Helicobacter pylori density and dyspepsia scores in non-ulcer dyspepsia patients in Turkey

Abstract

Approximately 50 % of patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia are infected with H. pylori (Hp). Whether it is necessary to eradicate Hp in these patients is still controversial. Results of a long term study suggest that eradication of Hp is beneficial and results in a decrease in symptom scores. We investigated the relationship between dyspepsia scores and Hp density in Hp positive non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) patients. The study took in 34 Hp positive NUD patients who underwent endoscopic examination (18 male, 16 female, age 24-65y). Hp density was determined on endoscopic brush cytology specimens which received scores of mild (n=11) moderate (n=12), or severe (n=11). The severity of symptoms was also scored 1-5 (none, mild, moderate, severe and very severe) on the Likert scale. Dyspepsia scores were found to be 3.18±0.23 SEM in group I (Hp density: mild), 3.18±0.3 SEM in group II (Hp density: moderate) and 3.30±0.26 SEM in group III (Hp density severe). Dyspepsia scores were not significantly different between the groups. There is apparently no relationship between dyspepsia scores and Hp density in NUD patients in our region. In view of our results, the actual benefit of eradicating Hp in all NUD patients should be balanced carefully against the cost of treatment.