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Diminishing Efficacy of Second-Line Levofloxacin-Based Quadruple Therapy in Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective Real-World Study in Vietnam Amid Rising Antibiotic Resistance

T. D. Vo, T. Ngan, Thuy Thi-Thanh Trinh

Antibiotics, 2025

225 participants · 5 citations

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains highly prevalent in Vietnam, associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world eradication rate of levofloxacin-based bismuth quadruple therapy (PALB) as second-line treatment, assess adherence, and identify associated factors with treatment success. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including 225 patients with confirmed failure of classical bismuth-based quadruple therapy. All received a 14-day PALB regimen. H. pylori eradication was assessed using 13C-urea breath test and/or rapid urease test 4–12 weeks after treatment. Results: Eradication rates were 78.2% (mITT) and 78.6% (PP), with 95% CIs overlapping the 80% benchmark. Adherence was high (91.6%) and significantly associated with success (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.11–7.74; p = 0.039). No other factors were significantly associated. Conclusions: While PALB remains a valid second-line therapy, its efficacy may be declining, though not statistically inferior to 80%. Improving adherence and strengthening stewardship are essential.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 225 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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