Moxifloxacin-based strategies for first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Clinical Implications of Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance in Italy: A Review of the Literature

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to antibiotics has increased worldwide in recent decades, especially to clarithromycin. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori as a "high priority" pathogen in 2017. As international guidelines recommend empirical therapy as first-line treatment, it is crucial to know local resistance rates and history of antibiotic use to determine the most appropriate first-line antibiotic treatment. Italy is one of the European countries with the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection and the highest percentage of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori. The aim of this review is to summarize all data on H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Italy in order to quantify the current rate and determine the most effective therapeutic approach. The study confirms an elevated level of resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin in Italy. In addition, our results show a satisfactory eradication rate for a bismuth-based regimen when used as first- or second-line treatment. Naive patients are also successfully treated with clarithromycin-based quadruple therapies. Considering the good results of bismuth-based therapy as recovery therapy, this argues for the potential use of clarithromycin quadruple therapy as a first-line treatment.

Revisiting Therapeutic Strategies for H. pylori Treatment in the Context of Antibiotic Resistance: Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection remains significant worldwide and it depends on many factors: gender, age, socio-economic status, geographic area, diet, and lifestyle. All successful infectious diseases treatments use antibiotic-susceptibility testing, but this strategy is not currently practical for H. pylori and the usual cure rates of H. pylori are lower than other bacterial infections. Actually, there is no treatment that ensures complete eradication of this pathogen. In the context of an alarming increase in resistance to antibiotics (especially to clarithromycin and metronidazole), alternative and complementary options and strategies are taken into consideration. As the success of antibacterial therapy depends not only on the susceptibility to given drugs, but also on the specific doses, formulations, use of adjuvants, treatment duration, and reinfection rates, this review discusses the current therapies for H. pylori treatment along with their advantages and limitations. As an alternative option, this work offers an extensively referenced approach on natural medicines against H. pylori, including the significance of nanotechnology in developing new strategies for treatment of H. pylori infection.

New insights into resistance of Helicobacter pylori against third- and fourth-generation fluoroquinolones: A molecular docking study of prevalent GyrA mutations

BACKGROUND

Fluoroquinolones hinder bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting DNA gyrase. However, mutations, in the QRDR segment of its A subunit (GyrA), cause antibiotic resistance. Here, the interactions of levofloxacin (LVX), gemifloxacin (GXN), and moxifloxacin (MXN) with Helicobacter pylori GyrA, in LVX-resistant vs -sensitive strains, were studied.

METHODS

Levoflixacin-sensitive (n = 4) and -resistant (n = 9) H pylori strains, randomly selected from another antibiotic susceptibility study, underwent PCR amplification of gyrA gene, spanning the QRDR segment. The amplified gene fragments were sequenced and aligned. The homology model of H pylori GyrA was built based on that of Escherichia coli, and energy minimization was done. The interaction patterns of LVX, GXN, and MXN with GyrA were analyzed via molecular docking studies.

RESULTS

Sequence alignment of the 13 studied strains, created 5 categories of strains: (A) wild type-like (H pylori ATCC26695), (B) N87K-only, (C) D91N-only, (D) N87K + V94L, and (E) D91N + A97V mutations. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for LVX-sensitive (category A) and -resistant (categories B-E) strains were <1 mg/L and ≥32 mg/L, respectively. The binding mode of GyrA in category A with LVX identified G35/N87/Y90/D91/V94/G114/S115/I116/D117/G118/D119, as key residues, some residing outside the QRDR segment. Category B strains lost only one interaction (G35), which led to elevated binding free energy (∆G) and full LVX resistance. Categories C-E lost more contacts, with higher ∆G and again full LVX resistance. GXN bound to GyrA of categories A and B via a different set of key residues, while MXN retained the lost contact (G35) in LVX-resistant, category B strains.

CONCLUSION

Using molecular docking tools, we identified the key residues responsible for interaction of GyrA with LVX, GXN, and MXN. In the presence of N87K-only mutation, the loss of one of these contacts (ie, G35) led to full LVX resistance. Yet, GXN and MXN overcame this mutation, by retaining all key contacts with GyrA.

Fourth-generation quinolones in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of fourth-generation quinolones for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

Major literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched for relevant articles published prior to February 2018. We performed a meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials that examined the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapies and included fourth-generation quinolones in the experimental arm. Subgroup analyses by regions and different types of fourth-generation quinolones were also performed.

RESULTS

Ten studies including a total of 2198 patients were assessed. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that the eradication rate of therapies containing non-fourth-generation quinolones was significantly lower than that of therapies containing fourth-generation quinolones by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis [75.4% vs 81.8%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.661; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.447-0.977; P = 0.038]. This analysis also showed that the eradication rate of the therapies containing non-fourth-generation quinolones was inferior to that of therapies containing fourth-generation quinolones by per-protocol analysis (79.1% vs 84.7%; OR = 0.663; 95%CI: 0.433-1.016; P = 0.059). Moreover, the occurrence of side effects was significantly different between the control and experimental groups by ITT analysis (30.6% vs 19.5%; OR = 1.874; 95%CI: 1.120-3.137; P = 0.017). The sub-analyses also showed significant differences in moxifloxacin therapies vs other fourth-generation quinolone therapies (84.3% vs 71.9%) and in Asian vs European groups (76.7% vs 89.1%).

CONCLUSION

Therapies containing fourth-generation quinolones achieved a poor eradication rate in the treatment of H. pylori infection. Such regimens might be useful as a rescue treatment based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Different antibiotics should be chosen in different regions.

Effectiveness of 7-Day and 14-Day Moxifloxacin-Dexlansoprazole Based Triple Therapy and Probiotic Supplement for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication in Thai Patients with Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is important cause of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Moxifloxacin is effective antibiotic for treatment for H. pylori. However, there were limited studies as first line therapy. Probiotics had been shown to decrease therapy-related side-effect and increase eradication rate. Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of moxifloxacin-dexlansoprazole based triple therapy with probiotic for H. pylori treatment in Thailand. Methods: Patients with H. pylori infected gastritis were randomized to receive 7- or 14-day moxifloxacin-dexlansoprazole based triple therapy with probiotic or placebo. Regimen consisted of 60 mg dexlansoprazole twice daily, 400mg moxifloxacin once daily, 1g clarithromycin MR once daily. Probiotic used in this study was 282.5mg Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) in capsule prescribed twice daily. CYP2C19 genotyping, antibiotic susceptibility tests, and CagA genotyping were also done. Successful eradication was defined as a negative 13C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment. Results: Total of 108 subjects was enrolled (27 each to 7-and 14-day regimens with probiotic or placebo). Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed 29% fluoroquinolone, 19% metronidazole and 4% clarithromycin resistance. CYP2C19 genotyping demonstrated 43%, 47% and 11% were rapid, intermediate and poor metabolizers, respectively. CagA genes were positive in all patients. Eradication rates of 7-day and 14-day regimens with probiotic were 100%, and 93% respectively. There were no significant differences between eradication rate of 7-day and 14-day regimen with or without probiotics. Regarding side-effects, incidence of nausea, abdominal discomfort, bitter taste, and diarrhea were significantly lower in regimen with probiotic group compared with placebo(7.4%vs. 22.2%; p=0.028, 0.00%vs.14.8%; p=0.003, 35.2%vs.70.4%; p=0.0002, and 0.00%vs.9.3%; p=0.028, respectively). Conclusions: 7-day moxifloxacindexlansoprazole therapy plus S. boulardii provide an reliable cure rate of H. pylori in non-ulcer dyspeptic patients in Thailand, independent of CYP2C19 genotype. Probiotic adding also decreased side effects during the treatment.

Efficacy of 7-Day and 14-Day Bismuth-Containing Quadruple Therapy and 7-Day and 14-Day Moxifloxacin-Based Triple Therapy as Second-Line Eradication for Helicobacter pylori Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bismuth-containing quadruple and moxifloxacin-based triple regimens are recommended as second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of each regimen.

METHODS

From August 2004 to October 2012, a total of 949 patients (mean age, 54.32±12.08 years; male, 49.4%) who failed H. pylori eradication with a standard triple regimen were included. Patients treated with a bismuth-containing quadruple regimen for 7 and 14 days were designated as 7-BMT and 14-BMT, respectively, and those treated with a moxifloxacin-based triple regimen for 7 and 14 days were designated as 7-MA and 14-MA, respectively. H. pylori eradication was confirmed using the (13)C-urea breath test, rapid urease test or histology.

RESULTS

The eradication rates by 7-BMT, 14-BMT, 7-MA, and 14-MA were 66.4% (290/437), 71.1% (113/159), 53.1% (51/96), and 73.5% (189/257), respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and 76.5% (284/371), 83.8% (109/130), 55.6% (50/90), and 80.6% (187/232), respectively, by per-protocol analysis (PP). The eradication rates were higher in 14-BMT than 7-BMT by the ITT and PP analyses (p=0.277 and p=0.082, respectively). The 14-BMT and 14-MA treatments showed similar efficacies by ITT and PP (p=0.583 and p=0.443, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The 7-BMT, 14-BMT, and 14-MA treatments showed similar and suboptimal efficacies. In both regimens, extending the duration of treatment may be reasonable considering the high level of antibiotic resistance in Korea.

Two-week, high-dose proton pump inhibitor, moxifloxacin triple Helicobacter pylori therapy after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments

BACKGROUND

Aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a moxifloxacin-containing second-line triple regimen in patients whose previous Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment failed.

METHODS

Prospective multicentre study including patients in whom a triple therapy or a non-bismuth-quadruple-therapy failed. Moxifloxacin (400mg qd), amoxicillin (1g bid), and esomeprazole (40 mg bid) were prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13)C-urea-breath-test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes.

RESULTS

250 patients were consecutively included (mean age 48 ± 15 years, 11% with ulcer). Previous (failed) therapy included: standard triple (n = 179), sequential (n = 27), and concomitant (n = 44); 97% of patients took all medications, 4 were lost to follow-up. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 82.4% (95% CI, 77-87%) and 85.7% (95% CI, 81-90%). Cure rates were similar independently of diagnosis (ulcer, 77%; dyspepsia, 82%) and previous treatment (standard triple, 83%; sequential, 89%; concomitant, 77%). At multivariate analysis, only age was associated with eradication (OR = 0.957; 95% CI, 0.933-0.981). Adverse events were reported in 25.2% of patients: diarrhoea (9.6%), abdominal pain (9.6%), and nausea (9.2%).

CONCLUSION

14-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy is an effective and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple therapy or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapy has failed, providing a simple alternative to bismuth quadruple regimen.

The efficacy of moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy after standard triple, sequential, or concomitant therapy failure for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Korea

Background/Aims

Retreatment after initial treatment failure for Helicobacter pylori is very challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of moxifloxacin-containing triple and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy.

Methods

A total of 151 patients, who failed initial H. pylori treatment, were included in this retrospective cohort study. The initial regimens were standard triple, sequential, or concomitant therapy, and the efficacies of the two following second-line treatments were evaluated: 7-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day, amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice a day, and moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) and 7-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day, tetracycline 500 mg 4 times a day, metronidazole 500 mg 3 times a day, and tripotassium dicitrate bismuthate 300 mg 4 times a day).

Results

The overall eradication rates after moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy were 69/110 (62.7%) and 32/41 (78%), respectively. Comparison of the two regimens was performed in the patients who failed standard triple therapy, and the results revealed eradication rates of 14/28 (50%) and 32/41 (78%), respectively (p=0.015). The frequency of noncompliance was not different between the two groups, and there were fewer adverse effects in the moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy group (2.8% vs 7.3%, p=0.204 and 25.7% vs 43.9%, p=0.031, respectively).

Conclusions

Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy, a recommended second-line treatment for initial concomitant or sequential therapy failure, had insufficient efficacy.

The effect of some fluoroquinolone family members on biospeciation of copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) ions in human plasma

The speciation of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions in the presence of the fluoroquinolones (FQs) moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, in human blood plasma was studied under physiological conditions by computer simulation. The speciation was calculated using an updated model of human blood plasma including over 6,000 species with the aid of the program Hyss2009. The identity and stability of metal-FQ complexes were determined by potentiometric (310 K, 0.15 mol/L NaCl), spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, ESI-MS and 1H-NMR measurements. In the case of Cu2+ ion the concentration of main low molecular weight (LMW) plasma complex (Cu(Cis)His) is very slightly influenced by all examined FQs. FQs show much higher influence on main plasma Ni2+ and Zn2+ complexes: (Ni(His)2 and Zn(Cys)Cit, respectively. Levofloxacin exhibits the highest influence on the fraction of the main nickel complex, Ni(His)2, even at a concentration level of 3×10⁻⁵ mol/L. The same effect is seen on the main zinc complex, Zn(Cys)Cit. Calculated plasma mobilizing indexes indicate that ciprofloxacin possesses the highest mobilizing power from plasma proteins, toward copper ion, while levofloxacin is the most influential on nickel and zinc ions. The results obtained indicate that the drugs studied are safe in relation to mobilization of essential metal ions under physiological conditions. The observed effects were explained in terms of competitive equilibrium reactions between the FQs and the main LMW complexes of the metal ions.

Helicobacter pylori eradication with moxifloxacin-containing therapy following failed first-line therapies in South Korea

AIM: To investigate moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy as second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection following failed first-line treatment.

METHODS: The sample included 312 patients for whom first-line treatment failed between January 2008 and May 2013; 27 patients were excluded, and a total of 285 patients received 7- or 14-d moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy as second-line treatment for H. pylori infection. First line regimens included 7-d standard triple (n = 172), 10-d bismuth-containing quadruple (n = 28), 14-d concomitant (n = 37), or 14-d sequential (n = 48) therapy. H. pylori status was evaluated using ¹³C-urea breath testing 4 wk later, after completion of the treatment. The primary outcome was the H. pylori eradication rate analyzed using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of serious adverse events. Demographic and clinical factors were analyzed using Student’s t-tests and Pearson’s χ² tests according to first- and second-line regimens. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The eradication rate of moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy was 68.4% (ITT; 95%CI: 62.8-73.5) and 73.9% (PP; 95%CI: 68.3-78.8). The eradication rate was significantly higher with 14 d compared to 7 d of treatment (77.5% vs 62.5%, P = 0.017). Peptic ulcer patients had a higher eradication rate than the patients without ulcers (82.9% vs 70.6%, P = 0.046). The demographic and clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the groups according to first-line therapies. ITT and PP analyses of the moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy indicated the following eradication rates: 70.9% (95%CI: 63.8-77.2) and 77.2% (95%CI: 70.1-83.1) for standard triple; 67.9% (95%CI: 51.5-84.2) and 67.9% (95%CI: 51.5-84.2) for bismuth-containing quadruple; 60.4% (95%CI: 46.3-73.0) and 70.7% (95%CI: 54.0-80.9) for sequential; and 67.6% (95%CI: 51.5-80.4) and 67.6%(95%CI: 51.5-80.4) for concomitant therapy. There were no statistically significant differences in the efficacy of the first-line regimens (P = 0.492). The most common adverse event was diarrhea. There were no serious adverse events and no significant differences in the frequency of side effects between the first- and second-line regimens (28.7% vs 26.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy as second-line treatment resulted in low eradication rates. There were no differences in the efficacy between the first-line regimens in South Korea.

Gender analysis of moxifloxacin clinical trials

PURPOSE

To determine the inclusion of women and the sex-stratification of results in moxifloxacin Clinical Trials (CTs), and to establish whether these CTs considered issues that specifically affect women, such as pregnancy and use of hormonal therapies. Previous publications about women's inclusion in CTs have not specifically studied therapeutic drugs. Although this type of drug is taken by men and women at a similar rate, adverse effects occur more frequently in the latter.

METHODS

We reviewed 158 published moxifloxacin trials on humans, retrieved from MedLine and the Cochrane Library (1998-2010), to determine whether they complied with the gender recommendations published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration Guideline.

RESULTS

Of a total of 80,417 subjects included in the moxifloxacin CTs, only 33.7% were women in phase I, in contrast to phase II, where women accounted for 45%, phase III, where they represented 38.3% and phase IV, where 51.3% were women. About 40.9% (n=52) of trials were stratified by sex and 15.3% (n=13) and 9% (n=7) provided data by sex on efficacy and adverse effects, respectively. We found little information about the influence of issues that specifically affect women. Only 3 of the 59 journals that published the moxifloxacin CTs stated that authors should stratify their results by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Women are under-represented in the published moxifloxacin trials, and this trend is more marked in phase I, as they comprise a higher proportion in the other phases. Data by sex on efficacy and adverse effects are scarce in moxifloxacin trials. These facts, together with the lack of data on women-specific issues, suggest that the therapeutic drug moxifloxacin is only a partially evidence-based medicine.

The efficacy of moxifloxacin-based triple therapy in treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Recent evidence shows that moxifloxacin could exert an antimicrobial effect against Helicobacter pylori in both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects in first-line or second-line anti-H. pylori treatment, eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing moxifloxacin-based triple therapy with standard triple or quadruple therapy during H. pylori eradication treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.10. Subanalysis/sensitivity analysis was also performed. We identified seven randomized trials (n=1263). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 79.03% (95%CI: 75.73-82.07) and 68.33% (95%CI: 64.44-72.04) for patients with moxifloxacin-based triple therapy or with standard triple or quadruple therapy, respectively (intention-to-treat analysis). The odds ratio (OR) was 1.82 (95%CI: 1.17-2.81), the occurrence of total side effects was 15.23% (95%CI: 12.58-18.20) and 27.17% (95%CI: 23.64-30.92) for groups with or without moxifloxacin, and the summary OR was 0.45 (95%CI: 0.26-0.77). In subgroup analyses, we noted that the second-line eradication rate in the moxifloxacin group was significantly higher than that in the quadruple therapy group (73.33 vs 60.17%, OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.16-2.73, P<0.001). However, there was no difference in first-line eradication treatment. Findings from this meta-analysis suggest that moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is more effective and better tolerated than standard triple or quadruple therapy. Therefore, a moxifloxacin-based triple regimen should be used in the second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Guidelines for treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the East and West

Infection with Helicobacter pylori remains a major healthcare burden, with persistently high prevalence rates, especially in less-developed countries. H. pylori infection is causally related to non-malignant and malignant gastroduodenal diseases, such as peptic ulcer diseases, gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Current international guidelines recommend a standard triple therapy as first-line therapy, including a proton pump inhibitor and a combination of amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Standard triple therapy has shown a decreasing efficacy over the years. The main reason is the increasing antibiotic resistance, particular to clarithromycin of H. pylori strains. Several new treatment options or modifications of already established regimens have been introduced to overcome treatment failure. In this article, we intend to report the reasons for treatment failure, and furthermore we give an overview of new treatment options as alternatives to the current treatment regimens. Finally, the strategy for the future is considered.

Primary resistance of Helicobacter pylori to levofloxacin and moxifloxacine in Iran

The increase in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori had a drastic effect on successful treatment. Up-to-date information on H. pylori antibiotic therapy in Iran is still limited. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among the H. pylori strains. Furthermore, the possibility of using fluoroquinolones for antibiotic treatment was investigated. Antral biopsy specimens obtained from dyspeptic patients were investigated for H. pylori. Bacterial culture and susceptibility tests were done based on standard methods. H. pylori ATCC 43504 was used as a quality control. In the current study, 30 H. pylori strains were selected randomly and retested to confirm our susceptibility tests. Of 170 patients, 150 were identified as positive for H. pylori (88.2%). In this study, 150 single colonies of H. pylori strains [81 women (54%), 69 men (46%); mean age 38.6; aged 21-70 years] were collected. Primary resistance of H. pylori isolates were clarithromycin (34%), metronidazole (78.6%), tetracycline (9.3%), amoxicillin (10%), levofloxacin (5.3%) and moxifloxacine (4.6%). In conclusion, our results show that we are confronting a new generation of resistant strains of H. pylori in Iran. This alarming finding indicates an urgent need for introduction of new effective antibiotics in our country. Since the majority of clinicians prefer to continue with the ineffective antibiotics as therapeutic regimens, they must also be prepared to deal with treatment failures.

Quadruple therapy with moxifloxacin and bismuth for first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori

AIM: To compare triple therapy vs quadruple therapy for 10 d as first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

METHODS: Consecutive H. pylori positive patients never treated in the past for this infection were randomly treated with triple therapy of pantoprazole (PAN) 20 mg bid, amoxicillin (AMO) 1 g bid and moxifloxacin (MOX) 400 mg bid for 10 d (PAM) or with quadruple therapy of PAN 20 mg bid, AMO 1 g bid, MOX 400 mg bid and bismuth subcitrate 240 mg bid for 10 d (PAMB). All patients were found positive at 13 C-Urea breath test (UBT) performed within ten days prior to the start of the study. A successful outcome was confirmed with an UBT performed 8 wk after the end of treatment. χ² analysis was used for statistical comparison. Per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) values were also calculated.

RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled in the PAM group and 50 in the PAMB group. One patient in each group did not return for further assessment. Eradication was higher in the PAMB group (negative: 46 and positive: 3) vs the PAM group (negative: 44 and positive: 12). The H. pylori eradication rate was statistically significantly higher in the PAMB group vs the PAM group, both with the PP and ITT analyses (PP: PAMB 93.8%, PAM 78.5%, P < 0.02; ITT: PAMB 92%, PAM 77.1 %, P <0.03).

CONCLUSION: The addition of bismuth subcitrate can be considered a valuable adjuvant to triple therapy in those areas where H. pylori shows a high resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Helicobacter pylori infection in clinical practice: probiotics and a combination of probiotics + lactoferrin improve compliance, but not eradication, in sequential therapy

BACKGROUND

Sequential therapy (ST) seems to offer higher success rates than triple therapy (TT) in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, from the standpoint of therapeutic compliance, there is no difference between the two treatments. Adjuvant treatment (especially with probiotics (PB) and lactoferrin (LF)) has often improved compliance and eradication rates in patients subjected to TT, while ST had never been used in association with adjuvants.

METHODS

Over a period of 2 years, we randomized and divided 227 consecutive adult patients with H. pylori infection into three groups. The patients were given ST with the addition of adjuvants, as follows: group A (ST + placebo), group B (ST + LF + PB), and group C (ST + PB). Our goal was to assess therapeutic compliance, so we prepared a questionnaire to help determine the severity of the side effects. We also determined the eradication rates for the groups.

RESULTS

Patients with ST + placebo had the worst compliance as compared with the other two groups in terms of the absence of symptoms (p < .001 between B and A; p = .001 between C and A) and the presence of intolerable symptoms (p = .016 between B and A; p = .046 between C and A). The differences between the values for the treated groups and those for the placebo group were statistically significant. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in compliance between groups B and C. The eradication rate was similar for the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics associated with ST provide optimum therapeutic compliance compared with the placebo and, despite the need to take a larger number of tablets, they should be taken into consideration as an adjuvant to therapy for H. pylori infection. The addition of LF to the PB did not bring about any further improvements in compliance. As compared with the placebo, the eradication rate of ST did not improve by adding LF + PB or by using PB alone.

Randomized trial on 14 versus 7 days of esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin for second-line or rescue treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

Triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin has been proven effective in first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIM

To explore 1, the value of triple therapy with esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin in second-line or rescue treatment of Caucasian patients and 2, the impact of treatment duration on eradication success.

METHODS

H. pylori-infected patients with at least one previous treatment failure were randomized to oral esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d., moxifloxacin 400 mg o.d., and amoxicillin 1000 mg b.i.d. for either 7 (EMA-7) or 14 days (EMA-14). Eradication was confirmed by 13C urea breath test. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in all patients at baseline and in patients who failed treatment.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were randomized, and 60% had ≥ 2 previous treatment failures. Pretreatment resistance against clarithromycin and metronidazole was found in 70.5 and 61.5% of cases, respectively. The intention-to-treat eradication rate was significantly higher after EMA-14 compared with EMA-7 (95.0 vs 78.9%, p = .036). No independent risk factor for treatment failure could be identified. There were no serious adverse events. Five of the EMA-14 patients (12.5%) compared with none of the EMA-7 patients discontinued prematurely because of adverse events (p = .031). Post-treatment resistance against moxifloxacin was found in one of seven patients with isolated organisms (14.3%).

CONCLUSION

Second-line/rescue H. pylori eradication therapy with esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin is very effective and well tolerated. Fourteen days of treatment significantly increase the eradication rate but also the rate of adverse events.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The article will give an overview on reasons for treatment failure and tries to show new concepts for Helicobacter pylori treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several new treatment options or modifications of already established regimens have been introduced to overcome treatment failure. Antibiotic resistance to H. pylori is the key factor for treatment failure. At the moment, standard triple therapy remains the primary choice in regions with proven low clarithromycin resistance rates. In areas with high clarithromycin resistance, four drug treatment regimens, including quadruple and sequential therapy, have proven the best results as first-line regimens. The options for second-line treatment regimens are manifold. Second-line treatment regimens need to be adapted accurately to local resistance rates.

SUMMARY

Treatment of H. pylori infection is challenged by a dramatic fall in eradication rates all over the world. Newer regimens have been introduced including sequential, quadruple therapies and those regimens provide promising results, but the knowledge about local resistance rates remains the key to an effective therapy.

Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy versus bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for second-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy has been suggested as an alternative second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIMS

To systematically review the efficacy and tolerance of moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy in second-line H. pylori eradication, and to conduct a meta-analysis of studies comparing this regimen with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials register, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (updated to December 2010), and manual searches were conducted. A meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy to bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in the second-line treatment of H. pylori infection was performed.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs including 787 patients were assessed. The meta-analysis showed that the eradication rate in the moxifloxacin group was significantly higher than that in the quadruple therapy group (74.9 vs 61.4%, OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.38-2.58, p < .0001); besides, the rates of side effects and discontinuing therapy because of side effects in the moxifloxacin group were significantly lower than those in the quadruple therapy group (side effects: 10.1 vs 27.8%, OR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18-0.41, p < .00001; discontinuing therapy because of side effects: 1.4 vs 8.2%, OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.40, p < .0001). These results were constant in the sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Moxifloxacin-containing triple regimen is more effective and better tolerated than the bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in the second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Should quinolones come first in Helicobacter pylori therapy?

New generations of fluoroquinolones, like levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, exhibit a broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and have been successfully introduced into the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Based on a large body of evidence, current guidelines recommend the use of levofloxacin- or moxifloxacin-containing proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) triple therapies in second-line or rescue treatment of H. pylori infection. The efficacy of standard PPI triple therapies has substantially declined during the last decade, mainly due to increasing resistance against the key antibiotics clarithromycin and metronidazole. Therefore, alternative strategies for first-line therapy of H. pylori infection have been evaluated in a considerable number of clinical trials including sequential regimens, nonbismuth quadruple regimens, and quinolone-containing PPI triple therapy regimens. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current body of evidence of levofloxacin- and moxifloxacin-containing regimens in first-line treatment of H. pylori infection, and to discuss the risks and benefits of these strategies in the light of increasing resistance of H. pylori to quinolones.

Antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori to the outcome of 10-days vs. 7-days Moxifloxacin based therapy for the eradication: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Antibiotic resistance decreases success of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. Recently published results show low rate of resistance and better compliance with moxifloxacin based regiments.

Aims&methods

Whether 7 days moxifloxacin with lansoprasole and amoxycillin can be compared with 10 days moxifloxacin with lansoprasole and amoxycillin according to moxifloxacin resistance. Patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia who had culture and histology positive Hp infection (n = 150) were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group (n = 75) received moxifloxacin 400 mg/d during 7 days and the other (n = 75) received moxifloxacin 400 mg/d during 10 days. All patients received amoxycillin 1 g twice daily, lansoprasole 30 mg twice daily. All Hp cultures were tested for sensitivity to moxifloxacin.

Results

138 patients (92%) completed the study, 68 in the first group and 70 in the second. Eradication rates were 84% (57/68) and 76% (57/75) in the 7 days moxifloxacin group and 90% and 84% in the second group (63/70, 63/75) according to the PP and ITT analysis; p = n.s. Among 129 patients (86% of study group), 6% of strains were primary resistant to moxifloxacin.

Eradication of moxifloxacin sensitive/resistant strains was 98%/66%, p < 0.05

Conclusion

According to our results we recommend 7 days moxiflixacin based triple therapy.

Efficacy of four different moxifloxacin-based triple therapies for first-line H. pylori treatment

Moxifloxacin has been used in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. The optimal dosage and duration have not been assessed.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of moxifloxacin, amoxicillin and esomeprazole in four regimens, in previously untreated patients infected by H. pylori.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Patients were randomly assigned to: esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1g b.i.d., and one of each of the four following dosages of moxifloxacin: moxifloxacin 400 mg b.i.d. for 10 days (EAM800x10), moxifloxacin 400 mg b.i.d. for 7 days (EAM800x7), moxifloxacin 400 mg b.i.d. for 5 days (EAM800x5), moxifloxacin 400 mg o.i.d. for 10 days (EAM400x10). Eradication was assessed by the Urea Breath Test (UBT) 2 months following the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Ninety-four, 102, 92 and 105 patients were recruited in EAM800x10, EAM800x7, EAM800x5, and EAM400x10 respectively. The eradication rate was for Intention-To-Treat (ITT) and Per Protocol (PP) analyses: EAM800x10 group ITT: 90.4%, PP: 94.4%; EAM800x7 group ITT: 80.3%, PP: 86.3%; EAM800x5 group ITT: 71.4%, PP: 75.2%; EAM400x10 group ITT: 80.0%, PP 84.8%. A statistically significant difference was reached between EAM800x10 vs. EAM800x7 (ITT and PP: P<0.05), and between EAM800x10 vs. EAM800x5 (ITT and PP: P<0.01) and vs. EAM400x10 (ITT: P<0.05; PP: P<0.04). Thirty patients treated unsuccessfully with EAM800x5 and EAM400x10 were re-treated with EAM800x10 with an eradication rate of 86.7% (ITT) and 92.2% (PP). Nineteen patients with positive UBT after EAM800x10 and EAM800x7 underwent a second-line rifabutin-based therapy with an eradication rate of 84.2% (ITT and PP).

CONCLUSION

A triple therapy with 800 mg of moxifloxacin a day for 10 days is more effective than the same treatment for 5 or 7 days and a treatment with 400mg of moxifloxacin a day for 10 days for the first-line eradication of H. pylori infection. The high cost of moxifloxacin-based treatment however, may limit its wide use as first-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy as second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: effect of treatment duration and antibiotic resistance on the eradication rate

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy as second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. We also investigated the effect of treatment duration and antibiotic resistance on the eradication rate of this therapy.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled patients found to have persistent H. pylori infections after failure of first-line proton-pump inhibitor-based triple therapy. Patients took moxifloxacin (400 mg q.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.), and esomeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.). The eradication rate, drug compliance, and adverse event rates were evaluated. Minimal inhibitory tests were performed for moxifloxacin and amoxicillin by the agar dilution method.

RESULTS

In 2004, 41 patients were treated for 7 days. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates (ITT/PP) were 75.6/83.8%. Moxifloxacin resistance was 5.6%. Therapy was extended to 10 days during 2005-2006 and 139 patients were treated. The ITT/PP eradication rates were 71.9/82.6%; moxifloxacin resistance had increased to 12%. The final group of 181 patients in 2007-2008 who were treated for 14 days also had low eradication rates (68/79.9%), but there was no statistical significance in the efficacy among the treatment periods. Moxifloxacin resistance in 2007-2008 was 28.2%. Side-effect increased with treatment duration (i.e., 9.8, 12.2, and 25.4% at 7, 10, and 14 days, respectively, p = .001).

CONCLUSION

The 7-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy produced an unacceptably low eradication rate. Increasing the duration of therapy was expected to increase the eradication rate, but the expected increased did not materialize, most likely because of coincident marked increase in the prevalence of resistance to moxifloxacin. Tailored treatment based on antibiotic susceptibility testing might be more effective in the achievement of high eradication rate when rapid antibiotic resistance such as moxifloxacin is occurring.

Specific therapeutic schemes of omeprazole affect the orientation of Helicobacter pylori

Until now, it has been unclear how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) support Helicobacter pylori therapy. We tested whether the PPI omeprazole acts on the spatial orientation of H. pylori in the gastric mucus of infected Mongolian gerbils. Following repetitive PPI administration once daily but not following single doses or administration every 8 h, the bacterial spatial distribution changed, indicating a loss of orientation. Therefore, the therapeutic scheme of PPI administration may affect efficiency of treatment.

Second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection based on moxifloxacin triple therapy: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, standard quadruple second-line therapy consisting of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline often fails and shows poor patient compliance. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of moxifloxacin-based triple therapy as an alternative second-line protocol.

METHODS

A total of 160 patients, in whom the initial standard PPI triple therapy had failed to eradicate H. pylori infection, were included in the study. The initial H. pylori status was assessed using the (13)C-urea breath test. Patients were randomized to one of the following 7-day treatment regimens: (1) OMM: omeprazole 20 mg twice a day, moxifloxacin 400 mg/day, metronidazole 500 mg three times a day; and (2) OBMT: omeprazole 20 mg twice a day, colloidal bismuth subcitrate 120 mg four times a day, metronidazole 500 mg three times a day, tetracycline 500 mg four times a day. Patient compliance and adverse events were evaluated one week after completion of therapy. H. pylori status was re-assessed with the (13)C-urea breath test six weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

The eradication rates were 73.2% (60/82) and 78.9% (60/76) with moxifloxacin-based triple therapy, and 53.8% (42/78) and 64.6% (42/65) with bismuth-based quadruple therapy, by intention-to-treat (p = 0.018) and per-protocol (p = 0.088) analyses, respectively. Adverse events/intolerability were described in 12/82 patients in the OMM group and 18/78 patients in the OBMT group. Compliance with treatment was 92.7% in the OMM group and 83.3% in the OBMT group.

CONCLUSION

Moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is a highly effective second-line eradication treatment in H. pylori infection. Because of its high levels of safety and tolerability, this protocol represents an adequate alternative to the standard bismuth-based quadruple therapy.

Prevalence of primary fluoroquinolone resistance among clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori at a University Hospital in Southern Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Fluoroquinolone-containing therapy is effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. However, the resistance rate of H. pylori to fluoroquinolones in Taiwan has not yet been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the susceptibility to antibiotics commonly used in eradication schedules and fluoroquinolones in H. pylori.

METHODS

A total of 210 clinical isolates of H. pylori were collected from April 1998 to September 2007 from patients in southern Taiwan. The in vitro activities of six antimicrobial agents were determined by the agar dilution method and Etest. The mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA and gyrB were investigated by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

Overall, 5.7% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. The resistance rate to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and tetracycline was 1.0% (two of 210), 9.5% (20 of 210), 27.6% (58 of 210), and 0.5% (one of 210), respectively. The resistance rate to either ciprofloxacin or to levofloxacin increased from 2.8% (1998-2003) to 11.8% (2004-2007). The mutations in gyrA at N87 or D91 had an impact on primary fluoroquinolone resistance in H. pylori. Garenoxacin, but not moxifloxacin, had a good in vitro inhibitory effect against ciprofloxacin/levofloxacin-resistant strains compared with objective minimal inhibitory concentration values.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug resistance to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin in H. pylori collected from 2004 to 2007 increased significantly compared with resistance level observed during 1998-2003. The continuous surveillance of quinolone resistance among H. pylori is important in this area.

Moxifloxacin-based triple therapy versus clarithromycin-based triple therapy for first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Moxifloxacin-based triple therapy has been suggested as an alternative first line therapy to clarithromycin-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIMS

To systematically review the efficacy and tolerance of moxifloxacin-based triple therapy, and to conduct a meta-analysis of studies comparing this regimen with clarithromycin-based triple therapy.

METHODS

A search of The Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, EBM Review databases, Science Citation Index Expanded, and CMB (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) was performed. Randomized controlled trials comparing moxifloxacin-based triple therapy to gold standard triple therapy in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection were selected for meta-analysis. Relative risk was used as a measure of the effect of the two above-mentioned regimens with a fixed-effects model using the methods of DerSimonian and Laird.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials totaling 772 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that the mean eradication rate was 84.1 (318/378) in the moxifloxacin-based triple therapy group and 73.6 (290/394) in the clarithromycin-based triple therapy group; there was statistical significance between the two groups (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.27; P=0.04). There were no statistically significant difference in the overall side effects (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.25, 1.48; P<0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is more effective and does not increase the incidence of overall side effects compared to clarithromycin-based triple therapy in the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Moxifloxacine plus amoxicillin and ranitidine bismuth citrate or esomeprazole triple therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection

Up to 20% of patients, or even more, will fail to obtain eradication after a standard triple therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of moxifloxacine-containing regimens in the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori. One hundred and twenty H. pylori-positive patients were randomized into four groups to receive one of the following 14-day treatments: ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) 400 mg b.d. plus amoxicillin 1 g b.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (RAC group, n = 30); RBC 400 mg b.d. plus moxifloxacine 400 mg o.d. and amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.d. (RAM group, n = 30); esomeprazole 40 mg b.d. plus amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. (EAC group, n = 30); and esomeprazole 40 mg b.d. plus amoxicillin 1,000 mg b.d. plus moxifloxacine 400 mg o.d. (EAM group, n = 30). Eradication was assessed by (13)C urea breath test 8 weeks after therapy. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication was achieved in 23 out of 30 patients (76.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61-92) in the RAC group, in 20 patients (66.7%, 95% CI: 49-84) in the RAM group, in 16 patients in the EAM group (53.3%, 95% CI: 34-71), and in 19 patients in the EAC group (63.3%, 95% CI: 54-72). Mild or moderate side-effects were significantly more common in the EAM group (70%) compared to the RAC (36.6%), RAM (43.3%), and EAC (56.6%) groups (P = 0.03). From our results, we conclude that moxifloxacine-containing triple therapies have neither eradication nor compliance advantages over standard triple therapies. Further studies with new antibiotic associations are needed for the better eradication of H. pylori in developing regions of the world.

Emerging therapies for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections

OBJECTIVE

To describe emerging therapies, such as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, rifabutin, rifaximin, tinidazole, doxycycline, minocycline, lactoferrin, and plaunotol for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant information was identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966-July 2008), PubMed (1955-July 2008), American Search Premier (1975-July 2008), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1960-2008), Science Citation Index Expanded (1996-2008), Cochrane Databases (publications archived until July 2008), and various tertiary sources using the terms Helicobacter pylori, fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, rifabutin, rifaximin, lactoferrin, plaunotol, tinidazole, doxycycline, minocycline, faropenem, new treatments, refractory, and salvage alone or in combination.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant information was identified and selected based on clinical relevance and value of information. In vitro and in vivo data were included if available.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Data exist supporting the use of levofloxacin or rifabutin as salvage therapies for H. pylori infection. Levofloxacin triple therapy has been recommended in the current treatment guideline, but more data are needed, especially from studies conducted in the US. A rifabutin-based regimen is better tolerated than conventional quadruple therapy, but its use is limited due to cost, hematologic adverse effects, drug interactions, and predicted development of resistance. Tinidazole appears to be an option, particularly as sequential therapy when combined with other agents; however, its use is limited by the high prevalence of nitroimidazole-resistant H. pylori strains in the US. Moxifloxacin data are limited. Data supporting the use of rifaximin, doxycycline, and minocycline are lacking or do not show benefit of these drugs over standard treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection remains one of the most significant infections worldwide, and treatment failure rate with the current standard therapy continues to rise. Other treatment options should be explored to meet the emerging challenge.

Comparison between H pylori eradication rates of two moxifloxacin-based triple therapies

AIM: To compare the H pylori eradication rates of two 7-day moxifloxacin-based therapies.

METHODS: In this parallel control study, 52 H pylori-positive patients were divided into EMT (esomeprazole 20 mg bid, moxifloxacin 0.4 g qd, tinidazole 0.5 g bid) group and RMA (ranitidine bismuth citrate capsules 0.4 g bid, moxifloxacin 0.4 g qd, amoxicillin 1.0 g bid) group. The patients in both groups were treated for 7 d. H pylori status was assessed 4 weeks after the end of treatment by ¹³C urea breath test.

RESULTS: The treatment was completed in all the 52 patients. The rates of H pylori eradication in group EMT and RMA were 83.3% and 79.4%, respectively, and there was no difference between them (χ² = 0.117, P = 0.521).

CONCLUSION: Seven-day moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is a feasible H pylori eradication regimen.

One-week once-daily triple therapy with esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin for eradication of persistent Helicobacter pylori resistant to both metronidazole and clarithromycin

AIM

To investigate a 1-week once-daily triple therapy with esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin for rescue therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 103) with at least one previous treatment failure and H. pylori infection resistant to both metronidazole and clarithromycin were treated with esomeprazole 40 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg, and rifabutin 300 mg, given once daily for 7 days. Eradication was confirmed by histology and culture. CYP2C19 status was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat and per-protocol eradication rates were 77.7% (68.4-85.3) and 83.3% (74.4-90.2). Five patients discontinued prematurely (4.8%). Eradication was achieved in 93.1% of poor/intermediate metabolizers and in 78.8% of homozygous extensive metabolizers (p = .14). Eradication rates in patients with one, two, three, and four or more previous failures were 78.3%, 89.6%, 68.6%, and 88.9%, respectively (p = .21). The regimen was effective in seven of nine patients who previously failed quadruple therapy. Post-treatment resistance to moxifloxacin and rifabutin was detected in two (12.5%) and five (31%) patients after treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

Once-daily triple therapy with esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin is a promising, safe, and convenient regimen for rescue therapy of H. pylori infection that may serve as a valuable alternative to quadruple therapy, particularly for patients with intolerance to amoxicillin.

Second-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: 10-day moxifloxacin-based triple therapy versus 2-week quadruple therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of 10-day moxifloxacin-based triple therapy versus 2-week quadruple therapy for the second-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-two patients who had failed previous H. pylori eradication on standard triple therapy were randomized to one of two regimens: 1, moxifloxacin (400 mg q.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.), and esomeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.) for 10 days (the 10MEA group), or 2, esomeprazole (20 mg b.i.d.), tripotassium dicitrate bismuthate (300 mg q.i.d.), metronidazole (500 mg t.i.d.), and tetracycline 500 mg (q.i.d.) for 14 days (the 14EBMT group). The eradication rates, drug compliances, and side-effect rates of these two regimens were compared.

RESULTS

Eradication rates by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses in the 10MEA and 14EMBT groups were 71.9% and 82.6%, and 71.7% and 90.5% (p = .973 and .321), respectively. The 10MEA group was significantly superior to the 14EMBT group in terms of side-effect rates (12.2% vs. 39.6%, p = .001), and discontinuation rates due to side-effects were lower in the 10MEA group than in the 14EMBT group (0.7% vs. 13.2%, p < .001). Moreover, compliance was higher in the 10MEA group (94.2% (131/139)) than in the 14EBMT group (83.0% (44/53)) (p = .014).

CONCLUSION

The 10-day moxifloxacin-based triple therapy was found to have a high eradication rate with few side-effects and good drug compliance. These findings suggest that this regimen is a safe and effective second-line treatment option for H. pylori infection in Korea.

Rational prescription of drugs within similar therapeutic or structural class for gastrointestinal disease treatment: Drug metabolism and its related interactions

AIM: To review and summarize drug metabolism and its related interactions in prescribing drugs within the similar therapeutic or structural class for gastrointestinal disease treatment so as to promote rational use of medicines in clinical practice.

METHODS: Relevant literature was identified by performing MEDLINE/Pubmed searches covering the period from 1988 to 2006.

RESULTS: Seven classes of drugs were chosen, including gastric proton pump inhibitors, histamine H₂-receptor antagonists, benzamide-type gastroprokinetic agents, selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, fluoroquinolones, macrolide antibiotics and azole antifungals. They showed significant differences in metabolic profile (i.e., the fraction of drug metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP), CYP reaction phenotype, impact of CYP genotype on interindividual pharmacokinetics variability and CYP-mediated drug-drug interaction potential). Many events of severe adverse drug reactions and treatment failures were closely related to the ignorance of the above issues.

CONCLUSION: Clinicians should acquaint themselves with what kind of drug has less interpatient variability in clearance and whether to perform CYP genotyping prior to initiation of therapy. The relevant CYP knowledge helps clinicians to enhance the management of patients with gastrointestinal disease who may require treatment with polytherapeutic regimens.

High eradication rate of H. pylori with moxifloxacin-based treatment: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori remains a problematic treatment issue in clinical practice. The intention is to find a treatment that achieves a high rate of eradication at a low price and treatment options that are now used give us the opportunity to achieve this goal. Recently published results showing a low rate of resistance and better compliance with moxifloxacin-based treatment regimens indicate the need to investigate its efficacy in H. pylori eradication. This study is based on proving the efficacy of moxifloxacin in H. pylori eradication within the triple therapy.

AIMS AND METHODS

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of one week of moxifloxacin-based treatment with the standard treatment for H. pylori eradication. Patients with H. pylori infection and non-ulcer dyspepsia (n = 277) were randomly divided into four groups to receive: moxifloxacin 400 mg/d, metronidazole 400 mg twice daily, lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily (MML group); moxifloxacin 400 mg/d, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily (MAL group); clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, metronidazole 400 mg twice daily, lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily (CML group); clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily (CAL group). The patients were assessed for prevalence of H. pylori using the CLO test, histology and culture on gastric biopsy samples obtained during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before randomization and 4-6 weeks after completion of treatment. Bacterial sensitivity to clarithromycin and moxifloxacin was determined with the E-test.

RESULTS

265 (95.6%) patients completed the study forming the basis for PP analysis. Eradication rates of H. pylori in ITT and in PP analyses were: in the MML group 93.5% (58/62) and 96.7% (58/60), respectively; in the MAL group 86.4% (57/66) and 90.5% (57/63); in the CML group 70.4% (50/71) and 75.8% (50/66); and in the CAL group 78.2% (61/78) and 80.2% (61/76). Moxifloxacin treatment protocols were significantly more effective on both ITT and PP analyses than the clarithromycin based protocols with only one exception (MAL vs. CAL on ITT analysis). Among 238 patients (86% of the entire study group), strains showing primary resistance to clarithromycin were found in 10.8% and to moxifloxacin in 5.9%. Eradication of moxifloxacin sensitive/resistant strains was 98.1%/75% for MML (p < 0.01) and 91.1%/66.7% for MAL (p = n.s.); comparison of eradication of sensitive strains in MML and MAL regimens was 98.1%/91.1% (p < 0.05), and for resistant strains 75%/66.7% (p = n.s.). CML and CAL protocols did not differ in efficacy of eradication of clarithromycin sensitive or resistant strains.

CONCLUSION

Moxifloxacin-based triple therapies showed higher eradication rates with few side effects and good drug compliance when compared with standard H. pylori treatments. Moreover, the increased prevalence of clarithromycin resistance suggests that moxifloxacin-based regimens could be safe and effective options in treatment of H. pylori infection.

Low efficacy rate of moxifloxacin-containing Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment: in an observational study in a Turkish population

BACKGROUND

Standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori has an eradication rate of about 50% in Turkey. It may be due to an increased resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a new second-generation fluoroquinolone, moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy in H. pylori eradication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is an open-label, prospective, single-center, pilot study. We studied 71 dyspeptic patients infected with H. pylori diagnosed by both histology and rapid urease test. Out of 71 dyspeptic patients, 64 had non-ulcer dyspepsia and seven had peptic ulcer. Patients received pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.) plus moxifloxacin (400 mg/day) and amoxicillin (1000 mg b.i.d.) for 14 days. Eradication was assessed 4 weeks after completing the therapy by histology and rapid urease test. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were determined.

RESULTS

The eradication rate was 42.2% for the intention-to-treat analysis and 47.6% for the per-protocol analysis. Of all patients included in the study, 29.5% had side-effects and only 2.8% of the patients discontinued the treatment because of side-effects. Most of the complications were mild and self-limiting.

CONCLUSION

Triple therapy with pantoprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin for 14 days yielded unacceptably low eradication rates. However, using tests of susceptibility to antibiotics, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to judge these eradication rates of moxifloxacin containing eradication treatment.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Triple therapy, consisting of two antibiotics, clarithomycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole in combination with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) has become the first-line option for infection with Helicobacter pylori and has been recommended at several consensus conferences. In clinical practice, approximately 20% of patients will fail to obtain H. pylori eradication with the recommended treatment regimens. Major causes of treatment failure are insufficient patient compliance and antibiotic resistance. Because of antibiotic resistance, bismuth-based quadruple therapy has also become a first-line regimen in areas with exceedingly high rates of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance, and is the preferred second-line option otherwise. Triple therapies based on levofloxacin and/or rifabutin mainly with combination of amoxicillin are options if multiple eradication failure occurs. However, following therapy failure beyond a second treatment attempt requires antibiotic resistance testing. New drugs and adjuvant agents have been reported but their efficacy needs further evaluation.

Update on fluoroquinolone resistance in Helicobacter pylori: new mutations leading to resistance and first description of a gyrA polymorphism associated with hypersusceptibility

Helicobacter pylori eradication by standard therapy is decreasing due to clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. Fluoroquinolones are valuable drugs for alternative therapy, but their activity needs to be updated. We determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the newly marketed fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin) and assessed the prevalence of resistance in 128 H. pylori strains isolated in 2004-2005. The quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA was sequenced for all strains. Gatifloxacin MICs (MIC(50) = 0.25 mg/L) were two- to four-fold lower than those of the other fluoroquinolones. The prevalence of resistance (ciprofloxacin MIC > 1 mg/L) was 17.2% (22 strains). All resistant strains harboured one gyrA mutation at codons 86, 87 or 91, including three new mutations (Asp86Asn, Thr87Ile and Asn87Tyr). Ciprofloxacin-susceptible strains were devoid of such gyrA mutations, but harboured a polymorphism at codon 87 that distinguished 18 isolates (17%) with a Thr87 like the reference strain J99 from 88 strains with Asn87 like the reference strain 26695. Strains with Thr87 were four-fold more susceptible to nalidixic acid, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin and were equally susceptible to moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin. The high rate of quinolone resistance in H. pylori requires the use/implication of a 'test and treat' strategy that can confidently rely on QRDR gyrA sequencing.

Effective regimens for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

Successful Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy remains a challenge in medical practice. Currently, a proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin or nitroimidazole for 7 days is the recommended first-line treatment approach with an expected eradication success rate of approximately 80%. As a second-line treatment option in the case of failure, a ranitidine bismuth citrate-based quadruple therapy is currently recommended curing another 80% of patients, leaving a subset of patients with persistent H. pylori infection. For these patients, promising rescue options have been evaluated including regimens that contain rifabutin, quinolones, furazolidone or high-dose amoxicillin. The role of susceptibility testing is still under discussion. It is not generally recommended prior to first-line treatment but guidelines propose a role for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing after failure of the second attempt. Meanwhile, data on the geographic distribution of resistance pattern are available and may guide therapeutic decisions with regard to the combination of antibiotics chosen for the individual patients aiming at 100% cure rate in each individual patient.

Quinolone resistance in Helicobacter pylori isolates in Germany

We show that quinolone resistance in Helicobacter pylori has reached an alarming level in Germany. Our data suggest that the use of quinolones requires prior antimicrobial susceptibility testing, especially for isolates from patients who have already undergone previous unsuccessful eradication treatments, and also underline the further need for surveillance studies to monitor antibiotic resistance in H. pylori.

Sequential therapy using high-dose esomeprazole-amoxicillin followed by gatifloxacin for Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

The success rate of current anti-Helicobacter pylori triple therapies in now generally 80% or less. Sequential therapy has proved superior.

AIM

To test a new sequential therapy for H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

This was a pilot study of a sequential therapy consisting of 40 mg of esomeprazole and 1 g amoxicillin t.d.s., for 12 days. On days 6 through 12 gatifloxacin (400 mg in the morning) was added. Outcome was accessed 4 or more weeks after ending antibiotic therapy. Both naive and treatment failures were eligible.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were entered in the study. One was lost to follow-up and one stopped early because of side effects. The success rate intention-to-treat was 80% (95% CI: 61-92%). The per-protocol eradication rate was 85.7% (95% CI: 67-95%); two of the four failures had pre-treatment gatifloxacin-resistant H. pylori. Side effects were reported by 13 patients (46%) and were generally mild with diarrhoea being most common (n = 6). Only one patient stopped medicine because of side effects of dizziness (severe) and diarrhoea (mild).

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential therapy using the combination of a high dose of proton-pump inhibitor and amoxicillin followed gatifloxacin was effective, but pre-treatment susceptibility testing may become necessary as fluoroquinolone resistance increases.