Efficacy and safety of 10-day versus 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNearly half of the world population is infected by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) has shown favorable outcomes. This study compares 10-day and 14-day BQT regimens to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and compliance rates. MethodsWe searched electronic databases from their inception until May 2024 to retrieve all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared 10-day and 14-day BQT regimens for H. pylori eradication. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Dichotomous outcomes were compared using risk ratio (RR). ResultsSeven RCTs and a total of 2,424 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the intention-to-treat eradication rate (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94, 1.01) and the per-protocol eradication rate (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 1.00) between the 10-day BQT and 14-day BQT groups. Commonly reported adverse events in both groups were epigastric pain and discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse events between the two groups (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.63, 1.02). There was no significant difference in the compliance rate between the two groups (RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00, 1.04). ConclusionThe eradication rates, risk of adverse events, and compliance rates were comparable between the two groups. Future research comparing similar drug doses with larger sample sizes and longer patient follow-ups can improve the quality of results. HighlightsO_LIOur meta-analysis comprising 2424 patients showed that patients receiving 10-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy had comparable eradication rates to those receiving 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori. C_LIO_LIAdditionally, there was no significant difference between the two groups for compliance and risk of adverse events. C_LIO_LIAntibiotic resistance was associated with lower eradication rates in both treatment groups. C_LI