ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background : Helicaobacter pylori eradication in family members of gastric cancer patients is now widely accepted, although problems related to costs and compliance persist.Aim : To compare the efficacy, tolerability and long-term re-infection rates of two once-daily regimens for the eradication of H. pylori in family members of gastric cancer patients.Methods : 106 first-degree family members of gastric cancer patients were recruited and submitted to the 13C-urea breath test (UBT) to detect H. pylori. If positive, they were randomly allocated to receive a combination of lanzoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin OD (extended-release formulation) 500 mg and furazolidone 400 mg, once daily, in the morning, for 7 days (Group A) or the same regimen with only 200 mg furazolidone (Group B). Eradication was confirmed by urea breath test performed 6 weeks after treatment. 13C-urea breath test was repeated at 944 (784–1258) days after treatment in successfully treated participants to look for re-infection.Results : Twenty-five participants were H. pylori negative and two H. pylori-positive individuals refused to sign the informed consent and were excluded. Therefore, 79 participants were studied. Forty participants were allocated to Group A and 39 to Group B. All participants completed treatment. Adverse effects, mostly mild, were observed in 18% of Group A and 18% of Group B (N.S.). The intention-to-treat eradication rate was 87.5% in Group A and 61.5% in Group B (P = 0.006). The mean annual re-infection rate was 3%.Conclusions : The combination of lanzoprazole 30 mg, one tablet of clarithromycin OD (extended release formulation) 500 mg and furazolidone 400 mg, once daily for 7 days, constitutes an inexpensive, safe and effective alternative for anti-H. pylori therapy in family members of gastric cancer patients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01393.x
Permalink
