Modality of treatment and outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection in primary care. An Italian experience.
BACKGROUND
Aim of the present study was to evaluate the selection and the relative efficacy of H. pylori eradication regimens in primary care setting.


METHODS
Patients referred to our Department, treated for H. pylori infection during the last 6 months, were enrolled during September 1998-July 1999. H. pylori status was assessed by urea breath test and recorded together with information about administered drugs, compliance, side effects.


RESULTS
In patients undergone the first treatment course (1863 cases, 45% M, mean age 53+/-14 yrs) the mean eradication rate (ER) was 72%: a double therapy was prescribed in 14% of cases, a triple therapy in 85% and a quadruple in 1%. Maastricht Consensus PPI-based regimens were prescribed in 80% of total cases with a mean ER of 73%. No statistical significant correlation was found between eradication failure and sex, age or administered treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In Italy, in primary care setting: 1) first line H. pylori eradication therapies reflect international guidelines; 2) the efficacy of such regimens is lower than the one reported by controlled trials: such data should be kept in mind when pharmacoeconomic evaluations of H. pylori management are drawn.
Department of Gastroenterology, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin.
A
A
Lavagna
G
G
Masoero
P
P
Della Monica
L
L
Lombardo
L
L
Crocellà
A
A
Pera