Quality of life and Helicobacter pylori eradication.
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.
Wilhelmsen
I
I
Medical Dept. A, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway.
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