Maastricht Ⅱ treatment scheme and efficacy of different proton pump inhibitors in eradicating Helicobacter pylori

AIM: The Maastricht Ⅱ criteria suggest the use of amoxicillin and clarithromycin in addition to a proton pump inhibitor over 7-10 d as a first line therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hpylori). For each proton pump inhibitor, various rates of eradication have been reported. The present study was to compare the efficacy of different proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin in the first line eradication of Hpylonand to investigate the success of H pylonrieradication in our district. METHODS: A total of 139 patients were included having a Helicobacter pylori (+) gastroduodenal disorders diagnosed by means of histology and urease test. Besides amoxicillin (1000 mg twice a day) and darithromycin (500 mg twice a day), they were randomized to take omeprazole (20 mg twice a day), or lansoprazole (30 mg twice a day), or pantoprozole (40 mg twice a day) for 14 d. Four weeks after the therapy, the eradication was assessed by means of histology and urease test. It was evaluated as eradicated if the Hpyloriwas found negative in both. The complaints (pain in epigastrium, nocturnal pain, pyrosis and bloating) were graded in accordance with the Licert scale. The compliance of the patients was recorded. RESULTS: The eradication was found to be 40.8% in the omeprazole group, 43.5% in the lansoprazole group and 47.4% in the pantoprazole group. Sixty-three out of 139 patients (45%) had eradication. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. Significant improvements were seen in terms of the impact on the symptom scores in each group. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole in H pylori eradication, and the rate of eradication was as low as 45%. Symptoms were improved independent of the eradication in each treatment group. The low eradication rates suggest that the antibiotic resistance or the genetic differences of the microorganism might be in effect. Further studies are required to verify these suggestions.     

Omeprazole-based triple therapy with low-versus high-dose of clarithromycin plus amoxicillin for H pylori eradication in Iranian population

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of H pylori eradication in an omeprazole-based triple therapy with high-and low-dose of clarithromycin and amoxicillin. METHODS: One hundred and sixty H pylori positive patients were randomly assigned to two groups based on the following 2 wk investigation; (1) group A or low-dose regimen received omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d, clarithromycin 250 mg b.i.d and amoxicillin 500 mg b.i.d; and (2) group B or high-dose regimen received omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d, clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d and amoxicillin 1000 mg b.i.d. During the study H pylori status was assessed by histology and rapid urease test prior and by 13C-urea breath test 6 wk after the therapy. Standard questionnaires were administered to determine the compliance to treatment and possible adverse events of therapy. Data were subject to χ2 to compare the eradication rates in the two groups. The significant level of 95% (P ≤ 0.05) was considered statistically different. RESULTS: We found that the per-protocol eradication rate was 88% (68/77) in group A, and 89% (67/75) in group B. The intension-to-treat eradication rate was 85% (68/80) in group A and 83.75% (67/80) in group B. Overall adverse events were 26% in group A and 31% in group B. The adverse events were generally mild in nature and tolerated well in both groups with a compliance of 98% in group A vs 96% in group B. CONCLUSION: The omeprazole-based low dose regimen of clarithromycin and amoxicillin for two weeks in H pylori eradication is as effective as high dose regimen in Iranian population.     

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

AIM: One-week triple therapy with proton pump inhibitors, clarithromycin and amoxicillin has recently been proposed as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection; however, data regarding the effects of this regimen in China are scarce. The aim of this prospective and randomized study was to compare the efficacy of clarithromycin and metronidazole when they were combined with omeprazole and amoxicillin on eradication of H pylori and ulcer healing in Chinese peptic ulcer patients. METHODS: A total of 103 subjects with Hpylori-positive peptic ulcer were randomly divided into two groups, and accepted triple therapy with omeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 000 mg and either clarithromycin 500 mg (OAC group, n = 58) or metronidazole 400 mg (0AM group, n - 45). All drugs were given twice daily for 7 d. Patients with active peptic ulcer were treated with omeprazole 20 mg daily for 2-4 wk after anti-H pylori therapy. Six to eight weeks after omeprazole therapy, all patients underwent endoscopies and four biopsies (two from the antrum and two others from the corpus of stomach) were taken for rapid urease test and histological analysis (with modified Giemsa staining) to examine H pylori. Successful eradication was defined as negative results from both examination methods. RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the entire course of therapy and returned for follow-up. The eradication rate of H pylori for the per-protocol analysis was 89.3% (50/56) in OAC group and 84.1% (37/44) in 0AM group. Based on the intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rate of H pylori was 86.2% (50/58) in OAC group and 82.2% (37/45) in 0AM group. There were no significant differences in eradication rates between the two groups on either analysis. The active ulcer-healing rate was 96.7% (29/30) in OAC group and 100% (21/21) in 0AM group (per-protocol analysis, P>0.05). Six patients in OAC group (10.3%) and five in OAM group (11.1%) reported adverse events (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: One-week triple therapy with omeprazole and amoxicillin in combination with either clarithromycin or metronidazole is effective for the eradication of H pylori. The therapeutic regimen comprising metronidazole with low cost, good compliance and mild adverse events may offer a good choice for the treatment of peptic ulcers associated with H pylori infection in China.     

Influence of various proton pump inhibitors on intestinal metaplasia in noneradicated Helicobacter pylori patients

AM: Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is more often found in patients with Helicobacterpylori(Hpylori) infection, while eradication of H pylori results in significant reduction in the severity and activity of chronic gastritis. We aimed to determine in patients with unsuccessful eradication of Hpylori the role of various proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) having different mechanisms in the resolution of IM. METHODS: We confirmed endoscopically and pathohistologically (Sydney classification) the IM in 335 patients with gastritis before and after medication for eradication of H pylori (Maastricht Protocol 2002). H pylori infection was determined by using histology, urease test and culture. Control endoscopy and histology were done after 30 d and thereafter (within 1 year). Unsuccessful eradication was considered if only one of the three tests (histology, urease and culture) was negative after therapy protocol. We used omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole in therapy protocols (in combination with two antibiotics). RESULTS: We found no significant difference in resolution of IM by using different PPI between the groups of eradicated and noneradicated patients (P<0.4821 and P<0.4388, respectively). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in resolution of intestinal metaplasia by different proton pump inhibitors.     

Usefulness of vonoprazan,a potassium ion-competitive acid blocker,for primary eradication of Helicobacter pylori

AIM To investigate usefulness of triple therapy with vonoprazan,a potassium ion-competitive acid blocker and antibiotics,for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) eradication.METHODS The H.pylori eradication rate was examined in 2507 patients(2055 undergoing primary eradication and 452 undergoing secondary eradication,excluding patients with subtotal gastrectomy) at the Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daiichi Hospital from March 2013 to September 2015.For patients treated from March 2013 to February 2015,a proton pump inhibitor(PPI) was used to reduce acid secretion,while vonoprazan was used after March 2015.The success rates of the 2 regimens(PPI + amoxicillin + clarithromycin/metronidazole,or vonoprazan + amoxicillin + clarithromycin/metronidazole) were compared.RESULTS The success rate of primary H.pylori eradication was significantly higher in the vonoprazan group.When stratified by the underlying disease,a significant increase of the H.pylori eradication rate was observed in patients with chronic gastritis.A significantly lower H.pylori eradication rate was observed in younger patients compared to older patients in the PPI group,but there was no difference according to age in the vonoprazan group.On the otherhand,the success rate of secondary eradication was similar at approximately 90% in both groups.CONCLUSION Vonoprazan is very useful for primary eradication of H.pylori,and may become a first-line acid secretion inhibitor instead of PPIs.     

Concomitant therapy achieved the best eradication rate for Helicobacter pylori among various treatment strategies

AIM: To compare the Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) eradication rate of clarithromycin-based triple therapy,metronidazole-based triple therapy,sequential therapy and concomitant therapy.METHODS: A total of 680 patients infected with H.pylori were divided into 4 groups and each group was treated with a different eradication therapy.Clarithromycin-based triple therapy was applied to the first group [rabeprazole,amoxicillin and clarithromycin(PAC) group: proton pump inhibitor(PPI),amoxicillin,clarithromycin],whereas the second group was treated with metronidazole-based triple therapy [rabeprazole,amoxicillin and metronidazole(PAM) group: PPI,amoxicillin,metronidazole].The third group was treated with rabeprazole and amoxicillin,followed by rabeprazole,clarithromycin and metronidazole(sequential group).The final group was simultaneously treated with rabeprazole,amoxicillin clarithromycin and metronidazole(concomitant therapy group).In the case of a failure to eradicate H.pylori,second-line quadruple and third-line eradication therapies were administered.RESULTS: The per protocol(PP) analysis was performed on 143,139,141 and 143 patients in the PAC,PAM,sequential and concomitant groups,respectively.We excluded patients who did not receive a C13-urea breath test(22,20,23 and 22 patients,respectively) and patients with less than an 80% compliance level(5,11,6 and 5 patients,respectively).The eradication rates were 76.2%(109/143) in the PAC group,84.2%(117/139) in the PAM group,84.4%(119/141) in the sequential group and 94.4%(135/143) in the concomitant group(P = 0.0002).All 14 patients who failed second-line therapy were treated with thirdline eradication therapy.Among these 14 patients,6 infections were successfully eradicated with the thirdline therapy.Both PP and intention-to-treat analysis showed an eradication rate of 42.9%(6/14).In the PAC group,3 of 4 patients were successfully cured(3/4,75%); 2 of 2 patients in the PAM group(2/2,100%) and 1 of 5 patients in the sequential group(1/5,20%) were also cured.In the concomitant group,all 3 patients failed(0/3,0%).CONCLUSION: The eradication rate for the concomitant therapy was much higher than those of the standard triple therapy or sequential therapy(Clinical Trials.gov number NCT01922765).     

Improvement in symptoms after H2-receptor antagonist-based therapy for eradication of H pylori infection

AIM： To investigate the therapeutic effects of triple therapy combining lafutidine with clarithromycin and amoxicillin on H pylori infection and the resolution of gastroesophageal symptoms after eradication.
METHODS： We conducted a randomized, multicenter, open-label controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of a triple therapy of lafutidine, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin （lafutidine group） with that of a triple therapy of lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin （lansoprazole group） in patients with Hpylori infection. The study group comprised 22 patients with gastric ulcers and 18 patients with duodenal ulcers who had Hpylori infection.
RESULTS： H pylori eradication rates were similar in the lafutidine group （14/20, 70%） and the lansoprazole group （14/20, 70%）. Gastroesophageal reflux and ab- dominal symptoms improved after eradication therapy in both groups, whereas abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation were unchanged. H pylori status had no apparent effect on improvement of gastroesophageal reflux or abdominal symptoms after treatment. Adverse events were similar in both groups.
CONCLUSION： The triple therapy including lafutidine is equivalent to triple therapy including lansoprazole in terms of H pylori eradication rates and improvement in gastroesophageal reflux and abdominal symptoms.These results are attributed to the fact that lafutidine has strong, continuous antisecretory activity, unaffected by CYP2C19 polymorphisms.     

Quadruple therapy with furazolidone for retreatment in patients with peptic ulcer disease

AIM： To establish the efficacy and safety of a 7-d therapeutic regimen using omeprazole, bismuth subcitrate, furazolidone and amoxicillin in patients with peptic ulcer disease who had been previously treated with other therapeutic regimens without success. METHODS： Open cohort study which included patients with peptic ulcer who had previously been treated unsuccessfully with one or more eradication regimens. The therapeutic regimen consisted of 20 mg omeprazole, 240 mg colloidal bismuth subcitrate, 1000 mg amoxicillin, and 200 mg furazolidone, taken twice a day for 7 d. Patients were considered as eradicated when samples taken from the gastric antrum and corpus 12 wk after the end of treatment were negative for Helicobacter pylori （H pylori） （rapid urease test and histology）. Safety was determined by the presence of adverse effects. RESULTS： Fifty-one patients were enrolled. The eradication rate was 68.8% （31/45）. Adverse effects were reported by 31.4% of the patients, and these were usually considered to be slight or moderate in the majority of the cases. Three patients had to withdraw from the treatment due to the presence of severe adverse effects.CONCLUSION： The association of bismuth, furazolidone, amoxicillin and a proton-pump inhibitor is a valuable alternative for patients who failed to respond to other eradication regimens. It is an effective, cheap and safe option for salvage therapy of positive patients.     

Quadruple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori

AIM:To investigate quadruple therapy with rabeprazole,amoxicillin,levofloxacin and furazolidone for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection.METHODS:A total of 147 patients were divided into the experimental treatment group (n=78) and the standard triple treatment group (n=69).The experimental treatment group received rabeprazole 20 mg,amoxicillin 1.0 g,levofloxacin 0.2 g and furazolidone 0.1 g,twice daily.The standard triple treatment group received omeprazole 20 mg,amoxicillin 1.0 g and clarithromycin 0.5 g,twice daily.RESULTS:One month after treatment,the 13 C urea breath test was carried out to detect H.pylori.The eradication rate using per-protocol analysis was 94.3% in the experimental treatment group and 73% in the standard triple treatment group (P < 0.05),and using intention to test analysis,these figures were 86% and 67% in the two groups,respectively.Side effects were observed in 34 patients,and included mild dizziness,nausea,diarrhea and increased bowel movement.Eleven of the 34 patients needed no treatment for their side effects.CONCLUSION:Rabeprazole,amoxicillin,levofloxacinand furazolidone quadruple therapy is a safe method for the eradication of H.pylori with high efficacy and good tolerability.     

Non-bismuth quadruple therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized study in Japan

AIM:To find the way to improve the eradication rate of first-line therapy in Japanese patients.METHODS:We prospectively compared the effectiveness of 7-d quadruple therapy to standard 7 d triple therapy in Japanese patients infected with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).One hundred and nineteen patients were randomly assigned to receive 7-d non-bismuth quadruple therapy with lansoprazole,amoxicillin,clarithromycin and metronidazole(LACM7) or 7-d triple therapy with lansoprazole,amoxicillin and clarithromycin(LAC7).After three months,H.pylori status was analyzed by 13C-urea breath test.Incidence rates of adverse events were evaluated by use of questionnaires.RESULTS:By intention-to-treat(ITT) analysis,the eradication rate in the LACM7 group was 94.9%,which was significantly higher than the LAC7 group(68.3%,P < 0.001).Per protocol analysis also showed a significantly higher eradication rate in the LACM7 group(98.3%) than the LAC7 group(73.2%,P < 0.001).Nevertheless,the incidence of serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups(RR:1.10,95% CI:0.70-1.73,P = 0.67).CONCLUSION:Seven day non-bismuth quadruple therapy(LACM7) was superior to standard 7-d triple therapy(LAC7) for first-line eradication.     

Age-dependent eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Japanese patients

AIM:To determine the general risk factors affecting the failure rate of first-line eradication therapy in Japanese patients with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection.METHODS:The present study enrolled 253 patients who had an H.pylori infection,underwent gastroendoscopy,and were treated with H.pylori eradication therapy.Eradication therapy consisted of 30 mg lansoprazole plus 750 mg amoxicillin and 400 mg clarithromycin twice daily for 7 d.All of the patients underwent a 13 C urea breath test at least 1 mo...     

Efficacy of one-day quadruple therapy for H pylori infection in Chinese patients

AIM: To compare the efficacies of one-day quadruple therapy and seven-day triple therapy in Chinese patients. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with nonulcer dyspepsia and confirmed H pylori infection were randomized to receive either omeprazole 40 mg, amoxycillin 1 g, and furazolidone 100 mg, all twice a day for 7 d or omeprazole 20 mg (at breakfast and dinner), amoxicillin 1 g, furazolidone 200 mg, and colloidal bismuth subcitrate 220 mg four times for only one day. H pylori status was determined before and at least 5 weeks after therapy by endoscopy with antral and corpus biopsies for rapid urease test and histology. RESULTS: H pylori eradication was successful in 66.67% (20/30) patients in the 7-d group and in 36.67% (11/30) patients in the 1-day group (P - 0.037). Side effects were induced by the treatment in 13.3% (4/30) patients of each group, but these were all self-limiting, short-lasting, and did not require any specific treatment. CONCLUSION: The one-day quadruple therapy is less effective than the one-week regimen in curing H pylori infection in Chinese patients.     

Long-term pretreatment with proton pump inhibitor and Helicobacter pylori eradication rates

AIM:To investigate whether proton pump inhibitor(PPI)pretreatment influences Helicobacter pylori eradication rate.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed H.pylori-infected patients who were treated with a standard triple regimen(PPI,amoxicillin 1 g,and clarithromycin 500mg,all twice daily for 7 d).The diagnosis of H.pylori infection and its eradication was assessed with the rapid urease test,histological examination by silver staining,or the13C-urea breath test.We divided the patients into two groups:one received the standard eradication regimen without PPI pretreatment(Group A),and the other received PPI pretreatment(Group B).The patients in Group B were reclassified into three groups based on the duration of PPI pretreatment:Group B-Ⅰ(3-14 d),Group B-Ⅱ(15-55 d),and Group B-Ⅲ(≥56 d).RESULTS:A total of 1090 patients were analyzed and the overall eradication rate was 80.9%.The cure rate in Group B(81.2%,420/517)was not significantly different from that in Group A(79.2%,454/573).The eradication rates in Group B-Ⅰ,B-Ⅱand B-Ⅲwere80.1%(117/146),81.8%(224/274)and 81.4%(79/97),respectively.CONCLUSION:PPI pretreatment did not affect H.pylori eradication rate,regardless of the medication period.     

Rabeprazole,clarithromycin, and amoxicillin Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: Report of an efficacy study

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of a standard triple therapy(comprising rabeprazole,clarithromycin,and amoxicillin)for Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication,noting factors that influence the outcome and documenting any adverse events.METHODS:Following institutional ethical approval,fifty consecutive and consenting symptomatic patients with evidence of H.pylori infection by either a positive urea breath test(UBT)and/or a campylobacter-like organism test who presented to the Gastroenterology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between 2012 and 2013 were recruited into the study.Patients were openly randomized to either a 7-d or a 10-d regimen of amoxicillin 1 g,clarithromycin 500mg and rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily.The extent of symptom resolution was noted following the treatment,and at the end of one month after the completion oftreatment,a repeat UBT was performed in each patient to document the eradication of the infection.All data(demographics,symptoms,and eradication rates)were collated and analyzed with SPSS version 18.RESULTS:Forty-seven patients completed the study(three were excluded from the analysis for breaching the study protocol).The patients included 18 males and 29 females within the age range of 13-80 years(mean 43.7,SD 16.8).The clinical features of the study subjects were dyspepsia,reflux symptoms and features of gastrointestinal bleeding.The average eradication rate was 87.2%.Eighteen subjects were enrolled in the 7-d arm,while 29 were in the 10-d arm.There was no statistically significant difference in the age or sex distributions of the two arms.There was no significant advantage of the 10-d treatment duration over the 7-d duration(P=0.78),and the eradication outcomes were not influenced by the gender or age of the subjects.No adverse effects were reported in either arm.CONCLUSION:The triple therapy regime,employing a combination of amoxicillin,clarithromycin and rabeprazole,showed great efficacy and safety in the eradication of H.pylori,and this outcome was not influenced by gender or age.No difference was observed between the 7-d and 10-d regimens.     

Pseudomembranous colitis associated with a triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans,affecting half of world’s population.Therapy for H.pylori infection has proven to be both effective and safe.The oneweek triple therapy including proton pump inhibitor,clarithromycin,and amoxicillin or metronidazole is still recommended as a first-line treatment to eradicate H.pylori infection in countries with low clarithromycin resistance.Generally,this therapy is well-tolerated,with only a few and usually minor side effects.However,rare but severe adverse effects such as pseudomembranous colitis have been reported,Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)infection being the main causative factor in all cases.We report the cases of two women who developed pseudomembranous colitis after a 1-wk triple therapy consisting of pantoprazole 20 mg bid,clarithromycin 500 mg bid,and amoxicillin 1 g bid to eradicate H.pylori infection.A limited colonoscopy showed typical appearance of pseudomembranous colitis,and the stool test for C.difficile toxins was positive.Rapid resolution of symptoms and negative C.difficile toxins were obtained in both patients with oral vancomycin.No relapse occurred during a four and eleven-month,respectively,follow up.These cases suggest that physicians should have a high index of suspicion for pseudomembranous colitis when evaluate patients with diarrhea following H.pylori eradication therapy.     

Helicobacter pylori infection in hemodialysis patients： Susceptibility to amoxicillin and clarithromycin

AIM: To evaluate susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to amoxicillin and clarithromycin in end-stage renal disease(ESRD) patients and non-uremic controls.METHODS: The subjects with dyspeptic complaints were 33 ESRD patients and 46 age- and sex-matched nonuremic controls who exhibited Hpylorion antral biopsy specimens. The two groups were age and sex matched.The Hpyloristrains‘ pattern of susceptibility to amoxicillin and clarithromycin was investigated with the agar dilution technique.RESULTS: None of the Hpyloristrains from either group showed resistance to amoxicillin with the agar dilution method. Twelve (36.4%) of the ESRD group strains and7 (15.2%) of the control group strains showed resistance to clarithromycin, and this difference was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05).CONCLUSION: Resistance to amoxicillin does not appear to be an important problem in Hpylori-infected ESRD and non-uremic patients in our region. In contrast, the rates of resistance to clarithromycin are high, particularly in the ESRD population.     

He/icobacter py/ori infection in hemodialysis patients: Susceptibility to amoxicillin and clarithromycin

AIM: To evaluate susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to amoxicillin and clarithromycin in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and non-uremic controls. METHODS: The subjects with dyspeptic complaints were 33 ESRD patients and 46 age- and sex-matched non-uremic controls who exhibited H pylori on antral biopsy specimens. The two groups were age and sex matched. The H pylori strains' pattern of susceptibility to amoxicillin and clarithromycin was investigated with the agar dilution technique. RESULTS: None of the H pylori strains from either group showed resistance to amoxicillin with the agar dilution method. Twelve (36.4%) of the ESRD group strains and 7 (15.2%) of the control group strains showed resistance to clarithromycin, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Resistance to amoxicillin does not appear to be an important problem in H py/ori-infected ESRD and non-uremic patients in our region. In contrast, the rates of resistance to clarithromycin are high, particularly in the ESRD population.     

Seven-day triple therapy is a better choice for Helicobacter pylori eradication in regions with low antibiotic resistance

AIM: To investigate whether 7-d triple therapies are still valid in populations with low levels of resistance.METHODS: A total of 1106 Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)-positive patients were divided into three groups,each of which received one type of 7-d triple therapy. Therapeutic outcomes of the patients were assessed by the 13C-urea breath test at 8 wk after treatment. The susceptibility of H. pylori to antibiotics was determined by an agar-dilution method. Data analysis was performed by χ2 tests.RESULTS: The eradication rates in groups A,B and C were 90.71%(332/366),90.46%(313/346) and 90.87%(189/208),respectively(P = 0.986). The resistance rates were 8.91% for clarithromycin,14.78% for levofloxacin and 0% for amoxicillin. The eradication rate was significantly different between clarithromycin-and levofloxacin-resistant patients(P 0.05) in group A. Patients whose treatment failed in group A also had a higher clarithromycin resistance rate than did successive patients(P = 0.034). However,levofloxacin resistance had no obvious influence on the eradication rate. Furthermore,three main antibiotics(clarithromycin,levofloxacin and amoxicillin) had lower DID(defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day) in this city.CONCLUSION: Clarithromycin resistance is the main reason for the failure of 7-d triple therapy. In populations with low levels of resistance,a 7-d triple therapy is a viable choice. The choice of therapy should not be influenced by conditions in high antibiotic resistance regions.     

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on serum ghrelin and obestatin levels

AIM: To investigate changes in serum ghrelin and obestatin levels before and after Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) eradication. METHODS: A total of 92 patients presenting with symptoms of dyspepsia were enrolled in the study. Upper endoscopy was performed on all patients and used to diagnose H. pylori infection according to the presence of characteristic histopathological findings; seventy patients were diagnosed with H. pylori infection and the remaining 22 non-infected patients were classified as healthy controls. H. pylori eradication was accomplished by administering the classical triple therapy drug regimen, consisting of lansoprazole 30 mg bid , amoxicillin 1 g bid , and clarithromycin 500 mg tid for 14 d. The eradication of H. pylori was assessed with C14-urea breath test, which was performed at eight weeks after treatment. Levels of serum active ghrelin and obestatin were assessed at beginning of the study (prior to treatment) and after eight weeks. The levels were comparatively analyzed between the H. pylori negative control group, the H. pylori eradicated group, and the H. pylori non-eradicated group. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients, 50 females and 42 males with a mean age of 38.2 ± 11.9 years (range: 19-64), were analyzed. H. pylori eradication success was achieved in 74.3% (52/70) of H. pylori positive patients. The initial levels of ghrelin in the H. pylori positive and control cases were 63.6 ± 19.8 pg/mL and 65.1 ± 19.2 pg/mL (P=0.78), respectively, and initial obestatin levels were 771±427 pg/mL and 830 ± 296 pg/mL (P=0.19), respectively. The difference between the initial levels and the week 8 levels of ghrelin and obestatin in the control group was insignificant [4.5% (P=0.30) and -0.9% (P=0.65), respectively]. The difference between the initial and week 8 levels of ghrelin and obestatin in the H. pylori non-eradicated group were also insignificant [0.9% (P=0.64) and 5.3% (P=0.32), respectively]. The H. pylori eradicated group had a greater change in obestatin levels when compared to the     

Comparative study of esomeprazole and lansoprazole in triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Japan

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of esomeprazole-based triple therapy compared with lansoprazole therapy as first-line eradication therapy for patients with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)in usual post-marketing use in Japan,where the clarithromycin(CAM)resistance rate is 30%.METHODS:For this multicenter,randomized,openlabel,non-inferiority trial,we recruited patients(≥20years of age)with H.pylori infection from 20 hospitals in Japan.We randomly allocated patients to esomeprazole therapy(esomeprazole 20 mg,CAM 400 mg,amoxicillin(AC)750 mg for the first 7 d,with all drugs given twice daily)or lansoprazole therapy(lansoprazole30 mg,CAM 400 mg,AC 750 mg for the first 7 d,with all drugs given twice daily)using a minimization method with age,sex,and institution as adjustment factors.Our primary outcome was the eradication rate by intention-to-treat(ITT)and per-protocol(PP)analyses.H.pylori eradication was confirmed by a urea breath test from 4 to 8 wk after cessation of therapy.RESULTS:ITT analysis revealed the eradication rates of 69.4%(95%CI:61.2%-76.6%)for esomeprazole therapy and 73.9%(95%CI:65.9%-80.6%)for lansoprazole therapy(P=0.4982).PP analysis showed eradication rate of 76.9%(95%CI:68.6%-83.5%)for esomeprazole therapy and 79.8%(95%CI:71.9%-86.0%)for lansoprazole therapy(P=0.6423).There were no differences in adverse effects between the two therapies.CONCLUSION:Esomeprazole showed non-inferiority and safety in a 7 day-triple therapy for eradication of H.pylori compared with lansoprazole.