Role of helicobacter pylori in functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND: The association of Helicobacter pylori with functional dyspepsia is widely reported, but it remains unclear whether H. pylori infection actually causes symptoms or is just an associated finding.
AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the role of H. pylori in causing symptoms of functional dyspepsia and to observe any improvement in symptoms after eradication of H. pylori.
SETTING AND DESIGN: This study was conducted in a prospective, randomised double-blind manner at the Surgery Department of our institution.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly distributed into two groups to receive eradication or placebo therapy after taking biopsies for H. pylori. Symptom evaluation was done at baseline, at one and at three months to notice any improvement.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Changes in the dyspepsia score were compared using ANOVA test at baseline, one and at three months to compare the improvement in symptoms.
RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of patients with functional dyspepsia are infected with H. pylori. Significant long-term improvement was observed after eradication in H. pylori infected patients. No significant improvement was seen with placebo therapy.
CONCLUSION: H. pylori plays a significant role in causing symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Treatment with triple drug regimen brings a significant long-term improvement in the symptoms.