title: Is concomitant quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication really needed for Japanese patients?
abstract: The study found that the 7 d of concomitant therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole) achieved significantly higher eradication rates compared to 7 d of triple therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin), the intention to treat (ITT) cure rates being 94.9% and 68.3%, respectively. According to our opinion, this study is clinically relevant for Japanese physicians for at least 2 reasons: (1) the standard triple therapy (clarithromycin plus amoxicillin) achieved disappointing cure rates in Japan - in agreement with what was observed in several countries; and (2) the concomitant quadruple therapy is an effective therapeutic alternative.
authors.affiliation: Vincenzo De Francesco, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, 71100 Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo De
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Francesco
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zullo
authors.forename: Cesare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hassan
keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Japanese patients; Triple therapy