Helicobacter pylori eradication in the Swedish population

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
• Eradication therapy aims to prevent these serious gastrointestinal conditions.
• Standard treatment involves a 7-day triple therapy regimen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utilization patterns of H. pylori eradication therapy in Sweden.
• To analyze trends in prescription over the last decade (2005-2014).
• To evaluate adherence to recommended eradication regimens.

Main Methods:

• Population-based study utilizing the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.
• Inclusion of all H. pylori eradication regimens prescribed between July 2005 and December 2014.
• Analysis of eradication data based on patient demographics and calendar year.

Main Results:

• Over 157,000 eradication episodes were identified in nearly 140,000 individuals.
• The incidence of H. pylori eradication decreased during the study period.
• 95.4% of treatments followed the recommended regimen; non-recommended regimens were more common in the elderly (≥80 years).
• Amoxicillin and clarithromycin were the most common antibiotics; metronidazole was rarely used.

Conclusions:

• H. pylori eradication therapy is widely used in Sweden, though its incidence is declining.
• The majority of prescribed regimens adhere to recommended guidelines.
• Adherence to standard triple therapy remains high, even for repeat treatments.