Purpose of review: This review attempts to contextualize some of the clinically important publications of the last 2 years as they relate to the broad topic of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease, both Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related.
Recent findings: This review includes findings which provide insight with regard to the triaging of dyspeptic subjects, information on new proton pump inhibitor drugs and H. pylori eradication 'rescue regimens'. The 'COX-2 debacle' is discussed and new data relating to the efficacy of co-therapy strategies for the prevention of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy are presented, while the use of antiplatelet agents as 'safe' substitutes for aspirin cardioprophylaxis is questioned. The important issue of proton pump inhibitor safety and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy are addressed.
Summary: The review provides a summary and interpretation of literature pertaining to the above issues, and should provide a point of departure for clinical decision-making relevant to these issues.