Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy compared with antisecretory non-eradication therapy in patients who underwent surgery for simple closures of duodenal ulcers. The primary outcome was ulcer recurrence at 12 months post-surgery. Healing of ulcers had to be confirmed by endoscopic examination early in the post-surgical period, with ulcer recurrence and Helicobacter pylori positivity determined by endoscopic examination at one year post-surgery.
Studies were conducted in Hong Kong, Egypt and Thailand. Confirmation of ulcer healing was provided at two to four months of follow-up post-surgery. The proportion of patients positive for Helicobacter pylori ranged from 80.6 to 92.8%. All the trials enrolled at least one patient who was using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The Helicobacter pylori eradication regimes included omeprazole with other drugs including bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin or clarithromycin. The duration of eradication therapy ranged from two to five weeks. The comparator treatment was omeprazole administered in doses from 20 to 40mg for durations of two to four weeks.
Two reviewers performed the study selection.