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Gastroscopic real-time 13C-urea breath test
H Fruehauf1, N C Lindenmann, K Volkart
1Division of Gastroenterology, Zurich University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. Heiko.Fruehauf@usz.ch
Endoscopy
|June 4, 2005
Summary
Gastroscopic breath testing (GBT) offers immediate, definitive results for H. pylori detection, making it a safe alternative to biopsy-based urease testing (HUT) for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Technology
Background:
- Biopsy-based Helicobacter pylori urease testing (HUT) poses risks for patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants.
- HUT results are often delayed, impacting timely treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of gastroscopic breath testing (GBT) for H. pylori detection.
- To compare GBT with standard HUT in a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
Main Methods:
- 119 patients were randomized to HUT (n=61) or GBT (n=58).
- GBT involved endoscopic instillation of 13C-labeled urea with real-time breath sample analysis.
- Procedure time and time to results were recorded.
Main Results:
- H. pylori detection rates were 20.4% for HUT and 30.2% for GBT.
- Biopsy contraindications prevented HUT in 12 patients.
- GBT provided immediate results (14.0 +/- 2.2 min) compared to HUT (19.6 +/- 9.1 h).
- GBT minimally increased endoscopy room time (5.6 min).
Conclusions:
- Gastroscopic breath testing (GBT) offers immediate and definitive H. pylori results.
- GBT is a viable alternative for patients with biopsy contraindications.
- The procedure offers a safe and efficient diagnostic method.