A randomized comparison of triple therapy Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens in children with peptic ulcers

An open, randomized trial was performed to compare the efficacy of three Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens in children with peptic ulcer disease. A total of 106 children (5 - 15 years) were treated for 1 week with metronidazole, 30 - 40 mg/kg per day depending on age, amoxycillin, 750 mg/day, and one of three anti-secretory agents: proprietary omeprazole, 20 - 40 mg/day depending on age; generic omeprazole, 20 - 40 mg/day; or ranitidine, 150 mg twice daily. The H. pylori eradication rate was significantly higher in patients receiving proprietary omeprazole (88.9%) than in those receiving generic omeprazole (80.0%) or ranitidine (74.3%), and this was associated with a trend towards faster ulcer healing. It is concluded that triple therapy consisting of an anti-secretory agent and two antimicrobials produces effective eradication of H. pylori and ulcer healing in children with peptic ulcer disease, and that proprietary omeprazole is more effective than both ranitidine and the generic formulation used in this study.