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Efficacy and tolerability of culture-guided treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection

Costa S, Soares JB, Gonçalves R

European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2017

42 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy/tolerability of a culture-guided approach in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and identify factors associated with antibiotic resistance/treatment failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included patients who underwent culture-guided treatment for H. pylori infection, after two ineffective eradication attempts, between October 2012 and December 2016. We assessed the following demographic and clinical data of the patients: sex, age, BMI, alcohol and tobacco consumption, history of dyspepsia, peptic ulceration and first-degree relatives with gastric cancer, antibiotic susceptibility results, treatment composition, tolerability, and success. The treatment success was confirmed by a monoclonal stool antigen test.

RESULTS: Culture-guided treatment was performed in 42 patients (57% women, mean age±SD: 48.9±11.4 years). The rates of antibiotic resistance were as follows: clarithromycin 86%, metronidazole 67%; levofloxacin 52%, tetracycline 2%, and amoxicillin and rifampicin 0%. Double resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was found in 59.5% of the patients. Most patients showed resistance to less than three antibiotics, but 31% were resistant to three or more. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 59.5 and 61.5%. Adverse events occurred in 15 (35.7%) patients, but only two (4.8%) patients did not complete treatment because of adverse events. Only age more…

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: 42 participants or records.

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