Study of Acid-related Disorders: Real-world Physician and Patient Perspectives on Burden of Infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

eradication rates have declined as antibiotic resistance rates have increased. In addition, adherence to treatment guidelines is suboptimal. It is therefore important that contemporary, real-world evidence of diagnostic and treatment patterns is explored and compared with evidence-based guidelines. The Study of Acid-Related Disorders investigated unmet needs among patients with infection and past or current dyspepsia.

METHODS

Gastroenterologists (GIs) and family physicians (FPs) or general practitioners (GPs) treating patients with infection and past or current dyspepsia completed a physician survey and invited patients to complete a patient survey; data were also extracted from the medical records of enrolled patients.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-one physicians and 77 patients were enrolled. A total of 19.5% of patients were diagnosed by serology, whereas the urea breath test was used by 6.5% of GIs and 50.0% of FPs or GPs. A total of 68.6% of GIs and 79.8% of FPs or GPs selected clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and proton pump inhibitor triple therapy as their ideal first-line treatment. Physicians reported that 52.9% of patients experienced dyspepsia daily. A total of 46.8% of patients believed that complete resolution of dyspepsia would indicate effective treatment. As their treatment goal, 69.3% of physicians selected improvement in overall symptoms, whereas 92.2% of patients specified improvement in dyspepsia. Only 28.7% of physicians were satisfied with current treatment options. A total of 59.7% of patients took all of their prescribed medicine(s). A total of 59.7% of patients would prefer to take fewer pills; 45.5% would prefer convenience packs.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a lack of adherence to current guidelines for diagnosis, testing, and treatment. New treatment options that are more efficacious and simpler for patients to adhere to are needed.