Eradication of helicobacter pylori for non-ulcer dyspepsia

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. The role of H pylori in non-ulcer dyspepsia is less clear.

To determine the effect of H pylori eradication on dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life scores in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Trials were identified through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and keywords, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and with pharmaceutical companies.

All parallel group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs to eradicate H pylori with placebo or other drugs known not to eradicate H pylori for patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Data were collected on individual and global dyspeptic symptom scores, quality of life measures and adverse effects. Dyspepsia outcomes were dichotomised into minimal/resolved versus same/worse symptoms.

Seven randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Five trials compared proton pump inhibitor dual or triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor + placebo antibiotics, and evaluated dyspepsia at 6-12 months in 1,385 patients. H pylori eradication was significantly superior to placebo in treating non ulcer dyspepsia (relative risk reduction = 7%; 95% CI = 1% to 12%; p=0.02) and there was no significant heterogeneity between the studies. The number needed to treat to cure one case of dyspepsia = 19 (95% CI = 11 to 132). A further two trials compared Bismuth based H pylori eradication with an alternative pharmacological agent. These trials were smaller and had a shorter follow-up but suggested H pylori eradication was more effective than either H2 receptor antagonists or sucralfate in treating non-ulcer dyspepsia.

H pylori eradication may be an effective therapy for H pylori positive non-ulcer dyspepsia. This result is not robust and further evidence on the efficacy of H pylori eradication in non ulcer dyspepsia would be helpful. The effect is modest and economic models would help establish whether this approach is cost-effective. This review will be updated as results from other ongoing trials (Malfertheiner 2000) are made available.