Serological biomarker test (GastroPanel®) in the diagnosis of functional gastric disorders, helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis in patients examined for dyspeptic symptoms

Abstract

Background/Aim: The GastroPanel® test (Biohit Oyj) is interpreted by the GastroSoft® application distinguishing eight biomarker profiles, of which five profiles have a morphological equivalent in the Updated Sydney System (USS) classification of gastritis, and 3 others specify functional disorders of the stomach: 1) high acid output, 2) low acid output, and 3) effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. This study evaluated the prevalence of these biomarker profiles in dyspeptic patients. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to assess the point prevalence of these biomarker profiles in a random sample of 500 subjects derived from our archives of GastroPanel® samples. Results: Reflux symptoms were reported by 35.2% and use of PPI medication by 36.8% of the study subjects. Biomarker profile 2 (high acid output) was the second most common GastroPanel® profile in this cohort; 31.2%, second only (33.6%) to profile 1 (healthy stomach). Hp-infection was detected in 25.0% of the subjects. Profiles related to use of PPI (low acid output, PPI effect) were found in 7.4% of the cases. AG was uncommon, diagnosed in 14 patients only (2.8%). Conclusion: These data are derived from the population with the highest frequency of dyspepsia, and the results might have widespread implications in diagnostic and screening practices.