Source: Helicobacter  |  Posted 9 years ago

Helicobacter pylori eradication in symptomatic patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia induces symptom resolution and prevents disease progression.

This was the implication of the results of a five-year follow-up study by Dr D McNamara and colleagues. The study investigators are based at the "Glenburn" practice, Sutton, Dublin 13, Ireland.

The study was a randomised placebo-controlled trial of 100 patients, followed up for five years. In the 64 patients that were reviewed at five years, there was a significant difference in favour of the active treatment between patients who were []H. pylori[] negative and those who remained []H. pylori[] positive. This difference was with respect to complete symptom resolution, consumption of relevant medications and peptic ulcer disease development.

The investigators noted a trend for gradual symptom improvement over time, which was irrespective of their []H. pylori[] status. This may reflect the natural history of the disease. Said Dr McNamara, "For those who remained symptomatic at 5 years, there was no difference in symptom severity based on []H. pylori[] status."

Dr McNamara concluded, "The findings of this study support the use of []H. pylori[] eradication in symptomatic patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia both to induce symptom resolution and to prevent disease progression."