We read with interest the article by Zullo et al (Gut 2007;56:1353) on the sequential therapy regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication that supports the conclusion that this regimen achieves higher eradication rates than standard triple therapies. In the article, paediatric experience with this new therapy is reported based on two trials by our group which reported an overall eradication rate of 88.5%.

H pylori infection plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both chronic active gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in children, and it is considered as an essential risk factor for the development of gastric carcinoma; moreover, younger age at acquisition has been suggested to increase the risk of developing cancer later …