Meta-analysis: proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists--their efficacy with antibiotics in Helicobacter pylori eradication.
BACKGROUND
It is unknown whether proton pump inhibitors are superior to H2-receptor antagonists in Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens.


OBJECTIVE
To perform a meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of both antisecretors when co-prescribed with antibiotics.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trials comparing proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists with the same antibiotics were selected. Data sources included PubMed, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and abstracts from congresses up to January 2002. A meta-analysis was performed by combining the odds ratios.


RESULTS
Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean eradication rates with proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists plus antibiotics were 74% [95% confidence interval (CI), 71-76%] and 69% (95% CI, 66-71%), respectively. The odds ratio for this comparison was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.09-1.58). The number needed to treat with proton pump inhibitors to achieve eradication success, compared with H2-receptor antagonists, was 25. When studies prescribing very high doses of H2-receptor antagonists (two of the outliers) were excluded, the odds ratio (for proton pump inhibitors vs. H2-receptor antagonists) increased to 1.37, the number needed to treat decreased to 20 and the heterogeneity between the studies decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2-receptor antagonists when prescribed at usual doses with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection.
Gisbert
J P
JP
Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. gisbert@meditex.es
Khorrami
S
S
Calvet
X
X
Gabriel
R
R
Carballo
F
F
Pajares
J M
JM
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors