Objectives: To establish the efficiency and adverse effects of the addition of bismuth subsalicylate to triple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.
Material and methods: Double blind controlled experimental trial. The study population consisted of 54 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: 29 were allocated to the experimental group, who received the usual triple plus bismuth subsalicylate therapy, and 24 received the triple therapy plus placebo.
Results: The average age was 47+-14.9 years, 66.7% of the patients were women. Both groups underwent the breath test: it was negative in 89.7% of the patients from the experimental group and 80% of the patients from the placebo group (p=0.319). The adverse events of both groups were: diarrhea (10.3% in the experimental group vs 16% in the placebo group; p=0.537), dark feces (37.9% in the experimental group vs 0% in the placebo group; p=0.001), abdominal pain (20.7% in the experimental group vs 52% in the placebo group; p=0.016). Nausea only were present in 3% of the patients of placebo group p=0.055).
Conclusions: The association of bismuth subsalicylate to the triple therapy scheme for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori was effective in 89.7% of patients, whereas 80% of efficiency in the experimental group.