Does N-acetyl cystein affect the sensitivity and specificity of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test?
GROUND: N-acetyl cystein, a mucolytic agent, might make Helicobacter pylori antigens shed more easily to stool, and might therefore contribute to the diagnostic accuracy of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test. The aim of this study is to investigate if N-acetyl cystein contributes to the diagnostic accuracy of the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test by increasing the sensitivity and specificity of the test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 107 patients were separated into treatment and placebo groups. The AC group (n = 53) was given 5 ml of acetyl cystein (4%) t.i.d. and the Placebo group (n = 54) was given placebo, for 3 days. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by both histology and CLOtest. Stool samples were assayed using a specific ELISA kit for Helicobacter pylori stool antigen. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test were 76%, 79%, 90%, 55%, and 77%, respec
