[13C-urea breath test].
A 13C-urea breath test(13C-UBT) is known to be a good diagnostic method for detecting H. pylori infection since it is non-invasive, simple and accurate. Its diagnostic capability in determining H. pylori eradication has been studied using 153 patients (who underwent the H. pylori eradication therapy) as subjects at two times: 6-8 weeks after the end of administration (at the time of determination of eradication) and 6 months afterwards. When determination was made, the sensitivity and specificity of 13C-UBT compared to culture and histology were 100% and 95.1%, respectively. Seven inconsistent cases were positive according to 13C-UBT and negative according to two other methods. After 6 months, both sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 4 of the 7 inconsistent cases became positive according to all three methods. These results indicate that the 13C-UBT is superior in terms of sensitivity and specificity to culture and histology and recognize the failure eradication earlier than ether two methods. Re-examination of inconsistent cases should be performed after 6 months. After covered by insurance, the H. pylori eradication therapy will become a general form of treatment of peptic ulcers. 13C-UBT in particular has proven most useful for diagnosis of eradication.
Kato
C
C
First Department of Internal Medicine, Iwate Medical University.
Yamaguchi
T
T
Yusa
K
K
Sasaki
H
H
Suzuki
K
K
Sato
K
K
Toyama
J
J
D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014508:Urea
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D014508:Urea