Objective: To study the efficiency of the combination lansoprazole and amoxicillin on the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and duodenal ulcer healing.
Methods: Twenty-nine duodenal ulcer patients infected with H. pylori were prospectively studied (mean age, 46 +/- 11 years, 90% males). During endoscopy biopsies were obtained from gastric antrum and body for histologic examination (H & E); a urea breath test with 13C was also performed. Therapy with lansoprazole 30 mg/12 h and amoxicillin 500 mg/6 h for two weeks was prescribed. One month after completing therapy another endoscopy was performed (with biopsies obtained from gastric antrum and body) and again a urea breath test performed. Eradication was defined as the absence of H. pylori by both diagnostic methods.
Results: Eradication was achieved in 48% of patients (n = 14). Ulcer healing was obtained in 62% of cases (n = 18). When eradicating therapy was successful the percentage of healing reached 100%, versus 27% in those patients with persisting infection (p < 0.001). In patients with eradication obtained an histological improvement was noted both at gastric antrum and body, whereas when therapy failed no significant changes were observed. In all cases compliance with therapy was completed, and in no patient were secondary effects observed.
Conclusion: The association of lansoprazole and amoxicillin at the administered doses has a low efficiency on H. pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients. Further studies are warranted to definitely assess the eradicating efficiency of such combination and also to determine the optimal dose of its components, the minimal duration of therapy and the ideal moment for its administration.