Efficacy of a Low-Dose Omeprazole-Based Triple-Therapy Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Independent of Cytochrome P450 Genotype : The Japanese MACH Study.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacies of two different triple-therapy regimens (standard versus low doses), and the influence of cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) genetic polymorphism on these efficacies, in Japanese patients undergoing Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

Methods: All patients received 1 week of triple therapy. Patients in group A (low-dose regimen) received omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 1500 mg/day + clarithromycin 800 mg/day; patients in group B (standard-dose regimen) received omeprazole 40 mg/day + amoxicillin 2000 mg/day + clarithromycin 1000 mg/day.

Virtual endoscopy: current perspectives.

Virtual endoscopy is a new method for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract using either thin-section computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The acquired data are then subjected to computer manipulation to render images simulating the conventional endoscopic view. CT and MR imaging data can provide information that is not accessible endoscopically.