Rabeprazole- versus esomeprazole-based eradication regimens for H. pylori infection.

Background: Different kinds of proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies could result in different Helicobacter pylori eradication rates.
Aim: The aims of this study were to compare the efficacy and safety of rabeprazole- and esomeprazole-based triple therapy in primary treatment of H. pylori infection in Taiwan.
Patients and Methods: From June 2005 to March 2007, 420 H. pylori-infected patients were randomly assigned to receive a 7-day eradication therapy with either esomeprazole 40 mg daily (EAC group, n = 209) or rabeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. (RAC group, n = 211) in combination with amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d.. Follow-up endoscopy with biopsy was done 12-16 weeks after completion of eradication therapy. Those who refused endoscopic exams underwent (13)C-urea breath test to assess the treatment response.
Results: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that the eradication rate was 89.4% in the EAC group and 90.5% in RAC groups (p-value = .72). All of the subjects returned for assessment of compliance (100% in EAC group vs. 99.5% in RAC group, p-value = .32) and adverse events (3.83% in EAC group vs. 6.16% in RAC group, p-value = .27). Sixty (28.7%) and 37 (17.6%) patients in EAC and RAC group, respectively, refused endoscopy and underwent a (13)C-urea breath test to determine the treatment effect.
Conclusion: In conclusion, rabeprazole- and esomeprazole-based primary therapies for H. pylori infection are comparable in efficacy and safety.