AMOXICILLIN ADDED TO OMEPRAZOLE PREVENTS RELAPSE IN THE TREATMENT OF DUODENAL-ULCER PATIENTS

Objective: To evaluate two different therapies, omeprazole/amoxicillin versus omeprazole alone, in the treatment of duodenal ulcer patients with respect to eradication of Helicobacter pylori and time in remissi on during a 6-month follow-up after cessation of therapy. Design: Doub le-blind, randomized, parallel groups. Setting. Outpatient referrals i n nine Swedish centres. Patients: This study included 248 patients wit h active duodenal ulcer. Main outcome measures: Endoscopic and symptom atic evaluation of time in remission. Culture, histology and serology for determination of H. pylori status. Results: Eradication of H. pylo ri was 54 compared with 4% and the proportion of patients in remission at 6 months was 70 compared with 36% in the omeprazole/amoxicillin tr eated group versus the group treated with omeprazole alone. Of the pat ients who became H. pylori-negative, 84% were in remission throughout the study. Conclusion: H. pylori is an almost obligate prerequisite fo r duodenal ulcer disease. Amoxicillin added to omeprazole nearly doubl ed the proportion of patients in remission at 6 months follow-up. The eradication rate of H. pylori in patients with excellent compliance wa s 74%.