Background/Aims: The optimal duration of triple therapy with PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for H. pylori eradication has not been defined in Korea. We have conducted meta-analysis of H. pylori trials studied in Korea in order to determine the impact of duration of triple therapy on eradication rate. Methods: Out of fourteen reports studied in Korea until July 2000, concerning the effectiveness of triple therapy with PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin, we analyzed five reports with the comparison of eradication rate according to the duration of therapy. In five trials, eradication rates of 7 day triple therapy were compared with those of 10 day or 14 day triple therapy. Comparison of eradication rates according to the duration of therapy was performed using Mantel-Haenszel test. Results: The results of this study are shown in the following table.
                   Mantel-Haenszel Test including Five Trials

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                            Pooled eradication rate(%)

                           ---------------------------  z score    Pvalue

                             14 days   10 days    7 days

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10 days vs. 7 days                  83.8%      79.6%      1.25        0.2

14 days vs. 7 days    91.5%                     82.3%     3.24        0.001

14 days vs. 10 days   90.6%     83.8%                     2.20        0.03

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Conclusions: The eradication rate of 14 day therapy with PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin regimen is significantly better than that of 7 day. Further study concerning the antibiotics resistance, cost-effectiveness, side effect, and the compliance of patients according to the duration of triple therapy is warranted. (Korean J Helicobacter Res Prac 2002;2:50-56)