Randomised study of the efficacy of omeprazole and clarithromycin with either amoxycillin or metronidazole in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in screened primary care patients

BACKGROUND: Population Helicobacter pylori screening and treatment has been advocated as a means of reducing mortality from gastric cancer. The optimum Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy to use in this setting is uncertain. AIMS: To compare efficacy of seven days of omeprazole, clarithromycin and either metronidazole, or amoxycillin in Helicobacter pylori positive subjects detected by population screening. PATIENTS: Helicobacter pylori positive patients from the placebo group of a population screening and treatment trial were invited to take part in the investigation. METHODS: Patients were randomised to receive either omeprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole or omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin, and Helicobacter pylori eradication was verified with a 13C-urea breath test at least four weeks after completion of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients took part in the study and 210 completed the protocol. Treatment was successful in 93/111 [84%) patients allocated to omeprazole, clarithromycin and metronidazole and in 96/110 (87%) allocated to omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin in an intention-to-treat analysis (p=0.46). Per protocol eradication rates were 93/107 (87%) in the metronidazole, and 96/103 (93%) amoxycillin group (p=0.129). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the two regimens. The eradication rates achieved are comparable with previous studies in both dyspepsia and peptic ulcer patients.