title: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: indications, efficacy and safety.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Helicobacter pylori infects up to half of the world's population. It remains the major cause of peptic ulcer disease and is recognised as a carcinogen for its role in gastric carcinogenesis. Successful eradication of the bacteria is associated with improved health outcomes including fewer dyspeptic symptoms, reduced peptic ulcer recurrence and rebleeding, reduced peptic ulcer risk with NSAIDs and as a cure for low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma. The risk of gastric cancer is reduced in those without premalignant mucosal abnormalities at the time of eradication.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review outlines the current indications and options for therapy of H. pylori with particular reference to drug-induced adverse events associated with treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The indications for H. pylori eradication are evidence-based and in accordance with recent consensus statements and recommendations. The eradication treatment is based on numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Eradication therapy, in general, is safe and well tolerated. Antibiotic therapy may be associated with significant drug adverse reactions, especially gastrointestinal symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Concord Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ambulatory Care Endoscopy Unit, Level 1 West, Hospital Road, Concord NSW 2139, Sydney, Australia. rupertleong@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Avelyn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kwok
authors.forename: Thao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Katelaris
authors.forename: Rupert Wl
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Leong
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009593:Nitroimidazoles; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors