Effect of supplementation with rebamipide for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several studies have reported that the application of rebamipide during the eradication of Helicobacter pylori can improve the eradication rate. However, the efficacy and safety are controversial. The present study systematically evaluated whether rebamipide improves the eradication rate of H. pylori by conducting a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in the following database: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Igaku-chuo-zasshi database in Japan. A meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing rebamipide supplementation with non-rebamipide-containing therapy was performed. RESULTS: We identified six randomized trials (611 patients). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates by per-protocol analysis were 73.3% and 61.4% for patients with or without rebamipide, respectively. The odds ratio was 1.74 (95% confidence interval. 1.19-2.53). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with rebamipide might be effective in increasing the H. pylori eradication rates of proton-pump inhibitor-amoxicillin dual therapy.