[Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for gastric ulcer in elderly].

ABSTRACT

Sixty-five-years or older person accounts for 23% of the population in Japan. Hence, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy is performed in many elderly patients. Urea breath test and H. pylori stool antigen test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection before and after eradication therapy are recommended from the point of being a noninvasive test and providing accurate diagnosis. H. pylori eradication therapy in Japan consists of the PPI/AMPC/CAM as the first therapy, and PPI/AMPC/MNZ as the second therapy. Eradication therapy rate and adverse effect rate of H. pylori eradication therapy for elderly patients are the same as for young people. It is not necessary to avoid H. pylori eradication therapy merely because of high age in elderly patients. However, it is necessary to be careful regarding drug interactions in patients who are taking multiple drugs.