The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in non-ulcer dyspepsia

Abstract

It is currently unclear whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a role in patients who fulfil the criteria for non-ulcer dyspepsia. This paper reviews evidence for H. pylori-induced changes in gastric emptying, gastrointestinal motility, gastric acid secretion, and gastric perception in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. Problems in study design and execution of non-ulcer dyspepsia treatment trials are discussed. The results of non-ulcer dyspepsia treatment trials which have been performed in H. pylori-positive patients are reviewed. To date none of them has convincingly shown that cure of the H. pylori infection leads to a sustained improvement in symptoms. © 1997 Blackwell Science Ltd.