IS IT WORTHWHILE TO TREAT H PYLORI IN ALL DYSPEPTIC PATIENTS

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of H pylori eradication in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia, an interventional study was carried out in the Dept of Gastroenterology, MH Rawalpindi from Jan to Feb 2004. Five hundred consecutive patients, who were referred for UGI Endoscopy, were studied. Out of these 500 patients, gastric biopsy was done in 245 patients. The patients in whom gastric biopsy was done, histopathology revealed gastritis in 187 patients and 129 (69%) were found H pylori positive. The subgroup of patients who were H pylori positive was further studied. These patients were given one week’s course of eradication therapy and subsequently followed up. Sixty three percent (n=81) responded to treatment and reported improvement in their symptoms; whereas in thirty seven percent (n=48) of patients the dyspeptic symptoms persisted. In our set up where H pylori infection is pandemic, in the absence of alarm symptoms; all patients with nonulcer dyspepsia below 45 years of age should be considered for H pylori eradication.