Systematic review and meta-analysis: third-line therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

Introduction: First and second-line therapies fail to eradicate H. pylori infection in 15–35% of the cases. There are no consensus recommendations for third-line ('rescue') regimens. Aim: systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of furazolidone, levofloxacine and rifabutine-based regimens given as third-line therapy. Method. Studies evaluating the effect of furazolidone, levofloxacine and rifabutin one the eradication of H. pylori were identified from Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and congress abstracts. Studies concerning third-line regimens were analyzed and compared to th…