HELICOBACTER-PYLORI ERADICATION - COMPARISON OF 3 DRUG REGIMENS AND SYMPTOMATIC ASSESSMENT IN DUODENITIS AND ANTRAL GASTRITIS

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication in peptic ulcer disease is associ ated with a greatly reduced recurrence rate. The optimal drug regimen for Hp eradication remains uncertain. It is also unclear if eradicatio n of Hp in duodenitis and antral gastritis improves symptoms. The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy of three drug regimens in the eradication of Hp and to assess if Hp eradication improved symptom s in patients with duodenitis and antral gastritis. Patients (n=79) fo und to have duodenal ulcer, duodenitis and/or antral gastritis with a positive urease test (CLO) at endoscopy were allocated to one of three regimens: A. omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg t.d.s. f or two weeks (n=27), B. De-Nol 240 mg b.d. for four weeks, metronidazo le 400 mg t.d.s, and amoxicillin 500 mg t.d.s. for one week (n=26), an d C. omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and amoxicillin 500 mg t.d.s. for two weeks (n=26). In conclusion, traditional 'triple' therapy with bismuth and two antibiotics achieved the highest Hp eradication rate and was best tolerated, Recolonisation with Hp was uncommon after eradication. Dysp eptic symptoms improved with Hp eradication in duodenitis antral gastr itis.