Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori first-line eradication in Chile

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Aug-Sep;45(7):515-523. doi: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2021.11.010. Epub 2021 Dec 7.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection affects approximately 70% of the Chilean population. It is a public health problem whose eradication treatment is part of the explicit health guarantees in Chile.

Objectives: Characterize the most widely used H. pylori first-line eradication therapies in our environment and evaluate their efficacy.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out where, in patients with certified H. pylori infection, the eradication therapy indicated by the treating physician, its efficacy, adherence and adverse effects, in addition to the eradication certification method used, were evaluated.

Results: 242 patients and 4 main therapies were analyzed: standard triple therapy, dual therapy, concomitant therapy, and bismuth quadruple therapy. Eradication rates of 81.9% (95% CI 74.44-87.63), 88.5% (95% CI 73.13-95.67), 93.7% (95% CI 78.07-98.44) and 97.6% (95% CI 84.81-99.67) were observed respectively, with concomitant therapy (RR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.29; p=.028) and quadruple therapy with bismuth (RR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.09-1.31; p<.001) being significantly more effective than standard triple therapy. Regarding the rate of reported adverse effects, it was 58.5% (95% CI 50.66-65.92), 35.4% (95% CI 24.6-48.11), 22.9% (95% CI 81-37.14) and 63.4% (95% CI 47.8-76.64), having the dual and concomitant therapy significantly fewer adverse effects compared with standard therapy.

Conclusions: Quadruple therapies are superior to standard triple therapy and should be considered as first-line treatment in Chile. Dual therapy is promising. More studies will be required to determine which therapies are most cost-effective.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Eradication rates; Helicobacter pylori; Resistencia a los antibióticos; Tasas de erradicación.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Bismuth / therapeutic use
  • Chile
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Helicobacter Infections* / drug therapy
  • Helicobacter pylori*
  • Humans
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Amoxicillin
  • Bismuth