Management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am Fam Physician 2002 Apr 01;65(7):1327-36
Date
05/09/2002Pubmed ID
11996414Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0036534963 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 47 CitationsAbstract
Helicobacter pylori is the cause of most peptic ulcer disease and a primary risk factor for gastric cancer. Eradication of the organism results in ulcer healing and reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence and complications. Testing and treatment have no clear value in patients with documented nonulcer dyspepsia; however, a test-and-treat strategy is recommended but for patients with undifferentiated dyspepsia who have not undergone endoscopy. In the office setting, initial serology testing is practical and affordable, with endoscopy reserved for use in patients with alarm symptoms for ulcer complications or cancer, or those who do not respond to treatment. Treatment involves 10- to 14-day multidrug regimens including antibiotics and acid suppressants, combined with education about avoidance of other ulcer-causing factors and the need for close follow-up. Follow-up testing (i.e., urea breath or stool antigen test) is recommended for patients who do not respond to therapy or those with a history of ulcer complications or cancer.
Author List
Meurer LN, Bower DJAuthor
Linda N. Meurer MPH, MD Emeritus Professor in the Family and Community Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Anti-Bacterial AgentsAnti-Ulcer Agents
Breath Tests
Diagnosis, Differential
Drug Therapy, Combination
Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
Helicobacter Infections
Helicobacter pylori
Humans
Patient Education as Topic
Peptic Ulcer
Risk Factors
Serologic Tests
