Eradication of Helicobacter pylori affects symptoms in non-ulcer dyspepsia.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and non-ulcer dyspepsia is controversial.


METHODS
In a prospective, long-term, double-blind study we randomized 100 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and H. pylori infection to receive either of two treatment regimens: 1) bismuth-based triple therapy (n = 50) or 2) bismuth + placebo (n = 50).


RESULTS
Triple therapy: subjects who became H. pylori-negative (n = 42) showed a significant symptomatic response when interviewed at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year (P < 0.01). This improvement was evident in the 'ulcer-like' dyspepsia group at all times (P < 0.01) but in the 'reflux-like' and 'motility-like' groups at 6 months only (P < 0.01). Those who remained H. pylori-positive showed no decrease in symptoms at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Bismuth-placebo therapy: subjects who became H. pylori-negative (n = 7) showed an improvement in symptoms at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Those who continued to harbour the infection after treatment (n = 42) showed an insignificant improvement in the motility and non-specific groups only.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that eradication of H. pylori results in a significant long-term reduction in symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia.
Gilvarry
J
J
Dept. of Gastroenterology, Meath/Adelaide Hospitals, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Buckley
M J
MJ
Beattie
S
S
Hamilton
H
H
O'Morain
C A
CA
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001729:Bismuth / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008795:Metronidazole; D013752:Tetracycline; C002791:bismuth tripotassium dicitrate; D001729:Bismuth