Helicobacter pylori and non-malignant diseases

Abstract

This paper reviews new literature data from March 2004 to April 2005 about the association between Helicobacter pylori and non-malignant disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Eradication of H. pylori is indicated for all patients with non-malignant diseases associated with this pathogen. However, its effect is variable, ranging from the highest benefit in the cure of peptic ulcer disease to a small benefit in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Test and treat strategy is still cost-effective for management of patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia. The only limitations of the strategy are the patient's age and the cost benefit ratio in case of low prevalence of the infection. H. pylori eradication is of value in chronic NSAID users, but is insufficient to prevent NSAID-related ulcer disease. In developed countries H. pylori eradication does not cause gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD), however, a negative association between H. pylori and GORD does exist, especially in Asia, but the nature of this relationship should be further clarified.