[Triple therapy of short-term with azithromycin, amoxycillin and omeprazole for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori].
BACKGROUND
The high cost and complexity of therapeutic schemes for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori has stimulated the search of simpler and cheaper treatment options.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of 3 days of azithromycin 500 mg od, 7 days of amoxycillin 750 mg tid and omeprazole, 20 (Group A) or 40 mg (Group B) on randomization, as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with endoscopically diagnosed peptic ulcer.


METHODS
H. pylori status of peptic ulcer patients was pathologically confirmed by the examination of five gastric biopsies using the Giemsa stain and by rapid urease testing in two gastric biopsies. H. pylori status was reassessed not less than 28 days after completing treatment. Adverse events and compliance were evaluated.


RESULTS
Fifty four patients (29 men, 25 women, mean age 48 years) were enrolled, 28 in Group A and 27 in Group B. Per protocol the infection was cured in 58.8% of patients (30/51; 95% CI: 45-73%). On an intention to treat basis, H pylori infection was cured in 55%. Minor side effects including diarrhea and nausea were reported by 32% of patients. Ninety-five per cent of patients consumed more than 95% of prescribed medications. H. pylori was successfully eradicated in 61% of group A and 57% of group B patients (p = NS).


CONCLUSIONS
Short term therapy with azithromycin was poorly effective in curing H. pylori infection. The compliance was excellent. Increasing Omeprazole from 20 to 40 mg/day did not improve treatment effectiveness.
Flores
S
S
Departmento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso. fosh@entelchile.net
Opazo
H
H
Valderrama
D
D
Aguilera
R
R
Marchese
A
A
Valderrama
S
S
D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D000658:Amoxicillin; D017963:Azithromycin; D009853:Omeprazole