Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: March 7, 2025
Helicobacter pylori eradication in long-term proton pump inhibitor users in primary care: a randomized controlled
A S Raghunath1, A P S Hungin, J Mason
1School for Health, University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Wolfson Research Unit, University Boulevard, Stockton-on-Tees, UK. raghu@nath.freeserve.co.uk
Background:
Two-thirds of proton pump inhibitor prescribing in the UK is for long-term therapy.
Aim:
To determine the impact of eradication in long-term proton pump inhibitor users infected with Helicobacter pylori.
Methods:
A total of 184 H. pylori-positive patients were randomly assigned to true or placebo eradication therapy. The primary outcome was the change in proton pump inhibitor usage measured by prescriptions; secondary outcomes were changes of proton pump inhibitor doses, dyspepsia symptoms, general practitioner consultations and quality of life measures.
Results:
In the year following H. pylori eradication proton pump inhibitor prescriptions fell compared with placebo (-1.7, 95% CI: -2.3 to -1.1, P < 0.001); when adjusted to full-dose equivalent prescriptions the reduction was more marked (-2.2, 95% CI: -3.0 to -1.4, P < 0.001). Both general practitioner consultations (-1.0, 95% CI: -1.8 to -0.1, P = 0.026) and symptoms measured on the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (-3.1, 95% CI: -5.3 to -0.9, P = 0.005) were reduced. Quality of life and self-rating measures also favoured eradication (EQ-5D: 0.09, P = 0.08 and VAS: 5.6, P = 0.002). The Carlsson and Dent Reflux Questionnaire found no difference between groups (-0.3, P = 0.65), possibly balancing decreased overall symptoms with increased prominence of heartburn in the eradication group.
Conclusions:
Helicobacter pylori eradication in infected, long-term proton pump inhibitor users in primary care reduced both the overall severity of symptoms and use of health care.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
01:13Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gastric acid, a potent cocktail of hydrogen and chloride ions, is produced in specialized parietal cells within the...
01:24Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.