Abstract:
Objective This work aims to assess the effects of anti-Helicobacter pylori (anti-H. pylori) therapy combined with antiemetic drugs on chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.
Methods Out of the 176 patients who were enrolled in the research from January 2010 to January 2011, 86 were infected by H. pylori. Infected patients were randomly divided into Groups A and B. Patients in Group A (n= 43) received anti-H. pylori therapy combined with antiemetic drugs (20 mg omeprazole, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg tinidazole, twice a day, plus 5 mg tropisetron, for four weeks). Patients in Group B (n=43) only received antiemetic drugs (5 mg tropisetron for four weeks). No statistical significance was observed between Groups A and B for gender, age, and clinical manifestations. Clinical symptoms were observed and evaluated based on the gastrointestinal reaction indexing standards of the World Health Organization. The H. pylori eradication rate was assessed by 4C-urea breath test.
Results The vomiting severity was higher in the patients who were infected by H. pylori and subsequently underwent chemotherapy compared with the non-infected patients. Significant differences were observed between grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ vomiting (χ2=21.92, P < 0.001), as well as between grades I and II vomiting (χ2=9.73, P < 0.01). The degree of nausea and vomiting was reduced in the patients who underwent anti-H. pylori therapy combined with antiemetic drugs, compared with those who only received antiemetic drugs. The total efficiency of the treatment was significantly higher in group A than in group B (χ2=4.46, P < 0.05).
Conclusion Anti-H. pylori treatment combined with antiemetic drugs may effectively reduce and relieve chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity for patients infected with H. pylori.
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