In continuation of my update on Helicobater pylori infection and its treatment, I found this info interesting to share with. Dr. Patrick Basu and his colleagues at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons found that, a shorter course of the four-drug combination (LOAD), seven days vs. a ten-day treatment, is equally effective. As per the claim by the researchers Helicobater pylori, a bacteria implicated in peptic ulcers and gastritis, was eradicated in 95 percent patients who took a 7-day course of combination therapy with levofloxacin (L), omeprazole (O), nitazoxanide (Alinia®) (A) and doxycycline (D) (LOAD) compared to eradication in only 80.9 percent of patients on lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (LAC) for seven days.
The study included 135 patients with treatment naïve Helicobacter pylori infection, who were randomized to LOAD (7 or 10 days) vs. LAC (10 days). There was a total wash out period of six weeks from any prior antibiotic and PPI use prior to the initiation of therapy.
Ref : http://www.acg.gi.org/media/releases/09ACGReleaseLOADTherapyforHPylori.pdf
