Eradication of Helicobacter pylori for non-ulcer dyspepsia.
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. The role of H pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life scores in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.


METHODS
Trials were identified through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and keywords, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and with pharmaceutical companies.


METHODS
All parallel group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs to eradicate H pylori with placebo or other drugs known not to eradicate H pylori for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.


METHODS
Data were collected on individual and global dyspeptic symptom scores, quality of life measures and adverse effects. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomised into minimal/resolved versus same/worse symptoms.


RESULTS
Twelve randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Ten trials compared antisecretory dual or triple therapy with placebo antibiotics +/- antisecretory therapy, and evaluated dyspepsia at 3-12 months. Nine of these trials gave results as dichotomous outcomes evaluating 2,541 patients and there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. There was a 9% relative risk reduction in the H pylori eradication group (95% CI = 4% to 14%) compared to placebo. The number needed to treat to cure one case of dyspepsia = 15 (95% CI = 10 to 31). A further two trials compared Bismuth based H pylori eradication with an alternative pharmacological agent. These trials were smaller and had a shorter follow-up but suggested H pylori eradication was more effective than either H2 receptor antagonists or sucralfate in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia.


CONCLUSIONS
H pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant effect in H pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia. An economic model suggests this modest benefit may still be cost-effective but more research is needed.
Gastroenterology Unit, Centre for Digestive Diseases, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, Leeds, UK, LS1 3EX. paulmo@ulth.northy.nhs.uk
P
P
Moayyedi
S
S
Soo
J
J
Deeks
B
B
Delaney
A
A
Harris
M
M
Innes
R
R
Oakes
S
S
Wilson
A
A
Roalfe
C
C
Bennett
D
D
Forman
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents