Rabeprazole-amoxicillin dual therapy as first-line treatment for H pylori eradication in special patients: A retrospective, real-life study

Abstract

Background: The currently recommended quadruple regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection might not be appropriate for every patient, especially in elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rabeprazole-amoxicillin dual therapy in H pylori-positive elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities. Methods: From November 2013 to May 2017, the clinical data of H pylori-positive patients ≥60 years old or with multiple comorbidities were collected and reviewed. All patients were given rabeprazole 10 mg three times a day and amoxicillin 1000 mg thrice a day (RA dual therapy) for 14 days as first-line treatment. H pylori eradication was evaluated by 13C-urea breath test 6 weeks after treatment. Adverse effects were recorded. Results: A total of 198 patients were enrolled, including 116 elderly patients and 82 patients with multiple comorbidities. Successful eradication was achieved in 90.9% (180/198, 95% CI: 86.1%-94.2%) patients. Adverse effects, which were mainly mild (referring to skin rash, abdominal pain, and diarrhea), occurred in 22 patients (22/198, 11.1%) and resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Dual therapy composed of rabeprazole and amoxicillin as a first-line treatment appears to be effective and safe for H pylori infection in elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities. Additional studies are needed to optimize the regimen.