Consensus recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, and management of Helicobacter pylori infection in Hong Kong

Abstract

<p><em>Helicobacter pylori</em> infection causes chronic gastric inflammation that contributes to various gastroduodenal diseases, including peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Despite broad regional variations, the prevalence of resistance to antibiotics used to manage <em>H pylori</em> infection is increasing worldwide; this trend could hinder the success of eradication therapy. To increase awareness of <em>H pylori</em> and improve the diagnosis and treatment of its infection in Hong Kong, our consensus panel proposed a set of guidance statements for disease management. We conducted a comprehensive review of literature published during 2011 and 2021, with a focus on articles from Hong Kong or other regions of China. We evaluated the evidence using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine’s 2011 Levels of Evidence and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system and sought consensus through online voting and a subsequent face-to-face meeting, which enabled us to develop and refine the guidance statements. This report consists of 24 statements regarding the epidemiology and burden, screening and diagnosis, and treatment of <em>H pylori</em>. Key guidance statements include a recommendation to use the test-and-treat approach for high-risk individuals, as well as the confirmation that triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin remains a valid first-line option for adults and children in Hong Kong.</p>