Levofloxacin Replacing Amoxicillin or Clarithromycin in Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Objective To compare the curative efficacy for Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection between levofloxacin-based triple therapy [levofloxacin,proton pump inhibitors(PPI),and amoxicillin or clarithromycin] and standard triple therapy(PPI,amoxicillin and clarithromycin),and to provide better ways for the treatment of HP.Methods A total of 208 patients with Hp infection confirmed by rapid urease test or 13C urea breath test were treated with PPI+amoxicillin+levofloxacin(group A,n=70),PPI+clarithromycin+levofloxacin(group B,n=66),or PPI+clarithromycin+amoxicillin(group C,n=72)for 10 days.Hp eradication was determined by 13C urea breath test 4 weeks after treatment completion.Results Eradication rates of Hp in group C(63.9%)were significantly lower than those in group A(90.0%)and group B(90.9%)(all P0.05).No obvious difference was found between group A and group B(P0.05).Conclusion The triple therapy with levofloxacin,PPI and amoxicillin or clarith-romycin is superior to standard triple therapy with PPI,amoxicillin and clarithromycin for treating Hp infection.