THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ONE-WEEK TRIPLE THERAPY WITH LANSOPRAZOLE,CLARITHROMYCIN, AND METRONIDAZOLE-I FOR THE TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN JAPANESE PATIENTS

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tol erability of 1-week, low-dose triple therapy with lansoprazole, clarit hromycin, and metronidazole (LCM) for the cure of H. pylori infection and to establish the adequate dosage of a new triple therapy for Japan ese patients. Materials and Methods. One hundred four H. pylori-positi ve Japanese patients were assigned alternatively to one of two groups: one to receive either 30 mg lansoprazole once in the morning, 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 250 mg metronidazole twice daily for 1 week (LCM1; n = 52); the ocher to receive 30 mg lansoprazole once in the morning, 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 500 mg metronidazo le twice daily for 1 week (LCM2; n = 52). H. pylori infection was asse ssed by smear, culture, and histological assessment (Giemsa stain) per formed before and 4 weeks after cessation of the therapy. Results. The overall cure rates of H. pylori infection were 92.3% (48 of 52; 95% c onfidence interval (CI), 85% to 100%) in LCM1 and 92.3% (48 of 52; 95% CI, 85% to 100%) in LCM2. The cure rates in the patients without prio r treatment were 95.7% (44 of 46; 95% CI, 89%-100%) in LCM1 and 95.7% (45 of 47; 95% CI, 89%-100%) in LCM2. Minor side effects were observed in 7.7% of LCM1 and 9.6% of LCM2, respectively. Conclusion. The LCM1 regimen consisting of 30 mg lansoprazole once daily, 200 mg clarithrom ycin twice daily, and 250 mg metronidazole twice daily (the regular do ses in ordinary use in Japan) is a highly effective and safe regimen f or Japanese patients. LCM1 as a neu triple therapy is a promising regi men for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection in Japanese pa tients.