Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cure rates vary in different geographical regions because of differences in hosts as well as in H. pylori strains. In this study we evaluated the efficacy of different treatment regimens for eradication of H. pylori infection in children, in order to select a treatment regimen that is most effective with the least adverse effects and cost.
Method: Through a randomized clinical trial study we enrolled 120 pediatric patients (age <or= 18 years) with H. pylori infection confirmed through histopathological examination of their upper endoscopic findings and positive rapid urease test. Patients were randomized into three groups: group A received omeprazole, amoxicillin, metronidazole, and bismuth subcitrate; group B received omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin; and group C the most recent regime of omeprazole, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and metronidazole. Subjects were followed 6 weeks after completing the antimicrobial therapy and H. pylori eradication was assessed with urea breath test.
Results: A total of 117 patients with a mean age of 12 +/- 4 years completed the study. Eradication rate was 91.9% in group A, compared with 82.1% in group B, and 80.5% in group C (P = 0.33).
Conclusion: Considering these data we suggest quadruple therapy as the first line of therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection in children in our geographic area (Iran).