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H. Pylori Eradication After Five Years Follow-Up

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."
Helicobacter 2002;7(5):317-21. "Does Helicobacter pylori Eradication Affect Symptoms in Nonulcer Dyspepsia: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study."

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