Effectiveness and Safety of Vonoprazan versus Proton Pump Inhibitors for Second-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: A novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, vonoprazan (VPZ), improves first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication success. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the effectiveness and safety of second-line H. pylori eradication therapy comparing VPZ and proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based regimens.

Methods: Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and the Japan Medical Abstract Society Database were searched.

Results: We selected 16 studies for quantitative review. Forest plot analysis showed significant superiority of VPZ over PPI-based regimens in overall second-line H. pylori eradication success (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.27-1.81, p < 0.001). Forest plots from 2 studies with propensity score matched analysis showed significant superiority of VPZ over PPI-based regimens (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.71-5.58, p < 0.001). The remaining 14 studies with per-protocol analysis and the full analysis set also showed significant superiority (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16-1.69, p < 0.001). Regarding adverse events, Forest plot analysis did not show a significant difference between the 2 regimens (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.58-1.32, p = 0.53).

Conclusions: A VPZ-based regimen has significant superiority over a PPI-based regimen for second-line H. pylori eradication therapy. A VPZ-based second-line H. pylori eradication regimen can be the first choice.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Outcome measure; Potassium-competitive acid blocker; Proton pump inhibitor; Therapeutics.