[The new aspects of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and the importance of bacterial resistance]

Sequential therapy versus standard triple drug therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer following simple closure

BACKGROUND

Resistance to clarithromycin, a component of standard triple therapy, leads to inconsistent eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori infection. Some studies have shown higher eradication rates for H. pylori using sequential regimen. This study was done to compare the eradication rates for H. pylori infection between the standard triple drug therapy and the sequential therapy.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients with perforated duodenal ulcer following simple closure with H. pylori infection were randomized to receive either standard triple drug therapy or the sequential therapy. Standard triple drug therapy comprised of omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin for 10 days. Sequential therapy comprised of omeprazole and amoxicillin or the first 5 days followed by omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin for the next 5 days. Follow-up endoscopy was done at 2 months to assess the eradication rates, compliance, and side effects with each regimen.

RESULTS

Eradication rates for standard triple therapy and sequential regimen were 81.25% and 87.09%, respectively (p = 0.732). The cost of sequential therapy was cheaper and incidence of side effects and compliance were similar in each group.

CONCLUSION

Standard triple therapy and sequential therapy have similar efficacy for eradication of H. pylori and sequential therapy is an economical alternative to standard triple therapy.

[Peptic ulcer: facts and questions -- 2010]

Etiology and clinical manifestation of the peptic ulcer keep changes nowadays. Helicobacter pylori-infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and small dosage acetic acid treatment are the main etiological factors. Helicobacter pylori positive peptic ulcer can be treated with eradication of the bacterium. Prevention of the NSAID-ulcer and the prescription of the acid suppressive therapy depend on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risk factors of patient. Despite of the effective therapies, there are still questions to answer. The number of Helicobacter pylori and NSAID negative ulcers is likely to increase, their therapy must be clarified. There's a fall in the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection, the optimal treatment is missing.