NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HELICOBACTER-PYLORI ERADICATION THERAPY

Background: The optimal strategy for the eradication of Helicobacter p ylori has yet to be determined. This paper summarizes some of the late st treatment strategies for eradicating H. pylori infection. Method. L iterature review by author. Results: Successful eradication of H. pylo ri requires the use of combination therapy involving control of gastri c acid secretion together with anti-microbial drugs. The two most popu lar strategies use either a proton-pump inhibitor or an Hz antagonist plus two antibiotics-usually metronidazole, amoxycillin or clarithromy cin. Ranitidine bismuth citrate is a co-precipitate of ranitidine hydr ochloride and bismuth citrate, producing a high rate of H. pylori erad ication when combined with clarithromycin. Future development of this combination may involve the addition of a second antibiotic. Conclusio n: Modern combination therapy usually results in an 80-95% H. pylori e radication rate in compliant patients.