LOW-DOSE, SHORT-TERM TRIPLE THERAPY FOR CURE OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION AND HEALING OF PEPTIC-ULCERS

efficacyObjectives: The aim of this study was to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of a new, low dose, short-term triple therapy for cur e of Helicobacter pylori infection, as suggested by Bazzoli, in a larg er population. Methods: On an ''intention-to-treat'' basis, 116 patien ts with active (n = 41) or healed (n = 47) peptic ulcer disease or ulc er-like dyspepsia (n = 28) and H. pylori infection received a 1-wk cou rse of omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d., clarythromycin 250 mg b.i.d., and tini dazole 500 mg b.i.d.. Four weeks after treatment withdrawal, cure of H . pylori infection was evaluated by rapid urease test and histology. R esults: One hundred and sixteen patients returned for follow-up. In 10 8 patients, H. pylori could not be identified 4 wk after cessation of therapy. The eradication rate was calculated to 93%. In addition, all patients with active peptic ulcers showed complete healing at follow-u p despite no further treatment. Drug acceptance and compliance was exc ellent. Conclusion: Triple therapy as suggested by Bazzoli with omepra zole (in this study given b.i.d. for better compliance), clarythromyci n, and tinidazole is indeed highly effective for both cure of H. pylor i infection and for healing of peptic ulcers, is easy to perform, is c heap, and is without clinically significant side effects, even in a la rger population.