Does technology-enhanced communication improve Helicobacter pylori eradication outcomes?-A meta-analysis

Novel therapeutic regimens against Helicobacter pylori: an updated systematic review

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a strict microaerophilic bacterial species that exists in the stomach, and H. pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections affecting humans. Eradicating H. pylori is the preferred method for the long-term prevention of complications such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. However, first-line treatment with triple therapy and quadruple therapy has been unable to cope with increasing antibacterial resistance. To provide an updated review of H. pylori infections and antibacterial resistance, as well as related treatment options, we searched PubMed for articles published until March 2024. The key search terms were "H. pylori", "H. pylori infection", "H. pylori diseases", "H. pylori eradication", and "H. pylori antibacterial resistance." Despite the use of antimicrobial agents, the annual decline in the eradication rate of H. pylori continues. Emerging eradication therapies, such as the development of the new strong acid blocker vonoprazan, probiotic adjuvant therapy, and H. pylori vaccine therapy, are exciting. However, the effectiveness of these treatments needs to be further evaluated. It is worth mentioning that the idea of altering the oxygen environment in gastric juice for H. pylori to not be able to survive is a hot topic that should be considered in new eradication plans. Various strategies for eradicating H. pylori, including antibacterials, vaccines, probiotics, and biomaterials, are continuously evolving. A novel approach involving the alteration of the oxygen concentration within the growth environment of H. pylori has emerged as a promising eradication strategy.

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy with different amoxicillin dosages for treatment-naive patients of Helicobacter pylori infection in China: a prospective, randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

The vonoprazan (VPZ)-amoxicillin (AMO) dual therapy (VA) demonstrates a satisfactory eradication rate for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ). However, the optimal dosage of AMO in this regimen remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of different doses of AMO in the VA regimen for first-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

A total of 192 treatment-naive H. pylori -infected patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low-dose VA (LD-VA: VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 750 mg t.i.d), moderate-dose VA (MD-VA:VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 1000 mg t.i.d), and high-dose VA (HD-VA: VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 1250 mg t.i.d). All groups received 14 days of treatment. The study evaluated and compared the eradication rates, adverse events (AEs), and patient compliance among the three groups.

RESULTS

Eradication rates for LD-VA, MD-VA, and HD-VA were 76.6% (49/64), 79.7% (51/64), and 84.4% (54/64), respectively, as determined by intention-to-treat analysis; 90.6% (48/53), 94.3% (50/53), and 98.1% (53/54) according to per-protocol analysis; 89.1% (49/55), 94.4% (51/54), and 96.4% (54/56) with modified intention-to-treat analysis (all P  > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, numerically higher eradication rates were observed with the higher dose AMO VA regimen. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of AEs and compliance among the three VA regimens.

CONCLUSION

Fourteen-day VA regimens with AMO doses exceeding 2 g/day demonstrated satisfactory eradication rates. HD-VA therapy is potentially the most effective regimen. Large-sample clinical trials are required to further validate these findings.

Comparison of vonoprazan-based dual therapy with vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for treatment-naive patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A propensity score matching analysis

Vonoprazan, a novel acid suppressant and the first potassium-competitive acid blocker, has the potential to enhance the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori due to its robust acid-suppressing capacity. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of vonoprazan-based dual therapy (vonoprazan-amoxicillin, VA) with vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy (VBQT) as a first-line treatment for H pylori infection. This retrospective single-center non-inferiority study was conducted in China. Treatment-naive H pylori-positive patients aged 18 to 80 received one of the 2 treatment regimens at our center. The VA group received vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1000 mg 3 times daily for 14 days, whereas the VBQT group received vonoprazan 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice daily for 14 days. The eradication rate was evaluated 4 to 6 weeks after treatment using the carbon-13/14 urea breath test. Propensity score matching was used to analyze eradication rates, adverse events (AEs), and patient compliance between the 2 groups. Initially, 501 patients were included, and after propensity score analysis, 156 patients were selected for the study. Intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication rates of 87.2% (95% CI, 79.8-94.6%) for the VA group and 79.5% (95% CI, 70.5-88.4%) for the VBQT group (P = .195). Per-protocol analysis demonstrated rates of 94.4% (95% CI, 89.2-99.7%) for the VA group and 96.8% (95% CI, 92.4-100%) for the VBQT group (P = .507). Non-inferiority was confirmed between the 2 groups, with P values < .025. The VA group showed a lower rate of AEs (10.3% vs 17.9%, P = .250) compared to the VBQT group. There were no significant differences in patient compliance between the 2 groups. In treatment-naive patients with H pylori infection, both the 14-day VA and VBQT regimens demonstrated comparable efficacy, with excellent eradication rates. Moreover, due to reduced antibiotic usage, lower rate of AEs, and lower costs, VA dual therapy should be prioritized.

Changing trends and characteristics of peptic ulcer disease: A multicenter study from 2010 to 2019 in Korea

BACKGROUND

The clinical trend and characteristics of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have not fully been investigated in the past decade.

AIM

To evaluate the changing trends and characteristics of PUD according to age and etiology.

METHODS

We analyzed seven hospital databases converted into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership-Common Data Model between 2010 and 2019. We classified patients with PUD who underwent rapid urease tests or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) serology into three groups: H. pylori-related, drug [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin]-related, and idiopathic (H. pylori/NSAID/aspirin-negative) PUD and compared the yearly trends and characteristics among the three groups.

RESULTS

We included 26785 patients in 7 databases, and the proportion of old age (≥ 65 years) was 38.8%. The overall number of PUD exhibited no decrease, whereas PUD in old age revealed an increasing trend (P = 0.01 for trend). Of the 19601 patients, 41.8% had H. pylori-related, 36.1% had drug-related, and 22.1% had idiopathic PUD. H. pylori-related PUD exhibited a decreasing trend after 2014 (P = 0.01), drug-related PUD demonstrated an increasing trend (P = 0.04), and idiopathic PUD showed an increasing trend in the old-age group (P = 0.01) during 10 years. Patients with drug-related PUD had significantly more comorbidities and concomitant ulcerogenic drugs. The idiopathic PUD group had a significantly higher number of patients with chronic liver disease.

CONCLUSION

With the aging population increase, the effects of concomitant ulcerogenic drugs and preventive strategies should be investigated in drug-induced PUD. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between idiopathic PUD and chronic liver disease.

Peptic ulcer disease burden, trends, and inequalities in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019: a population-based study

Background

Peptic ulcer disease has been a major threat to the world's population, which remains a significant cause of hospitalization worldwide and healthcare resource utilization.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the global burden, trends, and inequalities of peptic ulcer disease.

Design

An observational study was conducted.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, we extracted data for age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), disability-adjusted life year rates (ASDRs), and mortality rates (ASMRs); then, we stratified by age, level of regionals, and country; subsequently, we calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) of ASIR, ASDR, ASMR, and quantified cross-country inequalities in peptic ulcer disease mortality.

Results

Globally, ASIR showed a continuous downward trend, from 63.84 in 1990 to 44.26 per 100,000 population in 2019, with an annual decrease of 1.42% [EAPC = -1.42 (95% CI: -1.55 to -1.29)]. ASDR showed a continuing downward trend, and the EAPC was -3.47% (-3.58 to -3.37). ASMR showed a persistent decline, declining by nearly half in 2019 compared to 1990 (3.0 versus 7.39 per 100,000 population), with an annual decrease of 2.55% [EAPC = -3.36 (95% CI: -3.47 to -3.25)]. A significant reduction in sociodemographic index (SDI)-related inequality, from an excess of 190.43 disability-adjusted life years (DALY) per 100,000 (95% CI: -190.83 to -190.02) between the poorest and richest countries in 1990 to 62.85 DALY per 100,000 (95% CI -62.81 to -62.35) in 2019.

Conclusion

Global peptic ulcer disease morbidity and mortality rates decreased significantly from 1990 to 2019. These health gains were in accordance with a substantial reduction in the magnitude of SDI-related inequalities across countries, which is paired with overall socioeconomic and health improvements observed in the region.

The link between Helicobacter pylori infection and gallbladder and biliary tract diseases: A review

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative pathogen commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection has also been reported in cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, and biliary tract cancers. However, the association between H. pylori and gallbladder and biliary tract pathologies remains unclear due to the paucity of literature. In response to the current literature gap, we aim to review and provide an updated summary of the association between H. pylori with gallbladder and biliary tract diseases and its impact on their clinical management. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. We found that H. pylori infection was associated with cholelithiasis, chronic cholecystitis, biliary tract cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and primary biliary cholangitis but not with gallbladder polyps. While causal links have been reported, prospective longitudinal studies are required to conclude the association between H. pylori and gallbladder pathologies. Clinicians should be aware of the implications that H. pylori infection has on the management of these diseases.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: Current Status and Future Prospects on Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Control Challenges

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which affects approximately half of the world's population, remains a serious public health problem. As H. pylori infection leads to a number of gastric pathologies, including inflammation, gastroduodenal ulcers, and malignancies, early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing the spread of the infection. Multiple extragastric complications, such as iron deficiency anaemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and certain neurological disorders, have also been linked to H. pylori infection. An awareness of H. pylori and associated health hazards is necessary to minimize or even eradicate the infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to raise the standards for the currently employed diagnostic, eradication, alternative treatment strategies. In addition, a brief overview of traditional and cutting-edge approaches that have proven effective in identifying and managing H. pylori is needed. Based on the test and laboratory equipment available and patient clinical characteristics, the optimal diagnostic approach requires weighing several factors. The pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanisms of H. pylori should also be studied, focusing more on the infection-causing virulence factors of this bacterium. Accordingly, this review aims to demonstrate the various diagnostic, pathophysiological, therapeutic, and eradication tactics available for H. pylori, emphasizing both their advantages and disadvantages. Invasive methods (such as quick urease testing, biopsy, or culture) or noninvasive methods (such as breath tests, stool investigations, or serological tests) can be used. We also present the most recent worldwide recommendations along with scientific evidence for treating H. pylori. In addition to the current antibiotic regimens, alternative therapies may also be considered. It is imperative to eradicate the infections caused by H. pylori as soon as possible to prevent problems and the development of stomach cancer. In conclusion, significant advances have been made in identifying and treating H. pylori. To improve eradication rates, peptide mass fingerprinting can be used as a diagnostic tool, and vaccines can also eliminate the infection.

Forrest Classification for Bleeding Peptic Ulcer: A New Look at the Old Endoscopic Classification

The management of peptic ulcer bleeding is clinically challenging. For decades, the Forrest classification has been used for risk stratification for nonvariceal ulcer bleeding. The perception and interpretation of the Forrest classification vary among different endoscopists. The relationship between the bleeder and ulcer images and the different stages of the Forrest classification has not been studied yet. Endoscopic still images of 276 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding for the past 3 years were retrieved and reviewed. The intra-rater agreement and inter-rater agreement were compared. The obtained endoscopic images were manually drawn to delineate the extent of the ulcer and bleeding area. The areas of the region of interest were compared between the different stages of the Forrest classification. A total of 276 images were first classified by two experienced tutor endoscopists. The images were reviewed by six other endoscopists. A good intra-rater correlation was observed (0.92–0.98). A good inter-rater correlation was observed among the different levels of experience (0.639–0.859). The correlation was higher among tutor and junior endoscopists than among experienced endoscopists. Low-risk Forrest IIC and III lesions show distinct patterns compared to high-risk Forrest I, IIA, or IIB lesions. We found good agreement of the Forrest classification among different endoscopists in a single institution. This is the first study to quantitively analyze the obtained and explain the distinct patterns of bleeding ulcers from endoscopy images.