Table 2 Self-reported practices of primary-care physicians in the management of H. pylori infection in adults
Number/Total (percent) | Weighted Percent* | |
|---|---|---|
Refer forH. pyloridiagnosis in the case of ** | ||
Suspected duodenal or gastric ulcer | 153/180 (85%) | 84% |
First degree relatives with gastric cancer | 83/180 (46%) | 47% |
Unexplained iron deficiency anemia | 109/180 (61%) | 59% |
Before starting long-term use of aspirin or NSAIDs in patients with a history of peptic disease | 82/180 (46%) | 44% |
Prescription of first-line therapy | ||
Triple therapy with PPIs/clarithromycin/amoxicillin or metronidazole | 141/171 (83%) | 82% |
Quadruple therapy based on Bismuth | 15/171 (9%) | 9% |
Quadruple therapy non-Bismuth | 7/171 (4%) | 4% |
Refer to gastroenterologist | 2/171 (1%) | 2% |
Other | 6/171 (3%) | 3% |
Duration of treatment | ||
7 days | 15/171 (9%) | 8% |
10 days | 83/171 (48%) | 51% |
14 days | 65/171 (38%) | 36% |
Other | 8/171 (5%) | 5% |
Follow-up test | ||
UBT at least 1 month after therapy | 95/171 (56%) | 57% |
Refer to specialist in gastroenterology | 4/171 (2%) | 1% |
Stool antigen detection EIA at least 1 month after therapy | 2/171 (1%) | 1% |
Serology at least 1 month after therapy | 5/171 (3%) | 2% |
Do not refer to a test if symptoms resolve | 58/171 (34%) | 34% |
Other | 7/171 (4%) | 5% |
In case of treatment failure | ||
Refer to a specialist in gastroenterology | 74/171 (43%) | 45% |
Do not refer to a test if symptoms resolve | 43/171 (25%) | 23% |
Recommend the same treatment for a longer duration | 5/171 (3%) | 2% |
Recommend a different treatment | 49/171 (29%) | 30% |