Dual versus triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Duodenal ulcers should be treated by eradication of Helicobacter pylori. This study compared the efficacy of a proton pump inhibitor together with one or two antibiotics in eradication therapy.

177 patients who were H. pylori positive were randomized to receive 14 days of either: lansoprazole 30 mg bd and amoxicillin 1 g bd (LA), omeprazole 20 mg bd and amoxicillin 1 g bd (OA) or lansoprazole 30 mg bd, amoxicillin 1 g bd and clarithromycin 500 mg bd (LAC). The efficacy was assessed at four weeks and at six months after the end of treatment. Biopsies were taken for culture and bacterial sensitivity testing at inclusion and at four weeks after the end of treatment.

149 patients were evaluated for efficacy. The eradication rate was significantly higher in LAC (96%) compared to LA (51%) and OA (64%) treatments (P < 0.001). At baseline 17%, 21% and 19% of the patients in the LA, OA and LAC groups, respectively, were resistant to metronidazole and only one patient was resistant to clarithromycin. Post-treatment, four patients had acquired metronidazole resistance.

LAC is more effective than LA and OA for eradication of H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease.