Bundang Seoul National University Hospital finds gender differences in Helicobacter pylori treatment

A research team led by Professors Na-young Kim and Yong-hoon Choi at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital has identified significant gender-based disparities in the success rates of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Analyzing over 20 years of patient data, the study revealed that women have a lower overall eradication success rate (65.1%) compared to men (71.1%).

The researchers noted that while success rates are similar among patients who complete the full course of treatment, women experience higher rates of side effects (60.2% vs. 37.9% in men) and are more likely to drop out of follow-up testing.

Furthermore, the study found that women exhibit significantly higher antibiotic resistance rates for four out of six commonly used antibiotics, including clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. This resistance was particularly pronounced in patients who had previously failed eradication therapy. The findings suggest a need for gender-specific, customized treatment strategies to improve clinical outcomes.