Triple therapy with clarithromycin, omeprazole, and amoxicillin for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer patients in Asia and Africa

Background: Studies assessing the efficacy of triple therapy containing cla rithromycin and amoxicillin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infe ction and healing of duodenal ulcers in Asian and African countries are lim ited. Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of 1-week triple therapy with ome prazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for eradicating H. pylori infection in patients with active duodenal ulcer living in Asian and African regions . Methods: This was an open-label, multicentre study in 11 centres in Asia an d Africa. Patients with endoscopy-proven duodenal ulcer and who were H. pyl ori-positive were treated with clarithromycin 500 mg, omeprazole 20 mg, and amoxicillin 1000 mg, all given twice daily for 7 days. Upper endoscopy was repeated at week 6 to check for ulcer healing and H. pylori status. Results: A total of 117 patients were recruited. H. pylori eradication rate s were 85% by per protocol analysis and 80% by intention-to-treat analysis. Ulcer healing was found in 94% of subjects (per protocol analysis). Clinic al success, measured by change of pre-treatment ulcer symptoms, was strongl y supported by complete resolution or improvement in 100% of the evaluable patients (per protocol analysis). Since treatment-related adverse events, w hen present, were largely mild or moderate, the triple therapy regimen was considered safe. Conclusion: Seven-day triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clar ithromycin was efficacious for treating Asian and African patients with duo denal ulcer disease associated with H. pylori infection, and the treatment regimen was well-tolerated.