American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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How long should salvage therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection after initial treatment failure be?

5 days
7 days
10 days
14 days

The correct answer is: 10 days

Salvage therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection after initial treatment failure is typically recommended to be administered for 10 days. This duration is important because it allows enough time for the alternative treatment regimen to effectively eliminate the bacteria, particularly since H. pylori can be resistant to standard treatment protocols. The 10-day course is generally considered optimal based on clinical studies showing higher eradication rates in patients who receive a longer duration of therapy. Shorter treatment periods, such as 5 or 7 days, may not provide sufficient time for the medications to work against the bacteria, particularly if the strain is resistant. On the other hand, extending treatment to 14 days may not offer additional benefits and can increase the risk of side effects or complications without improving eradication rates. Therefore, the 10-day duration strikes a balance between effectiveness and safety in the management of H. pylori infections after initial treatment failure.