Am J Gastroenterol

Probiotics enhance H. pylori eradication therapy in European study

February 17, 2025

Study details: This observational study utilized data from the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg) to analyze usage patterns, effectiveness, and safety of probiotics prescribed alongside H. pylori eradication therapy across multiple European countries.

Results: The use of probiotics was associated with higher overall effectiveness (odds ratio [OR], 1.631; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.456-1.828), as well as in triple (OR, 1.702; 95% CI, 1.403-2.065), quadruple (OR, 1.383; 95% CI, 0.996-1.920), bismuth quadruple (OR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.003-1.554) and sequential therapies (OR, 3.690; 95% CI, 2.686-5.069). Lactobacillus genus was associated with improved treatment effectiveness in Eastern Europe when triple and bismuth quadruple therapies were used. In Central Europe, use of probiotics was associated with a decrease in both the overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) as well as severe AEs. Bifidobacterium genus was associated with lower overall and severe AEs; and Saccharomyces was associated with reduced overall and severe AEs when quadruple-bismuth therapy was used.

Clinical impact: Incorporating probiotics into H. pylori eradication protocols can enhance treatment efficacy and patient tolerance. Physicians might consider prescribing probiotics as an adjunct to standard therapy to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects.

Source:

Deza DC, et al; Hp-EuReg investigators. (2025, February 4). Am J Gastroenterol. PROBIOTICS PRESCRIBED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION THERAPY IN EUROPE: USAGE PATTERN, EFFECTIVENESS, AND SAFETY: Results from the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39902822/