Comparison of Triple Therapy plus Probiotic Yogurt vs. Standard Triple Therapy on Helicobacter Pylori Eradication

Background : Treatment of Helicobacter pylori as a major cause of gastric diseases is of utmost concern. We aimed to assess efficacy of triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and pantoprazole) plus probiotic yogurt (PY) on eradication of H. pylori.
Materials and Methods : Total 102 H. pylori positive patients were divided to 3 groups equally and randomly. For treatment of each group amoxicillin, clarithromycin and pantoprazole were used. Group A had additional PY and Group B ordinary low fat yogurt in their regimen as well. These groups were compared regarding treatment success.
Results : Total number of 88 patients finished the treatment course. The most common experienced side effects were dysgeusia in groups A and B (25.8% and 32.3%, respectively), and dysgeusia with diarrhea and abdominal pain (30.8%) in group C. Eradication rate was, respectively, 61.3%, 64.5%  and 71.3% in group A, B and C of which difference was not statistically significant. However, the difference between 3 groups in regard to education level was statistically significant (p=0.005).
Conclusion : PY enriched triple therapy has decreased side effects of antibiotics consumption however, this has no impact on eradication of H. pylori. PY and triple therapy can be used concomitantly to increase the patient tolerance.