Success of susceptibility-guided eradication of Helicobacter pylori in a region with high secondary clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance rates

BACKGROUND Resistance to clarithromycin(CLA)and levofloxacin(LFX)of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is increasing in severity,and successful eradication is essential.Presently,the eradication success rate has greatly declined,leaving a large number of patients with previous treatment histories.AIM To investigate secondary resistance rates,explore risk factors for antibiotic resistance,and assess the efficacy of susceptibility-guided therapy.METHODS We recruited 154 subjects positive for Urea Breath Test who attended The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between July 2022 and April 2023.Participants underwent a string test after an overnight fast.The gastric juice was obtained and transferred to vials containing storage solution.Subsequently,DNA extraction and the specific DNA amplification were performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Demographic information was also analyzed as part of the study.Based on these results,the participants were administered susceptibility-guided treatment.Efficacy was compared with that of the empiric treatment group.RESULTS A total of 132 individuals tested positive for the H.pylori ureA gene by qPCR technique.CLA resistance rate reached a high level of 82.6%(n=109),LFX resistance rate was 69.7%(n=92)and dual resistance was 62.1%(n=82).Gastric symptoms[odds ratio(OR)=2.782;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.076-7.194;P=0.035]and rural residence(OR=5.152;95%CI:1.407-18.861;P=0.013)were independent risk factors for secondary resistance to CLA and LFX,respectively.A total of 102 and 100 individuals received susceptibility-guided therapies and empiric treatment,respectively.The antibiotic susceptibility-guided treatment and empiric treatment groups achieved successful eradication rates of 75.5%(77/102)and 59.0%(59/411)by the intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis and 90.6%(77/85)and 70.2%(59/84)by the per-protocol(PP)analysis,respectively.The eradication rates of these two treatment strategies were significantly different in both ITT(P=0.001)and PP(P=0.012)analyses.CONCLUSION H.pylori presented high secondary resistance rates to CLA and LFX.For patients with previous treatment failures,treatments should be guided by antibiotic susceptibility tests or regional antibiotic resistance profile.

Minocycline in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Difficulty in obtaining tetracycline,increased adverse reactions,and relatively complicated medication methods have limited the clinical application of the classic bismuth quadruple therapy.Therefore,the search for new alternative drugs has become one of the research hotspots.In recent years,minocycline,as a semisynthetic tetracycline,has demonstrated good potential for eradicating Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,but the systematic evaluation of its role remains lacking.AIM To explore the efficacy,safety,and compliance of minocycline in eradicating H.pylori infection.METHODS We comprehensively retrieved the electronic databases of PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,SinoMed,and Wanfang database as of October 30,2023,and finally included 22 research reports on H.pylori eradication with minocycline-containing regimens as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The eradication rates of H.pylori were calculated using a fixed or a random effect model,and the heterogeneity and publication bias of the studies were measured.RESULTS The single-arm meta-analysis revealed that the minocycline-containing regimens achieved good overall H.pylori eradication rates,reaching 82.3%[95%confidence interval(CI):79.7%-85.1%]in the intention-to-treat analysis and 90.0%(95%CI:87.7%-92.4%)in the per-protocol analysis.The overall safety and compliance of the minocycline-containing regimens were good,demonstrating an overall incidence of adverse reactions of 36.5%(95%CI:31.5%-42.2%).Further by traditional meta-analysis,the results showed that the minocycline-containing regimens were not statistically different from other commonly used eradication regimens in eradication rate and incidence of adverse effects.Most of the adverse reactions were mild to moderate and well-tolerated,and dizziness was relatively prominent in the minocycline-containing regimens(16%).CONCLUSION The minocycline-containing regimens demonstrated good efficacy,safety,and compliance in H.pylori eradication.Minocycline has good potential to replace tetracycline for eradicating H.pylori infection.

Non-improvement of atrophic gastritis in cases of gastric cancer after successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is closely related to the development of gastric cancer(GC).However,GC can develop even after H.pylori eradication.Therefore,it would be extremely useful if GC could be predicted after eradication.The Kyoto classification score for gastritis(GA)is closely related to cancer risk.However,how the score for GC changes after eradication before onset is not well understood.AIM To investigate the characteristics of the progression of Kyoto classification scores for GC after H.pylori eradication.METHODS Eradication of H.pylori was confirmed in all patients using either the urea breath test or the stool antigen test.The Kyoto classification score of GC patients was evaluated by endoscopy at the time of event onset and three years earlier.In ad-dition,the modified atrophy score was evaluated and compared between the GC group and the control GA group.RESULTS In total,30 cases of early GC and 30 cases of chronic GA were evaluated.The pathology of the cancer cases was differentiated adenocarcinoma,except for one case of undifferentiated adenocarcinoma.The total score of the Kyoto classifi-cation was significantly higher in the GC group both at the time of cancer onset and three years earlier(4.97 vs 3.73,P=0.0034;4.2 vs 3.1,P=0.0035,respectively).The modified atrophy score was significantly higher in the GC group both at the time of cancer onset and three years earlier and was significantly improved only in the GA group(5.3 vs 5.3,P=0.5;3.73 vs 3.1,P=0.0475,respectively).CONCLUSION The course of the modified atrophy score is useful for predicting the onset of GC after eradication.Patients with severe atrophy after H.pylori eradication require careful monitoring.

Helicobacter pylori:High dose amoxicillin does not improve primary or secondary eradication rates in an Irish cohort

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication rates have fallen globally,likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy.In areas of high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance such as ours,Maastricht VI guidelines suggest high dose amoxicillin dual therapy(HDADT)can be considered,subject to evidence for local efficacy.In this study we assess efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort.AIM To assess the efficacy of HDADT therapy for H.pylori eradication in an Irish cohort as both first line,and subsequent therapy for patients diagnosed with H.pylori.METHODS All patients testing positive for H.pylori in a tertiary centre were treated prospectively with HDADT(amoxicillin 1 g tid and esomeprazole 40 mg bid×14 d)over a period of 8 months.Eradication was confirmed with Urea Breath Test at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy.A delta-over-baseline>4%was considered positive.Patient demographics and treatment outcomes were recorded,analysed and controlled for basic demographics and prior H.pylori treatment.RESULTS One hundred and ninety-eight patients were identified with H.pylori infection,10 patients were excluded due to penicillin allergy and 38 patients refused follow up testing.In all 139 were included in the analysis,55%(n=76)were female,mean age was 46.6 years.Overall,93(67%)of patients were treatment-naïve and 46(33%)had received at least one previous course of treatment.The groups were statistically similar.Self-reported compliance with HDADT was 97%,mild side-effects occurred in 7%.There were no serious adverse drug reactions.Overall the eradication rate for our cohort was 56%(78/139).Eradication rates were worse for those with previous treatment[43%(20/46)vs 62%(58/93),P=0.0458,odds ratio=2.15].Age and Gender had no effect on eradication status.CONCLUSION Overall eradication rates with HDADT were disappointing.Despite being a simple and possibly better tolerated regime,these results do not support its routine use in a high dual resistance country.Further investigation of other regimens to achieve the>90%eradication target is needed.

Eradication Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Evaluation of Therapeutic Strategies in N’Djamena

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the most widespread bacterial infection in the world. The infection is generally acquired in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. Eradication therapy has undergone several modifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different therapeutic strategies used in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Reference Nationale of N’Djaména. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive analytical study spread over one year, from September 2021 to September 2022. Patients at least 15 years of age presenting with dyspeptic symptoms, seen consecutively in a hepato-gastroenterology consultation and with a positive stool test for H. pylori infection, were included in the study. Equally, 1/3 of patients were treated with dual or triple therapy. The remaining third received quadritherapy. Results: A total of 268 patients were included in the study (mean age 38.40 ± 14.66 with extremes of 16 and 80 years). Males predominated in 58% of cases. Overall therapeutic efficacy was 88.9%. According to different therapeutic strategies, efficacy was 90.75% for dual therapy with PPI (Rabeprazole) and Amoxicillin. On the other hand, efficacy was 87% and 88.88% for PPI-based triple therapy and dual antibiotic therapy, and for PPI-based quadruple therapy and triple antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is a common disease in Chad. Dual therapy with rabeprazole combined with a high dose of amoxicillin over a period of at least two weeks showed similar if not better efficacy than triple or quadruple therapy.

Evaluation of the “Helicobacter pylori” Eradication Rate by Bismuth Quadritherapy or Concomitant Quadritherapy in Black Africans

Introduction: Gastric infection by “Helicobacter pylori” remains a topical issue due to the evolving scientific data concerning its pathophysiology, the diseases and pathologies concerned, which now extend beyond the gastric or digestive sphere, and the treatment methods faced with the development of antibiotic resistance. Diagnosis of infection involves two inseparable aspects: identification of the bacterium itself and identification of the endoscopic and histological lesions caused by the bacterium. Objective: To evaluate the rate of eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection by bismuth quadruple therapy and concomitant treatment. Patients and methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study of all outpatients in the hepato-gastroenterology department during the study period from 1 January 2022 to 30 November 2023. All patients had undergone oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy and the diagnosis was made by histological examination of the gastric biopsy. Results: Our 113 patients comprised 68 men and 46 women. The sex ratio was 1.48 in favour of men. The mean age of our patients was 40.28 years, with extremes of 13 and 80 years. The clinical signs that prompted oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy were as follows: epigastralgia (69.91%), dyspepsia (14.16%), vomiting (7.08%), gastro-oesophageal reflux (6.19%) and altered general condition with weight loss (2.65%). The endoscopic lesions were: gastropathy (antral, fundic and diffuse: antro-fundial) (69.02%), bulbar ulcer (6.19%), gastric ulcer (5.31%). Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with chronic gastritis in all our patients;it was mild in 50%, moderate in 41% and severe in 9%. The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori according to the treatment protocol used was 92.30% for bismuth quadruple therapy and 94.12% for concomitant quadruple therapy. Conclusion: The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori in our study was 92.30% and 94.12% respectively for bismuth quadritherapy and concomitant therapy. Therapeutic compliance was good in 89.60% for all protocols combined, despite the occurrence of side effects in 36.22% of cases.

Effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the treatment of early-stage gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma:An up-to-date meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma(GML)is usually a low-grade B-cell neoplasia strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-induced chronic gastritis.Clinical practice guidelines currently recommend H.pylori eradication as the preferred initial treatment for early-stage GML.To determine the practical effect of bacterial eradication as the sole initial therapy for early-stage GML,an updated analysis and review of available evidence is imperative.AIM To perform a meta-analysis to assess the rate of complete remission(CR)of H.pylori-positive early-stage GML following bacterial eradication.METHODS We performed independent,computer-assisted literature searches using the PubMed/MEDLINE,Embase,and Cochrane Central databases through September 2022.Prospective and retrospective observational studies evaluating the CR of early-stage GML following bacterial eradication in H.pylori-positive patients.The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI)Critical Appraisal Tools.The pooled estimate of the complete histopathological remission rate and respective confidence intervals(95%CI)were calculated following the random-effects model.Heterogeneity and inconsistency were assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistic,and heterogeneity was defined as P<0.01 and I²>50%,respectively.Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.RESULTS The titles and abstracts of 1576 studies were screened;96 articles were retrieved and selected for full-text reading.Finally,61 studies were included in the proportional meta-analysis(P-MA).Forty-six were prospective and fifteen were retrospective uncontrolled,single-arm,observational studies.The overall risk of bias was low to moderate in all but a single report,with an average critical appraisal score across all studies of 79.02%.A total of 2936 H.pylori-positive early-stage GML patients,in whom H.pylori was successfully eradicated,were included in the analysis.The pooled CR of H.pylori-positive early-stage GML after bacterial eradication was 75.18%(95%CI:70.45%-79.91%).P-MA indicated the substantial heterogeneity in CR reported across studies(I2=92%;P<0.01).Meta-regression analysis identified statistically significant effect modifiers,including the proportion of patients with t(11;18)(q21;q21)-positive GML and the risk of bias in each study.CONCLUSION Comprehensive synthesis of available evidence suggests that H.pylori eradication is effective as the sole initial therapy for early-stage GML.Although the substantial heterogeneity observed across studies limits the interpretation of the pooled overall CR,the present study is a relevant to informing clinical practice.

Disease trends after Helicobacter pylori eradication based on Japanese nationwide claims and the health check-up database

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a risk factor for many diseases,including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.While H.pylori eradication therapy can prevent these diseases,potentially unfavorable effects of eradication therapy have also been reported in some diseases,such as gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD),Barrett’s esophagus(BE),inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),allergic diseases,and metabolic diseases.Consequently,both positive and negative impacts should be considered when assessing the effects of H.pylori eradication therapy.AIM To compare the incidence of these diseases before and after H.pylori eradication and to comprehensively assess its effects.METHODS This retrospective cohort study used a Japanese nationwide health claims database(April 2009-March 2020),developed by the Japanese Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare.The database contained almost all health insurance claims data issued in Japan,and specific health check-up data for individuals who took the check-ups.Descriptive statistics were used for the analyses.Patients who received primary eradication therapy were defined as those prescribed medication for H.pylori eradication.New diagnoses,defined as incidence of upper gastrointestinal diseases and IBD,and prevalence of allergic diseases were compared before and after eradication.The incidence and prevalence of each disease were also compared between the 3-year period before eradication(from the 4th to the 2nd year prior to the year of eradication)and the 3-year period after eradication(from the 1st to the 3rd year after the year of eradication)based on the age category and calendar year and month.Changes in body mass index and proportion of patients with metabolic syndrome(MS)were examined before and after eradication.RESULTS We identified 5219731 patients who received primary eradication therapy.The 65-69 years age group had the greatest number of patients in both sexes.There was no significant increase in the incidence of GERD after eradication when considering the effects of aging and reporting period.However,the incidence of BE was higher in the 3-year period after eradication than in the 3-year period before eradication for all age categories(0.02%-0.10%vs<0.01%-0.05%).The incidence of IBD and prevalence of allergic disease were also higher after eradication.In contrast,the incidence of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastritis was reduced after eradication.In patients with at least one entry of health check-up data(1701111 patients),the percentage of patients with MS showed a slight increase following eradication(11.0%in the year of eradication and 12.2%after 5 years).CONCLUSION The results suggest that H.pylori eradication therapy reduces peptic ulcers and gastritis;however,it is associated with increased incidence of several other chronic diseases.

Susceptibility patterns and virulence genotypes of Helicobacter pylori affecting eradication therapy outcomes among Egyptian patients with gastroduodenal diseases

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is a significant human pathogen that is responsible for a variety of illnesses,including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma,gastric cancer,peptic ulcers,and gastritis.AIM To investigate the frequency of H.pylori infection and its resistance patterns among Egyptian patients and to determine the influence of H.pylori virulence genetic determinants on the eradication success of 14-d triple therapy regimen.METHODS H.pylori infections were investigated in 72 patients with gastroduodenal complications suggestive of H.pylori infection.The cagA and vacA genotypes of cultured strains were studied using polymerase chain reaction.The patients underwent 14 d of triple-therapy treatment.The treatment response was examined using histology and a rapid urease test 6 wk after therapy discontinuation.RESULTS The intention-to-treat eradication rate was 59.2%(95%CI:48.2%-70.3%).Rates of H.pylori resistance to clarithromycin,amoxicillin,and metronidazole were 52.8%,81.9%,and 100%,respectively.Successful eradication of H.pylori was more significantly associated with vacA s1-positive strains[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=0.507,95%CI:0.175-0.822].A significant association was found between failed eradication rate and H.pylori strains resistant to clarithromycin(aOR=0.204,95%CI:-0.005 to 0.412)and amoxicillin(aOR=0.223,95%CI:0.026-0.537).CONCLUSION This study’s low H.pylori eradication rate following 14-d triple therapy is concerning and worrying.H.pylori pan-resistance to metronidazole followed by the high resistance to ciprofloxacin,amoxicillin,and clarithromycin in this research is challenging and of great concern.

Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment for primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:A single-center analysis

BACKGROUND Unlike the already established effect of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication on gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma,its therapeutic effect on primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is still unclear.AIM To clarify the efficacy of H.pylori eradication treatment for primary gastric DLBCL.METHODS We reported on 3 new cases,and added them to 3 previously reported cases.We analyzed the usefulness of H.pylori eradication treatment for gastric DLBCL for a total of 6 cases at our center.RESULTS Of the 6 patients(27-90 years old,3 males and 3 females),all 3 patients with single lesions(one transformed from MALT lymphoma)achieved complete remission(CR)after H.pylori eradication.Regarding the 2 newly reported cases,CR was maintained for more than 6 years with eradication treatment alone.In contrast,none of the 3 patients with 2 lesions achieved CR.In 1 newly reported case,endoscopic CR was achieved in one lesion,while stable disease was obtained in the other lesion.Two patients with progressive disease responded to standard chemo therapy±radiation and remained in CR for more than 6 years.CONCLUSION We believe it is worthwhile to attempt H.pylori eradication for elderly patients with primary gastric DLBCL in a single lesion with a small tumor burden.

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for functional dyspepsia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate whether Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication therapy benefits patients with functional dyspepsia(FD).METHODS: Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of H. pylori eradication therapy for patients with functional dyspepsia published in English(up to May 2015) were identified by searching Pub Med, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library. Pooled estimates were measured using the fixed or random effect model. Overall effect was expressed as a pooled risk ratio(RR) or a standard mean difference(SMD). All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0.RESULTS: This systematic review included 25 RCTs with a total of 5555 patients with FD. Twenty-three of these studies were used to evaluate the benefits of H. pylori eradication therapy for symptom improvement; the pooled RR was 1.23(95%CI: 1.12-1.36, P < 0.0001). H. pylori eradication therapy demonstrated symptom improvement during long-term follow-up at ≥ 1 year(RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.12-1.37, P < 0.0001) but not during short-term follow-up at < 1 year(RR = 1.26; 95%CI: 0.83-1.92, P = 0.27). Seven studies showed no benefit of H. pylori eradication therapy on quality of life with an SMD of-0.01(95%CI:-0.11 to 0.08, P = 0.80). Six studies demonstrated that H. pylori eradication therapy reduced the development of peptic ulcer disease compared to no eradication therapy(RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.18-0.68, P = 0.002). Eight studies showed that H. pylori eradication therapy increased the likelihood of treatment-related side effects compared to no eradication therapy(RR = 2.02; 95%CI: 1.12-3.65, P = 0.02). Ten studies demonstrated that patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy were more likely to obtain histologic resolution of chronic gastritis compared to those who did not receive eradication therapy(RR = 7.13; 95%CI: 3.68-13.81, P < 0.00001).CONCLUSION: The decision to eradicate H. pylori in patients with functional dyspepsia requires individual assessment.

Can eradication rate of gastric Helicobacter pylori be improved by killing oral Helicobacter pylori ?

AIM:To evaluate the influence of oral Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)on the success of eradication therapy against gastric H.pylori.METHODS:A total of 391 patients with dyspepsia were examined for H.pylori using the saliva H.pylori antigen test(HPS),13C-urea breath test(UBT),gastroscopy,and gastric mucosal histopathological detection.Another 40 volunteers without discomfort were subjected to HPS and13C-UBT,and served as the control group.The 233 patients who were13C-UBT+were enrolled in this study and divided into 4 groups.Patients who were HPS-and13C-UBT+(n=53)received triple therapy alone.Those who were both HPS+and13CUBT+(n=180)were randomly divided into 3 groups:(1)the O+G+t group which received triple therapy alone(n=53);(2)the O+G+tm group which received both triple therapy and mouthrinse treatment(n=65);and(3)the O+G+tmp group which received triple therapy,mouthrinse,and periodontal treatment(n=62).The HPS and13C-UBT were continued for 4 wk after completion of treatment,and the eradication rate of gastric H.pylori and the prevalence of oral H.pylori in the 4 groups were then compared.RESULTS:The eradication rates of gastric H.pylori in the O-G+t group,the O+G+tm group,and the O+G+tmp group were 93.3%,90.0%,and 94.7%respectively;all of these rates were higher than that of the O+G+t group(78.4%)[O-G+t group vs O+G+t group(P=0.039);O+G+tm group vs O+G+t group(P=0.092);O+G+tmp group vs O+G+t group(P=0.012);O+G+tm group vs O-G+t group(P=0.546);O+G+tmp group vs O-G+t group(P=0.765);O+G+tm group vs O+G+tmp group(P=0.924)].The eradication of gastric H.pylori was significantly improved using the combination of triple therapy,mouthrinse,and periodontal treatment.The eradication rates of gastric H.pylori in the peptic ulcer group,chronic atrophic gastritis group and control group were higher than in the duodenitis group and the superficial gastritis group.The prevalence rates of oral H.pylori in the O-G+t group,O+G+t group,O+G+tm group and O+G+tmp group following treatment were 0%,76.5%,53.3%,and 50.9%,respectively[O-G+t group vs O+G+t group(P<0.0001);O+G+tm group vs O+G+t group(P=0.011);O+G+tmp group vs O+G+t group(P=0.006);O+G+tm group vs O-G+t group(P<0.0001);O+G+tmp group vs O-G+t group(P<0.0001);O+G+tm group vs the O+G+tmp group(P=0.790)].Both mouthrinse and periodontal treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of oral H.pylori.CONCLUSION:Mouthrinse treatment alone or combined with periodontal treatment can,to some extent,reduce the prevalence of oral H.pylori and improve the eradication rate of gastric H.pylori.

Histological changes of gastric mucosa after Helicobacter pylori eradication:a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To systematically review pathological changes of gastric mucosa in gastric atrophy(GA)and intestinal metaplasia(IM)after Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication.METHODS:A systematic search was made of PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,ClinicalTrials.gov,OVID and the Cochran Library databases for articles published before March 2013 pertaining to H.pylori and gastric premalignant lesions.Relevant outcomes from articles included in the meta-analysis were combined using Review Manager 5.2 software.A Begg’s test was applied to test for publication bias using STATA 11software.χ2 and I2 analyses were used to assess heterogeneity.Analysis of data with no heterogeneity(P>0.1,I2<25%)was carried out with a fixed effects model,otherwise the causes of heterogeneity were first analyzed and then a random effects model was applied.RESULTS:The results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled weighted mean difference(WMD)with 95%CI was 0.23(0.18-0.29)between eradication and non-eradication of H.pylori infection in antral IM with a significant overall effect(Z=8.19;P<0.00001)and no significant heterogeneity(χ2=27.54,I2=16%).The pooled WMD with 95%CI was-0.01(-0.04-0.02)for IM in the corpus with no overall effect(Z=0.66)or heterogeneity(χ2=14.87,I2=0%)(fixed effects model).In antral GA,the pooled WMD with 95%CI was 0.25(0.15-0.35)with a significant overall effect(Z=4.78;P<0.00001)and significant heterogeneity(χ2=86.12,I2=71%;P<0.00001).The pooled WMD with 95%CI for GA of the corpus was 0.14(0.04-0.24)with a significant overall effect(Z=2.67;P=0.008)and significant heterogeneity(χ2=44.79,I2=62%;P=0.0003)(random effects model).CONCLUSION:H.pylori eradication strongly correlates with improvement in IM in the antrum and GA in the corpus and antrum of the stomach.

Efficacy of tailored Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility and CYP2C19 genotype

The cure rates of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)eradication therapy using a proton pump inhibitor(PPI)and antimicrobial agents such as amoxicillin,clarithromycin,and metronidazole are mainly influenced by bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and the magnitude of the inhibition of acid secretion.Annual cure rates have gradually decreased because of the increased prevalence of H.pylori strains resistant to antimicrobial agents,especially to clarithromycin.Alternative regimens have therefore been developed incorporating different antimicrobial agents.Further,standard PPI therapy(twice-daily dosing)often fails to induce a long-term increase in intragastric pH>4.0.Increasing the eradication rate requires more frequent and higher doses of PPIs.Therapeutic efficacy related to acid secretion is influenced by genetic factors such as variants of the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes(e.g.,cytochrome P450 2C19,CYP2C19),drug transporters(e.g.,multidrug resistance protein-1;ABCB1),and inflammatory cytokines(e.g.,interleukin-1β).For example,quadruple daily administration of PPI therapy potently inhibits acid secretion within 24 h,irrespective of CYP2C19 genotype.Therefore,tailored H.pylori eradication regimens that address acid secretion and employ optimal antimicrobial agents based on results of antimicrobial agent-susceptibility testing may prove effective in attaining higher eradication rates.

Are probiotics useful in Helicobacter pylori eradication?

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is considered an etiologic factor for the development of peptic ulcer disease,gastric adenocarcinoma, and MALT lymphoma.Therapeutic schemes to eradicate the bacteria are based on double antibiotic therapy and proton pump inhibitor. Despite many therapeutic improvements in H. pylori eradication treatment, it is still associated with high infection rate also in developed countries.Bacterial resistance and adverse events occurrence are among most frequent causes for anti- H. pylori treatment failure. Several studies have reported that certain probiotic strains can exhibit inhibitory activity against H. pylori bacteria. In addition, some probiotic strains can reduce the occurrence of side effects due to antibiotic therapy and consequently increase the H.pylori eradication rate. The results of the prospective double-blind placebo-controlled studies suggest that specific probiotics, such as S. boulardii and L.johnsonni La1 probably can diminish the bacterial load,but not completely eradicate the H. pylori bacteria.Furthermore, it seems that supplementation with S. boulardii is a useful concomitant therapy in the standard H. pylori eradication treatment protocol and most probably increases eradication rate. L. reuteri is equally effective, but more positive studies are needed. Finally, probiotic strains, such as S. boulardii,L. reuteri and L. GG, decrease gastrointestinal antibiotic associated adverse effects.

Characteristics and predictors of gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication can reduce gastric cancer. However, gastric cancer still develops after eradication, and cases who received eradication therapy are increasing. In this study, we have reviewed the characteristics and predictors of primary gastric cancer developing after H. pylori eradication. In terms of the characteristics, endoscopic, histologic, and molecular characteristics are reported. Endoscopically, gastric cancer after eradication is often depressedtype and shows a gastritis-like appearance, which sometimes makes the diagnosis difficult. Histologically, most gastric cancer after eradication is intestinal type, and non-neoplastic epithelium, also called epithelium with low-grade atypia, is frequently seen over the tumor, which is presumably the cause of the endoscopic gastritis-like appearance. As for molecular characteristics, some markers, such as Ki67, MUC2, and Wnt5a expression, are lower in cancer from patients in whom H. pylori has been eradicated. In terms of predictors, several Japanese studies have reported that severe endoscopic atrophy at eradication is a risk factor for gastric cancer development. Histologic intestinal metaplasia, especially in the corpus, and long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, are also reported as risk factors for gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication. These studies on the characteristics and predictors of gastric cancer development will become the cornerstone for establishing a novel surveillance program based on the gastric cancer risk stratification specific to H. pylori-eradicated patients.

Probiotic monotherapy and Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review with pooled-data analysis

AIM To define probiotic monotherapy effect on Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) status by performing a systematic review.METHODS Methods of analysis and inclusion criteria were based on PRISMA recommendations. Relevant publications were identified by searching Pub Med, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and EMBASE. The end-point was to estimate eradication rate and urea breath test delta value before and after probiotic monotherapy across all studies and, overall, with a pooled data analysis. Adverse events of probiotic therapy were evaluated. The data were expressed as proportions/percentages, and 95%CIs were calculated. For continuous variables, we evaluated the weighted mean difference. Odd ratios(ORs) were calculated according to the Peto method for the comparison of eradication rates between probiotics and placebo.RESULTS Eleven studies were selected. Probiotics eradicated H. pylori in 50 out of 403 cases. The mean weighted eradication rate was 14%(95%CI: 2%-25%, P =0.02). Lactobacilli eradicated the bacterium in 30 out of 235 patients, with a mean weighted rate of 16%(95%CI: 1%-31%). Saccharomyces boulardii achieved eradication in 6 out of 63 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 12%(95%CI: 0%-29%). Multistrain combinations were effective in 14 out of 105 patients, with a pooled eradication rate of 14%(95%CI: 0%-43%). In the comparison of probiotics vs placebo, we found an OR of 7.91 in favor of probiotics(95%CI: 2.97-21.05, P < 0.001). Probiotics induced a mean reduction in delta values higher than placebo(8.61% with a 95%CI: 5.88-11.34, vs 0.19% for placebo, P < 0.001). Finally, no significant difference in adverse events was found between probiotics and placebo(OR = 1, 95%CI: 0.06-18.08).CONCLUSION Probiotics alone show a minimal effect on H. pylori clearance, thus suggesting a likely direct role.

First-line eradication of Helicobacter pylori:Are the standard triple therapies obsolete? A different perspective

Studies concerning the eradication of Helicobacter pylori have resulted in a proliferation of meta-analyses. To date, there are 303 meta-analyses cited in PubMed, 113 dealing with the therapy of the infection. A chronological analysis of the results of meta-analyses performed between 1998 and 2010 shows that first-line standard triple therapies achieved eradication rates on an intention-to-treat basis of around 80%; prolonging treatment to 14, but not 10 d should improve the results. The proton pump inhibitors have a similar efficiency, and giving a double dose is more efficient than the standard doses of these drugs. Triple and quadruple therapies proved to be equivalent. Based on meta-analytical data, the decrease in efficiency over time cannot be substantiated: eradication rates < 80% followed from the introduction of triple therapies. As alternatives, ranitidine bismuth citrate-, levofloxacinor furazolidone-based therapies were shown to obtain the same eradication rates as standard triple regimens. Sequential therapies and quadruple non-bismuth-based therapies were superior to standard triple therapies but their use is limited to certain countries. In the author's opinion, and from a meta-analytical viewpoint, standard triple therapies cannot yet be considered obsolete. Furthermore, noninferiority trials are proposed for the future, including assessment of local contemporary antimicrobial resistance profi les and the CagA and CYP2C19 status of the enrolled patients.

Outcomes of furazolidone-and amoxicillin-based quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection and predictors of failed eradication

AIM To evaluate the outcomes of furazolidone-and amoxicillin-based quadruple therapy for treatment of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and identify predictors of failed eradication.METHODS Patients with H. pylori infection treated with furazolidone, amoxicillin, bismuth, and proton pump inhibitor therapy(January 2015 to December 2015) who received the ^(13)C-urea breath test > 4 wk after treatment were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data including prior H. pylori treatment attempts, medication adherence, alcohol and cigarette consumption during therapy, and treatment-related adverse events were recorded by reviewing medical records and telephone surveys. H. pylori eradication rates for overall and subgroups were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of failed H. pylori eradication.RESULTS Of the 992 patients treated and retested for H. pylori infection, the overall eradication rate was 94.5% [95% confidence interval(CI): 94.1%-95.9%]. H. pylori eradication rate of primary therapy was 95.0%(95%CI: 93.5%-96.5%), while that of rescue therapy was 91.3%(95%CI: 86.8%-95.8%). Among the 859 patients who completed the study protocol, 144(17%) reported treatment-related adverse events including 24(3%) leading to premature discontinuation. On multivariate analysis, poor medication adherence [adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 6.7, 95%CI: 2.8-15.8], two or more previous H. pylori treatments(AOR = 7.4, 95%CI: 2.2-24.9), alcohol consumption during therapy(AOR = 4.4, 95%CI: 1.5-12.3), and possibly smoking during therapy(AOR = 1.9, 95%CI: 0.9-4.3) were associated with failed H. pylori eradication. CONCLUSION Furazolidone-and amoxicillin-based quadruple therapy for H. pylori infection in an area with a high prevalence of clarithromycin resistance demonstrated high eradication rates as primary and rescue therapies with a favorable safety profile. Patient education targeting abstinence from alcohol during therapy and strict medication adherence may further optimize H. pylori eradication.

Effects of daily telephone-based re-education before taking medicine on Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective single-center study from China

AIM: To investigate the effects of daily telephonebased re-education(TRE) before taking medicine for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) on the compliance and the eradication rate in a Chinese patient population.METHODS : Aprospective, physician-blind e d, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted. The patients were randomly assigned to receive TRE every day before taking medicine(TRE group) or no TRE(control group). The patients in the TRE group received regular instructions before taking medicine for the eradication of H. pylori during the entire courseof treatment through telephone calls. The patients in the control group received detailed instructions at the time of seeing a doctor for the guidance. The primary outcome was the H. pylori eradication rate after treatment. The secondary outcomes included the clinical remissions after treatment, adverse events, compliance, and patients' satisfaction.RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were randomized, 70 to the TRE group and 70 to the control group. As the primary outcome, the H. pylori eradication rates in the TRE and control groups were 62.7% and 71.2% in per protocol analysis(P = 0.230), and 52.9% and 52.9% in intention-to-treat analysis(P = 0.567), respectively. As the secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences in the patients' satisfaction between the two groups(good, 79.7% vs 76.9%; fair, 13.6% vs 19.2%; poor, 6.7% vs 3.9%, for the TRE group and control group, respectively; P > 0.05 for all); the rates of adverse effects were 15.2% and 63.5% in the TRE and control groups, respectively(P < 0.001); the compliance rates in the TRE and control groups were 85.7% and 74.3%, respectively(P = 0.069).CONCLUSION: Daily TRE before taking medicine had no significant impact on the patients' compliance, satisfaction, or H. pylori eradication, but reduced the rate of adverse events.