The Optimal Commencement Time of Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Bleeding Peptic Ulcer Disease

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori eradication promotes healing and prevents recurrence of H. pylori associated peptic ulcer disease (PUD). However it is unclear whether H. pylori eradication therapy commenced on the initial course of treatment is more effective compared to therapy at a later course of treatment. We evaluated the optimal commencement time of eradication of H. pylori in patients with hemorrhagic PUD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2002 through July 2013, a total of 486 patients who had hemorrhagic PUD were retrospectively evaluated. After exclusion, 79 patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty patients with duodenal ulcer (38%) and 49 patients with gastric ulcer (62%) were enrolled. The overall eradication rate were 96.2%. The eradication rates of early eradication vs. late eradication (divided by standards of 3 days after diagnosis of PUD) were 94.3% vs. 100%, and was not significantly different (P=0.55). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, medication commencement time does not have an effect on the eradication rate of H. pylori infection in patients with hemorrhagic PUD.