A Simplified Low-Dose 10-Day Quadruple Therapy with a Galenic Formulation of Bismuth Salicylate Is Highly Effective for Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Background: Earlier studies have shown that a modified low-dose bismuth quadruple therapy given for 10 to 14 days is highly effective for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Sardinia. However, bismuth is not universally available. Aim: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a simplified low-dose 10-day quadruple therapy containing a galenic formulation of bismuth salicylate for H. pylori infection. Patients and Methods: Adult patients positive for H. pylori infection were assigned to a quadruple therapy containing a galenic formulation of bismuth salicylate (200 mg) plus tetracycline 500 mg, metronidazole 500 mg and rabeprazole 20 mg, given twice a day with the midday and evening meals for 10 days. A negative stool antigen test or 13C-Urea Breath Test defined successful eradication. Compliance and adverse events were recorded 30–40 days after the end of treatment. Results: In this open-label pilot study, 42 patients were enrolled (mean age 54.1 ± 12.0 years; 64% female). Among the study participants, 35 were naïve to H. pylori treatment. The treatment regimen was completed by 41 patients, with an overall success rate of 95.1%. More specifically, the eradication rate was 95.1% PP; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 86.6–100 and 92.9% by ITT; 95%CI = 85.1–100%, respectively. For naïve patients, the cure rate was 97.1%. Compliance was excellent. Side effects were absent or mild overall. Conclusions: The modified low-dose 10-day quadruple therapy provided high eradication rates of H. pylori infection, despite the replacement of colloidal bismuth subcitrate with bismuth salicylate. In regions where bismuth is unavailable in the market, the galenic formulation should be a valid option.