Abstrakt
BACKGROUND: We wanted to characterize the use of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in Denmark (5,227,862 inhabitants).
METHODS: All H. pylori eradication treatments from a nationwide database including all redeemed drug prescriptions in the period January 1994 to June 1996 were identified. So were all outpatients receiving a drug prescription for H. pylori eradication.
RESULTS: We recorded 34,582 prescriptions for H. pylori eradication therapy given to 28,784 patients. The incidence of new consumers was 220 per 10(5) inhabitants per year, with a maximum at 70-79 years of age. Eighty-six per cent of the patients had only one treatment course. In 16% of the eradication therapies, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs had been prescribed within the previous 3 months, and 45% had an anti-ulcer drug prescribed 1-12 months after the H. pylori eradication therapy. Consumption of antibiotics used for H. pylori eradication accounted for 1.4% of the total consumption of antibiotics.
CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of H. pylori eradication therapy was fairly stable but with changes in the pattern of drug regimens used. Anti-ulcer drugs were often given after H. pylori eradication therapy, suggesting an inappropriate use of treatment.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Bogserie | Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement |
Vol/bind | 33 |
Udgave nummer | 9 |
Sider (fra-til) | 928-32 |
Antal sider | 5 |
ISSN | 0036-5521 |
Status | Udgivet - sep. 1998 |