Helicobacter pylori Eradication Treatment in Older Patients

AbstractHelicobacter pylori is the main etiopathogenetic factor of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The world ’s population is shifting towards older people, who have the highest prevalence ofH. pylori. Aging-related peculiarities could have an impact on the treatment ofH. pylori and there is still a lack of research data in the older population. The aim of this review was to summarize the findings of the most recent information, publications and studies on the issues relating toH. pylori infection in older patients.H. pylori eradication offers gastrointestinal and extra gastrointestinal benefits in older patients. Based on the main guidelines,H. pylori should be eradicated independent of the patient ’s age, only reconsidering cases with terminal illness and low life expectancy. Proton pump inhibitors are generally safe and well tolerated. Some antibiotics require dose adjustment only in advanced renal insufficiency and the risk of hepatotoxicity is very low. Special precautions should be take n in patients with polypharmacy and those taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In older patients,H. pylori eradication treatment frequently causes only mild and short-term adverse events; however, treatment compliance is usually still very good.H. pylori treatment in older patients does not increase the risk ofClostridium difficile infection. Optimal eradication effectiveness (>  90%) is mostly achieved with bismuth- and non-bismuth...
Source: Drugs and Aging - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research