Helicobacter pylori: corrections and comments CMAJ 1997;157:1199 Re: Helicobacter pylori: new developments and treatments, Sander J.O. Veldhuyzen van Zanten and colleagues, CMAJ 1997;156[11]:1565-74 [abstract / résumé] See response from: S.J.O. Veldhuyzen van Zanten, P.M. Sherman, R.H. Hunt The authors of this article cite a long list of references, 112 in all, which I assume represents a fairly comprehensive review of the available scientific data on the subject of Helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers. However, the words "double blind" appear in the title of only one paper of those listed (reference 63),1 and the title of that paper suggests that the outcome was judged by biochemical rather than patient findings. Despite an interest in H. pylori and the effect of its eradication, I have yet to see a double-blind trial comparing documented ulcer recurrence over a substantial period in patients receiving conventional therapy plus placebo and those receiving conventional therapy plus H. pylori eradication therapy. If such a trial exists, I would be grateful to have it brought to my attention. Without such evidence, H. pylori eradication is a pack of cards supported only by the massive investments in marketing by the makers of proton-pump inhibitors. Paul Cary, MB, BS Cambridge, Ont. Reference Veldhuyzen van Zanten SJO, Hunt RH, Cockeram A, Schep G, Malatjalian D, Matisko A, et al. Adding omeprazole 20 mg once a day to metronidazole/amoxicillin treatment of Hp-gastritis: a randomized double blind trial. The importance of metronidazole resistance [abstract A417]. Am J Gastroenterol 1994;89:1389. Send a letter to the editor responding to this letter Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cette lettre | CMAJ November 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 9) / JAMC le 1er novembre 1997 (vol 157, no 9) |