LANSOPRAZOLE QUADRUPLE THERAPY IS EFFECTIVE IN CURING HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION

Background. Quadruple therapy using omeprazole combined with classic b ismuth triple therapy has been advocated as optimal therapy for the cu re of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. We investigated the e fficacy of substituting lansoprazole for omeprazole in proton pump qua druple therapy. Materials and Methods. In a prospective open study, 21 9 consecutive patients, with either peptic ulcer disease or biopsy-pro ven H. pylori-associated gastritis, received seven days of lansoprazol e, bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole after three days of lansopr azole pretreatment. Cure of infection was judged by C-14 urea breath t est at six weeks after completion of therapy. Results. On an intention to treat basis, 198 of the 219 patients (90%) were confirmed to be cu red of H. pylori infection. Compliance was excellent and minimal side effects reported. Conclusion. Lansoprazole-based quadruple therapy ach ieves a very high cure rate in an unselected population of either pept ic ulcer patients or those with H. pylori-associated gastritis. Recomm ended regimens should achieve at least 90% cure of infection. Lansopra zole quadruple therapy is effective and compares favorably with other H. pylori treatment regimens.