American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the duration of treatment recommended for a second-line salvage therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection?

1. 7 days

2. 10 days

3. 14 days

4. More than 20 days

The correct answer is: 10 days

For second-line salvage therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection, the recommended duration of treatment is typically 10 days. This recommendation is based on clinical guidelines and studies that indicate a treatment course of this length is generally effective in eradicating the Helicobacter pylori organism after initial treatment failures. A duration of 10 days strikes a balance between efficacy and tolerability for the patient. Shorter regimens, such as 7 days, may not provide sufficient exposure to the antibiotics, potentially leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Longer regimens, while they may increase the chance of eradication, can also lead to increased side effects, patient non-compliance, and may not significantly improve success rates relative to the 10-day regimen. Understanding the optimal duration for second-line therapy is crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing further complications associated with Helicobacter pylori associated diseases.