Absence of dyspeptic symptoms as a test for Helicobacter pylori eradication

Abstract
Data were collected prospectively on all patients positive for H pylori with endoscopically proved duodenal ulcer disease who were given eradication treatment at this hospital in 1991-4. Patients with a history of ulcer haemorrhage or perforation and those taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were excluded. Whether H pylori was present was determined by histology or the 13C-urea breath test4 before treatment. Treatment was with: colloidal bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline, and metronidazole for seven days; omeprazole, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline, and metronidazole for seven days; omeprazole and amoxycillin for 14 days; or lansoprazole and clarithromycin for 14 days. Patients were advised not to take any acid suppressing medication after treatment.