Pharmacoeconomics of Helicobacter pylori:eradication versus maintenance therapy in controlling peptic ulcer disease

We performed an electronic search in Medline and EMBASE for papers comparing Helicobacter pylori eradication and H(2)RA-maintenance therapy in peptic ulcer. Treatment to eradicate H. pylori in patients with a proven ulcer has a favorable cost-effectiveness compared with maintenance therapy, with benefits for the patient and society. In most studies, it was assumed that no more gastrointestinal drugs were needed after eradication. Additional research is needed to provide empirical evidence on gastrointestinal drug utilization after eradication of H. pylori. The development of a vaccine against H. pylori remains however the ultimate goal in the fight against peptic ulcer disease.