The efficacy of rabeprazole-based triple therapy versus that of omeprazole-based triple therapy for peptic ulcer in elderly Helicobacter pylori positive patients

Objective To investigate the best medication for treatment of peptic ulcer in Helicobacter pylori (HP) positive elderly patients.Methods 100 HP positive patients with peptic ulcer aged ＞60 were divided into two groups according to the random number table.The control group (50 patients) received omeprazole of 20 mg,amoxicillin of 1,000 mg,and metronidazole of 400 mg twice daily for one week and then 20 mg omeprazole alone once daily for one week.The study group (50 patients) received rabeprazole of 10mg,amoxicillin of 1,000 mg,and metronidazole of 400 mg twice daily for one week and then 10mg rabeprazole alone once daily for one week.Results The rate of ulcer healing was 92.00％ (46/50) in the study group and 78.00％ (39/50) in the control group; and the total effectiveness rate was 98.00％ (49/50) and 94.00％ (47/50),respectively.The rate of ulcer healing was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (x 2=3.843,P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference in the total effectiveness rate (x 2=1.042,P＞0.05).The rate of HP eradication rate was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group [94.00％ (47/50) vs.82.00％ (41/50),x 2=3.409,P＜0.05].Conclusions Rabeprazole-based triple therapy is better than omeprazole-based therapy in acceleration of ulcer healing and in complete eradication of H.pylori infection.It is an ideal therapy for peptic ulcer. Key words: Peptic ulcer;  Helicobacter pylori;  Elderly;  Rabeprazole;  Omeprazole