Medknow Publications on behalf of Association of Surgeons of India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The association of Helicobacter pylori with functional
dyspepsia is widely reported, but it remains unclear whether H. pylori
infection actually causes symptoms or is just an associated finding.
AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the role of H. pylori in
causing symptoms of functional dyspepsia and to observe any improvement
in symptoms after eradication of H. pylori. SETTING AND DESIGN: This
study was conducted in a prospective, randomised double-blind manner at
the Surgery Department of our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Eighty patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly distributed
into two groups to receive eradication or placebo therapy after taking
biopsies for H. pylori. Symptom evaluation was done at baseline, at one
and at three months to notice any improvement. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Changes in the dyspepsia score were compared using ANOVA test at
baseline, one and at three months to compare the improvement in
symptoms. RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of patients with
functional dyspepsia are infected with H. pylori. Significant long-term
improvement was observed after eradication in H. pylori infected
patients. No significant improvement was seen with placebo therapy.
CONCLUSION: H. pylori plays a significant role in causing symptoms of
functional dyspepsia. Treatment with triple drug regimen brings a
significant long-term improvement in the symptoms