| Theme |
Helicobacter pylori update |
| Title |
Saturation Level of Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy for Treatment of Peptic Ulcers in Numerous Institutions |
| Author |
Yoshikuni Kudo |
Department of General Medicine, Oita University / Kawasaki Medical Clinic |
| Author |
Hisanori Kawasaki |
Kawasaki Medical Clinic |
| Author |
Masaaki Kodama |
Department of General Medicine, Oita University |
| Author |
Tadayoshi Okimoto |
Department of General Medicine, Oita University |
| Author |
Kazunari Murakami |
Department of General Medicine, Oita University |
| Author |
Toshio Fujioka |
Department of General Medicine, Oita University |
| [ Summary ] |
The usefulness of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy for the treatment of peptic ulcers is widely recognized today. In Japan, this therapy was approved for health insurance coverage in November 2000. However, the saturation level of eradication therapy at numerous institutions has not been clear. To clarify this problem, we used questionnaires with members of Oita medical association in July 2004. As a result of analyzing these questionnaires, it became clear that H. pylori eradication therapy was widely used at numerous institutions. In addition, eradication therapy was performed in accordance with the Japanese guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection, in most cases. However, 37% of patients unsuccessfully treated by firstline therapy regimens were not retreated with secondline therapy. These results suggest that secondary eradication is likely to be difficult, even if the dosage of clarithromycin is increased within the same regimen after the failure of primary eradication of H. pylori. Secondary eradication therapies, using an alternative agents need to be established immediately in Japan. |