Randomised controlled trial: sequential vs. standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common cause of gastritis in children.
• Standard triple therapies have variable eradication rates.
• 10-day sequential treatment regimens show promise for improved H. pylori eradication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a 10-day sequential therapy versus standard triple therapy for H. pylori eradication in Chinese children.
• To evaluate H. pylori eradication rates using H. pylori stool antigen testing.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicentre, open-label, randomized controlled trial.
• 360 children with H. pylori gastritis were randomized.
• Treatments included a 10-day sequential regimen or 7/10-day standard triple therapy.

Main Results:

• The 10-day sequential therapy achieved significantly higher eradication rates than both 7-day and 10-day standard triple therapies.
• Intention-to-treat analysis: 81.4% (sequential) vs. 61.9% (7-day triple) and 67.7% (10-day triple).
• Per-protocol analysis showed similar significant improvements: 89.7% vs. 70.8% and 77.8%.

Conclusions:

• The 10-day sequential regimen is significantly more effective for H. pylori eradication in Chinese children.
• This regimen offers a superior alternative to standard 7-day or 10-day triple therapies.
• The findings support the adoption of 10-day sequential therapy for pediatric H. pylori infections.