Should Metronidazole Be Included in Second-Line Treatment After Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Although standard triple therapy remains the first-line eradication treatment for H. pylori worldwide, it is unclear whether metronidazole should be included empirically in second-line eradication treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of metronidazole-containing regimens with that of metronidazole-free regimens after failure of first-line eradication using standard triple therapy.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database were searched to identify RCTs eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Thirteen eligible RCTs were included, with a total of 2039 patients assigned to metronidazole-contai

SUBMITTER: Mori H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11771550 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature