Asia-Pacific Survey on the Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection.

Abstract

Background and aim: Gastric cancer (GC)-related incidence and mortality rates remain high owing to Helicobacter pylori infection in Asia, and the importance of primary and secondary prevention of GC has been well recognized. We aimed to investigate the extent of overall agreement among clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region regarding the management of H. pylori infection.

Methods: The Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Focus Group of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology-Emerging Leaders Committee developed an international survey, which was distributed to 98 clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region, compromising an online questionnaire focusing on the management of H. pylori infection.

Results: Participants responded from Japan (15, 15.3%), Hong Kong (15, 15.3%), Thailand (33, 33.7%), Vietnam (23, 23.5%), Malaysia (4, 4.1%), Singapore (3, 3.1%), and others (5, 5.1%). The most common first-line eradication regimen was clarithromycin (CAM) triple therapy, including proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin (AMPC), and CAM (64.3%) for 14 days (70.4%). The most common second-line eradication regimen was levofloxacin (LVX) triple therapy, including PPI, AMPC, and LVX (22.4%) for 14 days (67.3%). Eradication therapy was deemed necessary for all asymptomatic adults and minors (aged ≤ 17 years) currently infected with H. pylori by 81.6% and 64.3% of respondents, respectively, with 82.7% considering upper GI endoscopy for GC screening useful in the secondary prevention of GC.

Conclusion: There appears to be a growing consensus among clinicians, acknowledging the necessity of eradication therapy. We anticipate that this study will establish a new benchmark in preventive medicine aimed at eradicating GC in the Asia-Pacific region.