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
