Effectiveness and safety of furazolidone‐containing quadruple regimens in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection in real‐world practice

Background & Aims The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) has decreased largely because of the antibiotic resistance. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of furazolidone‐containing quadruple regimens for H pylori eradication. Methods This was an observational study of furazolidone‐containing quadruple regimens for H pylori infection in real‐world settings. Data sets were collected from the medical records and telephone interviews of patients referred to a specialist clinic for suspected H pylori reinfection from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2018, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Main outcome measures were the eradication rate and adverse reactions during medication. Results Among 584 patients with H pylori infection that met the inclusion criteria, 561 (96.1%) were treated for the first time, 19 (3.3%) had one, and 4 (0.5%) had two or more prior to furazolidone‐containing quadruple regimens. The eradication rates for 10‐day and 14‐day regimens were 93.7% (95% CI: 91.5%‐95.9%) vs 98.2% (95% CI: 95.6%‐99.3%), respectively (P = 0.098). Adverse drug reactions occurred in 8.2% (48/584) with abdominal discomfort being the most common symptom. Overall adverse events with 10‐day regimens were lower than 14‐day regimens (6.1% vs 17.4%, P