[The diagnostic value of 13C-urea breath test in Helicobacter pylori colonization density and the severity of gastritis]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of (13)C-urea breath test (UBT) in Helicobacter pylori (Hp) colonization density and the severity of gastritis.

Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of UBT in the diagnosis of Hp infection with reference to histology (HE and Warthin-Starry stain) was analyzed and the UBT results (DOB values) among the groups of gastritis with different degrees of severity were compared.

Results: By using UBT, 96 of 103 patients with Hp -positive histology were detected (sensitivity, 93.2%), the specificity was 89.1%. DOB value in the Hp colonization dense group was significantly higher than in the other groups (low and moderately dense) (P < 0.05). A significant but weak, correlation was found between the DOB values and the colonization density either with (rs = 0.599 0, P < 0.000 1) or without (r(s) = 0.245 7, P = 0.015 8) inclusion of histologically negative patients. In Hp positive patients, DOB values neither in the groups of active gastritis (0 - 3 grade) nor in the groups of chronic gastritis (1 - 3 grade) had no significant difference. There was no correlation between DOB values and severity of inflammatory infiltration.

Conclusion: (13)C-UBT has high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of Hp infection. There is significant but weak, correlation between DOB values and the colonization density of Hp. DOB values could not reflect the density of neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration.