Eradicate Helicobacter pylori first, or treat peptic ulcer disease?

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is very common worldwide, and about 10%–16% of these patients develop peptic ulcer disease. However, there is limited research on the impact of H. pylori eradication and peptic ulcer disease treatment sequencing. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease between October 2020 and April 2021 at our center. Data on primary treatment outcomes, including H. pylori eradication and peptic ulcer disease healing, were collected, and factors that may influence treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 306 patients were included in this study. The sequence of H. pylori eradication and peptic ulcer disease treatment did not significantly affect the outcomes of H. pylori eradication and peptic ulcer disease healing. In addition, patient age, peptic ulcer disease type, clinic type and treatment regimen (including choice of proton pump inhibitor) had no significant impact on H. pylori eradication. However, patient gender and the choice of antibiotic combination proved to be key factors, as eradication rates were lower in female patients compared to males, and the combination of levofloxacin and clarithromycin was the least effective in eradicating H. pylori. Regarding peptic ulcer disease healing, the peptic ulcer disease type was an important influencing factor, since gastric ulcers being more likely to get cured completely compared to duodenal ulcers. Conclusions: The sequence of H. pylori eradication and peptic ulcer disease treatment does not significantly affect the primary outcomes. Patient gender and the choice of antibiotic combination are important factors in H. pylori eradication, whereas peptic ulcer disease type plays a key role in ulcer healing.