Will eradication of Helicobacter pylori improve the symptoms of nonulcer dyspepsia ?
GROUND: Although H pylori is associated with peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and other syndromes, its role in nonulcer dyspepsia is much more controversial. A recent meta-analysis suggested that there may be some benefit to H pylori eradication in nonulcer dyspepsia, but it did not include 2 recent studies with negative results.1 The authors of this study performed the first large multicentered randomized trial in the United States to evaluate the efficacy of H pylori eradication in nonulcer dyspepsia. POPULATION STUDIED: Consecutive adult patients were invited to participate if they had at least moderate pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen for at least 3 months. Subjects all had a normal esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) and a positive result on a carbon-13 urea breath test for H pylori. The average age was 46 years, and the other demographic characteristics were reasonably representative of the general population. Of the 640 patients screened, 337 were enrolled. Mos
