title: Quality of life and Helicobacter pylori eradication.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has convincingly been shown that relapses of duodenal ulcers are significantly reduced after eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effect of bacteria eradication on Quality of Life (QOL) and subjective somatic symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-four Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with recurrent duodenal ulcer disease were treated with triple treatment. Relapses, H. pylori status, QOL and subjective somatic symptoms were registered at yearly intervals for 4 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preliminary results show that the patients were more satisfied with the healthcare system, had better sexual relationships and less psychological distress up to 3 years after eradication of the bacteria. They also had fewer symptoms of exhaustion and less stomach discomfort than before triple treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term follow-up of patients after eradication of H. pylori shows that QOL is improved and feeling of exhaustion and stomach discomfort reduced.
authors.affiliation: Medical Dept. A, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wilhelmsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000523:psychology; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological