Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Risk After Retreatment of H. pylori Infection

A longer delay in retreating persistent H. pylori infection was associated with greater upper GI bleeding risk.

Given the well-recognized association of Helicobacter pylori infection with peptic ulcers and upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as well as gastric cancer, treatment is recommended for all patients testing positive for H. pylori. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance and incomplete adherence to antibiotic regimens, follow-up testing and confirmation of eradication is recommended. If H. pylori infection persists, a different antibiotic is prescribed. It is unknown if delay in retreatment of persistent infection results in increased risk for upper GI bleeding.

In a retrospective study, researchers examined upper GI bleeding risk among 8330 patients in Hong Kong who received retreatment for H. pylori after an initial clarithromycin-containi…

Reviewing Author

John R. Saltzman, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardIterative Scopes

Editorial BoardsGastrointestinal Endoscopy; UpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology (Trustee)

OtherVice President of Medical Affairs, 1Globe Health Institute