A new therapeutic strategy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection.

For the eradication of the Helicobacter pylori infection, authors have tested 50 HP-positive subjects (28 females and 22 males; mean age 47 years): 21 duodenal ulcers and 29 gastritis. All patients received the following treatment: omeprazole 40 mg for 30 days, azithromycin 500 mg in a single daily dose for 3 days for 2 cycles and metronidazole 250 mgx4 for 14 days. One month after the end of therapy, patients have been controlled: the HP eradication rates have been 76% (35/46), duodenal ulcer was cured in 90% (18/20). No important side-effects were reported by patients during the treatment. In conclusion the new therapeutic scheme with azithromycin represents a semplificated alternative treatment in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.