹³C-urea breath test.

RESULTS

In first-line treatment, eradication rate was 78.5% (106/135) and 78.6% (114/143) in the 7-day and 14-day treatment in per-protocol (PP) analysis (P = 0.805). In intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, eradication rate was 64.0% (114/178) and 66.0% (126/191), respectively (P = 0.924). There was no significant difference in drug compliance (81.5% vs. 84.3%, P = 0.320). In second-line therapy, eradication rate was not significantly different in both treatments of PP analysis (91.7% [33/36] vs. 100% [45/45], P = 0.084). In the ITT analysis, eradication rate was 79.6% (35/44) and 90.4% (47/52), respectively (P = 0.080). Drug compliances were not significantly different between the two groups (95.5% vs. 98.1%, P = 0.728).

CONCLUSION

PPI-based STT for H. pylori is not efficient as a first-line therapy both in 7 days and 14 days in Korea. Although bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for 14 days as a second line therapy tend to show higher eradication rate compared to 7-day therapy, this should be elucidated by further larger scaled studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02487511.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication According to Sequencing-Based 23S Ribosomal RNA Point Mutation Associated with Clarithromycin Resistance

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori is associated with point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. We investigated the point mutations in the 23S rRNA genes of patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori and compared the H. pylori eradication rates based on the point mutations.

METHODS

A total of 431 adult patients with H. pylori infection were recruited in Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital in 2017 and 2018. Patients who did not have point mutations related to clarithromycin resistance and/or had clinically insignificant point mutations were treated with PAC (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, clarithromycin) for seven days, while patients with clinically significant point mutations were treated with PAM (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, metronidazole) for seven days. H. pylori eradication rates were compared.

RESULTS

Sequencing-based detection of point mutations identified four mutations that were considered clinically significant (A2142G, A2142C, A2143G, A2143C). The clarithromycin resistance rate was 21.3% in the overall group of patients. A2143G was the most clinically significant point mutation (84/431, 19.5%), while T2182C was the most clinically insignificant point mutation (283/431, 65.7%). The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 83.7%, and the seven-day PAM-treated clarithromycin-resistance group showed a significantly lower eradication rate than the seven-day PAC-treated nonresistance group (ITT; 55.4% (51/92) vs. 74.3% (252/339), p = 0.001, PP; 66.2% (51/77) vs. 88.4% (252/285), p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There were significantly lower eradication rates in the patients with clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori when treated with PAM for seven days. A future study comparing treatment regimens in clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori-infected patients may be necessary.

Eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori reinfection in Korea: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Guidelines for selecting the eradication regimen for Helicobacter pylori reinfection remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the eradication rate of H. pylori reinfection in patients with a previous infection successfully eradicated with index triple therapy.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective case-control study. A total of 10 468 H. pylori-infected patients treated with proton-pump inhibitor-based triple eradication therapy at a tertiary medical institution between 2005 and 2016 were enrolled. We reviewed the medical records of the enrolled patients and compared the treatment outcomes in those with H. pylori reinfection after a successful eradication.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection was successfully eradicated with the index triple therapy in 7770 patients (74.2%). Among 3567 patients followed up for > 1 year, H. pylori reinfection occurred in 420 (11.8%; 3.06% per person-year) during a median follow-up of 39.1 months (interquartile range, 23.5-58.7 months). Of these patients, 164 received eradication therapy for reinfection (triple therapy in 102 and quadruple therapy in 62) and had follow-up data. Triple therapy showed an eradication rate of 78.4% for H. pylori reinfection, which was not significantly different from that of the index triple therapy (P = 0.394). Quadruple therapy for reinfection exhibited a better eradication rate (87.1%) than triple therapy but without statistical significance (P = 0.237).

CONCLUSIONS

Retreatment with triple therapy for H. pylori reinfection after successful eradication of prior infection showed comparable outcomes to the index triple therapy. Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for reinfection tended to have a better eradication rate than did triple therapy.

Online registry for nationwide database of Helicobacter pylori eradication in Korea: Correlation of antibiotic use density with eradication success

BACKGROUND

The Helicobacter pylori eradication rate has decreased with increasing antibiotic resistance. We conducted a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study to monitor the real status of H. pylori eradication therapy and to investigate the association between eradication success and antibiotic use density in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 9318 patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy from 37 hospitals through "on-line database registry" from October 2010 to July 2015. Demographic data, detection methods, treatment indications, regimens, durations, compliance, adverse events, and eradication results were collected. The use of all commercially available eradication antibiotics was analyzed through the Korean National Health Insurance data of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The defined daily dose of antibiotics was used to standardize drug use comparisons.

RESULTS

Finally, 6738 patients were analyzed. The overall eradication rate of first-line therapy was 71.8%. The eradication success rates were 71.7%, 86.9%, and 74.0% for standard triple therapy for 7 days, quadruple therapy, and concomitant therapy, respectively. The eradication success rate in naive patients was higher than that in those who previously underwent H. pylori eradication. Eradication success was significantly associated with younger age, female sex, and high compliance. Regional differences in eradication rates were observed. The yearly use density of clarithromycin increased statistically in seven regions across the country from 2010 to 2015. The yearly use density of amoxicillin in the Gyeongsang and Chungcheong areas was significantly increased (P < .01), whereas that of other macrolides was significantly lower in the Gyeonggi area than in other areas (P = .01). The overall use of eradication antibiotics has increased while the eradication rate steadily decreased for 5 years. However, there was no significant correlation between antibiotic use density and eradication.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between the eradication rate and antibiotic use density in Korea.

Efficacy of tailored therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication based on clarithromycin resistance and survey of previous antibiotic exposure: A single-center prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

As the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is increasing, the effectiveness of traditional Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) therapies is gradually declining. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tailored therapy (dual priming oligonucleotide [DPO]-based multiplex PCR) and previous antibiotic exposure survey predicting for antibiotic resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with H pylori infection who did not receive previous treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups (no resistance [NR] group, clarithromycin resistance [CLA-R] group, metronidazole-resistant [MET-R] group, and CLA- and MET-resistant [Dual-R] group) based on the results of dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and previous antibiotic exposure survey, and they were treated with tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility.

RESULTS

Consecutive patients were distributed in the NR (n = 36, 70.6%), CLA-R (n = 9, 17.6%), and suspected MET-R (n = 6, 11.8%) group. The overall intention-to-treat/per-protocol eradication rate (ITT/PP) was 92.2%/94.0%. In the subgroup analysis, the ITT and PP of the NR, CLA-R, and MET-R groups were 94.4%/94.4%, 77.8%/87.5%, and 100.0%/100.0%, respectively. Total of 31 patients in all subgroups were evaluated for antibiotic resistance; five (16.1%), two (6.5%), and three (9.7%) participants showed CLA, MET, and dual resistance in culture-based susceptibility test. Compared with culture-based MIC test, the accuracy of DPO-based multiplex PCR in determining CLA resistance was 90.3%, while the accuracy of survey in determining MET resistance was only 77.4%.

CONCLUSION

A tailored therapy based on DPO-PCR and history of previous antibiotic use is useful in clinical practice and well correlated with culture-based susceptibility test.

Predictors of triple therapy treatment failure among H. pylori infected patients attending at a tertiary hospital in Northwest Tanzania: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is a common medical problem in resource limited areas. The treatment outcome after triple therapy has not been well studied in developing countries and preliminary data suggests a high rate of treatment failure. This study investigated the triple therapy treatment failure rate and associated factors among dyspeptic patients receiving H. pylori first line therapy at a tertiary hospital, Tanzania.

METHODS

A prospective study in the Gastroenterology unit of the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) was conducted between October 2015 and May 2017. All dyspeptic patients with stool antigen tests positive for H.pylori were given first line therapy, and stool antigen testing was repeated within 7 days and 5 weeks after completion of the treatment. Biopsies were taken before initiation of therapy and analysed for clarithromycin and quinolone resistance mutations using polymerise chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Adherence and other social-demographic characteristics were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 210 patients were enrolled; the median age was 35 years (interquartile range, 27-48). First line treatment failure as defined by positive stool antigen 5 weeks post treatment was observed in 65/210 (31%) of patients. Independent predictors of first line treatment failure were presence of clarithromycin resistance mutations (OR: 23.12, 95% CI (9.38-56.98), P < 0.001) and poor adherence (OR: 7.39, 95% CI (3.25-16.77), P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of stool antigen testing within 7 days after completion therapy in detecting treatment failure was 100 and 93.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one-third of patients with clarithromycin resistance mutations and poor adherence develop first line treatment failure. Routine stool antigen testing within seven days after completion of therapy can be considered in order to initiate second line treatment early to prevent associated morbidities.

Cost-effectiveness of a tailored Helicobacter pylori eradication strategy based on the presence of a 23S ribosomal RNA point mutation that causes clarithromycin resistance in Korean patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The Helicobacter pylori eradication rate using conventional triple therapy has decreased due to clarithromycin (CAM) resistance in H. pylori. Recently, dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO)-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect H. pylori and point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene causing CAM resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the success rate and cost-effectiveness of tailored H. pylori eradication using DPO-PCR.

METHODS

The H. pylori-positive patients diagnosed by a rapid urease test or DPO-PCR were enrolled from a single academic hospital. The patients with positive rapid urease test results received a CAM-based triple regimen. In the tailored therapy group that underwent DPO-PCR testing, patients with A2142G and/or A2143G point mutations were treated with a bismuth-containing quadruple regimen. The cost-effectiveness of H. pylori eradication success was evaluated according to the average cost per patient and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were allocated to the triple therapy group and 124 patients to the tailored therapy group. The first-line eradication rate of H. pylori was significantly higher in the tailored therapy group than in the conventional triple therapy group (92.7% vs 76.5%, P < 0.001). The average costs per patient for tailored therapy were $307.37 and $299.59 for first-line and second-line treatments, respectively. Compared with triple therapy, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of tailored therapy were $3.96 and -$3.81 per patient for first-line and second-line treatments, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In Korea, tailored H. pylori eradication using DPO-PCR may be more cost-effective than conventional triple therapy.

An Economic Modeling Study of Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Comparison of Dual Priming Oligonucleotide-Based Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction and Empirical Treatment

Background/Aims

Dual priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (DPO-based PCR) can detect the presence of clarithromycin resistance without culture. The aim of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of DPO-based PCR for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Methods

From 2015 to 2016, medical records of patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: tailored group patients who were treated based on DPO-based PCR and empirical group patients. Eradication rate and medical cost, including diagnostic tests, eradication regimens, and ¹³C-urea breath tests, were compared between the two groups. Cost for one successful eradication was calculated in each group. The expected cost of eradication for empirical treatment was investigated by varying the treatment duration and eradication rate.

Results

A total of 527 patients were analyzed (tailored group 208, empirical group 319). The eradication success rate of the first-line therapy was higher in the tailored group compared to that in the empirical group (91.8% vs 72.1%, p＜0.01). The total medical cost for each group was 114.8±14.1 U.S. dollars (USD) and 85.8±24.4 USD, respectively (p＜0.01). The total medical costs for each ultimately successful eradication in the tailored group and in the empirical group were 120.0 USD and 92.4 USD, respectively. The economic modeling expected cost of a successful eradication after a 7- or 14-day empirical treatment was 93.8 to 111.4 USD and 126.3 to 149.9 USD, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on economic modeling, the cost for a successful eradication using DPO-based PCR would be similar or superior to the expected cost of a successful eradication with a 14-day empirical treatment when the first-line eradication rate is ≤80%.

Can Aminoglycosides Be Used as a New Treatment for Helicobacter pylori? In vitro Activity of Recently Isolated Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Smectite can serve as a drug delivery system and gentamicin-intercalated smectite hybrids are expected to supersede the standard therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. The aim of this study was to confirm whether the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aminoglycosides applied as smectite hybrids remained low against recently isolated H. pylori strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 140 strains were collected for a minimum period of 3 years. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed, and the MICs of eight antibiotics (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, levofloxacin, gentamicin, netilmicin, and tobramycin) were determined by using the Epsilometer test and following the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing recommendations.

RESULTS

The resistance rate of clarithromycin was high, up to 30.7%, although it is a major antimicrobial agent used in standard therapy. The MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of gentamicin (0.25 mg/L and 0.75 mg/L) and netilmicin (0.19 mg/L and 0.75 mg/L) were lower than other alternative therapies for H. pylori eradication. In clarithromycin-resistant strains, the MIC₅₀ was 0.25 mg/L and the MIC₉₀ was 1 mg/L for gentamicin; for netilmicin, the values were 0.25 mg/L and 0.75 mg/L, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Through the use of gentamicin and netilmicin, which have low MICs for H. pylori, aminoglycoside-intercalated smectite hybrids are expected to emerge as a new standard therapy for H. pylori eradication.

[New Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapies]

While the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is decreasing in Korea, the incidence of gastric cancer remains high, emphasizing the importance of H. pylori eradication. A new treatment strategy is needed as the eradication rate with standard triple therapy, which is currently the standard first-line regimen for H. pylori infection, has decreased below the optimum level. The major cause of eradication failure is increased antibiotic resistance. Sequential, concurrent, and hybrid therapies that include clarithromycin produce higher eradication rates than conventional standard triple therapy. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited in regions where the resistance rate to various antibiotics is high. Bismuth quadruple therapy is another alternative therapy, but again the eradication rate is not sufficiently high. Tailored therapy based on individual characteristics, including antibiotic susceptibility, may be ideal, but there are several limitations for clinical application and further research is needed. New potassium-competitive acid blocker-based therapies could emerge as effective alternatives in the near future. A consensus is needed to establish a strategy for applying new eradication therapies in Korea.

Modified quadruple therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea; rationale and design of an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Clarithromycin-containing triple regimen for eradication of Helicobacter pylori is no longer acceptable in Korea due to high clarithromycin resistance. Concomitant therapy or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is recommended as an alternative regimen. A recent study in Korea has shown that modified quadruple therapy has comparable efficacy and safety to concomitant therapy as a first-line regimen. However, there has been no comparative study of modified quadruple therapy with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of modified quadruple therapy with those of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as a first-line regimen and to present the phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance profile of H pylori.

METHODS

This study is an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. We are recruiting subjects endoscopically diagnosed with H pylori infection from 2 hospitals in Korea. Subjects will be randomly allocated either to modified quadruple therapy (proton-pump inhibitor bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid daily) or bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (proton-pump inhibitor bid, tetracycline 500 mg qid, metronidazole 500 mg tid, bismuth subcitrate 300 mg qid daily) for 14 days. The rate of eradication success and adverse events will be checked at least 4 weeks after the treatment. Antibiotic resistance will be established using both a bacterial culture with agar dilutions and DNA sequencing of the clarithromycin resistance point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene of H pylori.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study will provide solid evidence for determining the optimal treatment regimen for first-line H pylori eradication in Korea.

Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Helicobacter pylori: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in World Health Organization Regions

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori a high priority for antibiotic research and development. However, there are no clear data on the global distribution of resistance or its clinical effects. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the distribution of H pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics and to measure the association between antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.

METHODS

We searched publication databases for studies that assessed rates of H pylori resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, or tetracycline. Pooled estimates of primary and secondary resistance and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were grouped by WHO region. The association between antibiotic resistance and treatment failure was measured by extracting data on treatment efficacy in patients with resistant and susceptible isolates and pooling odds ratios with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

We identified 178 studies, comprising 66,142 isolates from 65 countries. Primary and secondary resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin were ≥15% in all WHO regions, except primary clarithromycin resistance in the Americas (10%; 95% CI, 4%-16%) and South-East Asia region (10%; 95% CI, 5%-16%) and primary levofloxacin resistance in the European region (11%; 95% CI, 9%-13%). There was considerable heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) among all analyses-this might have resulted from the grouping of resistance rates by country. Increasing antibiotic resistance was observed in most WHO regions. Resistance to clarithromycin was significantly associated with failure of clarithromycin-containing regimens (odds ratio, 6.97; 95% CI, 5.23-9.28; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance of H pylori to antibiotics has reached alarming levels worldwide, which has a great effect on efficacy of treatment. Local surveillance networks are required to select appropriate eradication regimens for each region.

Clinical Outcomes of Standard Triple Therapy Plus Probiotics or Concomitant Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection

Background/Aims

The efficacy of standard triple therapy (STT) in treating Helicobacter pylori infection has decreased. Many investigators have attempted to increase the eradication rate. We investigated the outcomes of concomitant therapy (CT) and STT combined with probiotics (STP) as a first-line treatment for H. pylori infection.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 361 patients who received either STP (n=286) or CT (n=75). The STP group received STT combined with a probiotic preparation for 1 week. The CT group received STT and metronidazole for 1 week.

Results

The intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 83.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.0 to 87.7) and 87.1% (95% CI, 81.2 to 89.7) in the STP group and 86.7% (95% CI, 78.7 to 93.3) and 91.4% (95% CI, 83.6 to 97.1) in the CT group (p=0.512 and p=0.324), respectively. The frequency of adverse effects was higher in the CT group (28.2%) than in the STP group (12.8%) (p=0.002).

Conclusions

STP and CT are encouragingly efficacious as first-line treatments for H. pylori infection. Therefore, adding probiotics to STT may be a feasible option to avoid side effects.

[Trend in the Eradication Rates of Helicobacter pylori Infection Over the Last 10 Years in West Gyeonggi-do, Korea: A Single Center Experience]

Background/Aims

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been decreasing recently in Korea due to antibiotics resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the trend of eradication rate and clinical factors affecting the eradication rate of H. pylori in the last 10 years in west Gyeonggi-do, Korea.

Methods

The trends of eradication rate of H. pylori, gender, age, concomitant mediations, and clinical factors were retrospectively evaluated in patients with H. pylori infection between 2006 and 2015 (n=2,485).

Results

The overall H. pylori eradication rate for the standard triple therapy was 82.5%. The annual eradication rates from 2006 to 2015 were 90%, 77.9%, 75.8%, 83.2%, 85.6%, 90.1%, 81.3%, 81.1%, 78.7%, and 78.8%, respectively, showing a significant decrement during the last five years (p<0.001). Higher eradication rate was observed in males than in females (p<0.001). Esomeprazole showed a higher eradication rate compared with pantoprazole between 2006 and 2010 (p<0.022). Age and the use of probiotics and mucosal protective agents played no significant role in the H. pylori eradication rate. The overall eradication rate for bismuth-based quadruple therapy was 94.4%.

Conclusions

The eradication rate of H. pylori over the last 10 years for first-line therapy ranged from 75.8 to 90.1%; the eradication rate for triple therapy has declined. However, the eradication rate for quadruple therapy has remained unchanged over the last 10 years.

Management of immune thrombocytopenia: Korean experts recommendation in 2017

Management options for patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have evolved substantially over the past decades. The American Society of Hematology published a treatment guideline for clinicians referring to the management of ITP in 2011. This evidence-based practice guideline for ITP enables the appropriate treatment of a larger proportion of patients and the maintenance of normal platelet counts. Korean authority operates a unified mandatory national health insurance system. Even though we have a uniform standard guideline enforced by insurance reimbursement, there are several unsolved issues in real practice in ITP treatment. To optimize the management of Korean ITP patients, the Korean Society of Hematology Aplastic Anemia Working Party (KSHAAWP) reviewed the consensus and the Korean data on the clinical practices of ITP therapy. Here, we report a Korean expert recommendation guide for the management of ITP.

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of concomitant and sequential therapies in Korea

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of the standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication has decreased to an unacceptable level. We aimed to compare the efficacy of sequential and concomitant therapies as for the first-line treatments for H. pylori eradication and analyzed the effect of clarithromycin resistance on the eradication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and seventy-eight patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to either concomitant therapy (amoxicillin 1000 mg with clarithromycin 500 mg, metronidazole 500 mg, and pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 10 days) or sequential therapy (amoxicillin 1000 mg with pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 5 days, followed by clarithromycin 500 mg with metronidazole 500 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 5 days). The success of the eradication was evaluated 4-5 weeks after treatment completion. To evaluate the efficacy of the two regimens according to clarithromycin sensitivity, dual-priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex-polymerase chain reaction was also performed in the final third of the enrolled study populations.

RESULTS

The eradication rates with concomitant or sequential therapy were 81.9% and 76.6% (P = .153) in intention-to-treat analysis, and 93.4% and 84.8% (P = .004) in per-protocol analysis, respectively. Among the 156 patients for whom dual-priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex-polymerase chain reaction was performed, 17.9% were clarithromycin resistant, and the efficacy of concomitant therapy was better than sequential therapy in the clarithromycin-resistant strains (100% vs 58.3%, P = .010).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant therapy was superior to sequential therapy as the first-line treatment for H. pylori eradication, especially in clarithromycin-resistant strains in Korea.

Concomitant, sequential, and 7-day triple therapy in first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Most international guidelines recommend triple-therapy regimens consisting of a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin/metronidazole for at least 7 days for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. However, the efficacy of 7-day clarithromycin-based standard triple therapy for H. pylori infection is currently unacceptable in Korea. In this study, we will compare the efficacy and safety of 7-day standard triple therapy, 10-day sequential therapy, and 10-day concomitant therapy for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea.

Methods/design

In this multicenter, investigator-blinded, randomized trial we are recruiting adult patients with H. pylori infection from 15 hospitals in Korea to determine whether sequential or concomitant treatment is superior to standard triple therapy. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either standard triple therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) for 7 days, or sequential treatment (lansoprazole and amoxicillin for the first 5 days, followed by lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for another 5 days) for 10 days, or concomitant therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) for 10 days. The primary outcome is the rate of H. pylori eradication in the intention-to-treat population.

Discussion

The results of this study will be crucial for determining the optimal regimen for the primary treatment of H. pylori infection in Korea. This study will produce vital evidence that will lead to revisions to guidelines concerning first-line treatment regimens for H. pylori infection.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, KCT0001980. Registered on 25 July 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2281-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Efficacy of Levofloxacin-Based Third-Line Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease

Background/Aims

The resistance rate of Helicobacter pylori is gradually increasing. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2014, 110 patients in 14 medical centers received levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication therapy for peptic ulcer disease. Of these, 88 were included in the study; 21 were excluded because of lack of follow-up and one was excluded for poor compliance. Their eradication rates, treatment regimens and durations, and types of peptic ulcers were analyzed.

Results

The overall eradiation rate was 71.6%. The adherence rate was 80.0%. All except one received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. One received a proton-pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin, and the eradication was successful. Thirty-one were administered the therapy for 7 days, 25 for 10 days, and 32 for 14 days. No significant differences were observed in the eradication rates between the three groups (7-days, 80.6% vs 10-days, 64.0% vs 14-days, 68.8%, p=0.353). Additionally, no differences were found in the eradiation rates according to the type of peptic ulcer (gastric ulcer, 73.2% vs duodenal/gastroduodenal ulcer, 68.8%, p=0.655).

Conclusions

Levofloxacin-based third-line H. pylori eradication showed efficacy similar to that of previously reported first/second-line therapies.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection 2017

This review summarizes important studies regarding Helicobacter pylori therapy published from April 2016 to April 2017. The main themes that emerge involve studies assessing the efficacy of bismuth and nonbismuth quadruple regimens. While in recent years, much of the emphasis on the use of bismuth has focussed on its utility in a second-line setting, an increasing number of studies this year have shown excellent efficacy in first-line therapy. The efficacy of bismuth as a second-line after sequential and concomitant therapy was particularly noteworthy. Antibiotic resistance was more intensely studied this year than for a long time, and definite trends are presented regarding an increase in resistance, including the fact that clarithromycin resistance in particular is now at a level where the continued use of clarithromycin triple therapy first-line as a mainstream treatment is not recommended. Another exciting trend to emerge this year is the utility of vonoprazan as an alternative to PPI therapy, especially in resistant and difficult-to-treat groups.