Eradicating H pylori

摘要

Does eradication of Helicobacterpylori lead to an increase in symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease? We need to know this because the benefits of eradicating H pylori relative to acid suppression alone are small in non-ulcer dyspepsia and uninvestigated dyspepsia. The absolute benefits are 6-7%, and even a small increase in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease would be likely to make eradicating H pylori in these patients of dubious benefit New guidelines for the management of dyspepsia in Scotland and forthcoming guidelines in England and Wales recommend eradicating H pylori in both non-ulcer dyspepsia and uninvestigated dyspepsia In addition, advocates of population screening for and treating H pylori to prevent distal gastric cancer need to ensure that the risk-benefit ratio is favourable.