Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the healing of duodenal ulcer.
Methods: A prospective study of 92 duodenal ulcer patients (diagnosed by endoscopy) with H. pylori infection demonstrated by rapid urease test, positive histology and culture. They were treated with a 7-day regimen of lansoprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Healing was evaluated in a follow-up gastroscopy performed one month after treatment had finished. Eradication was defined as negative urease test, histology and culture at 30 days and negative urea breath test at 60 days.
Results: Duodenal ulcer healing was observed in 85 patients (92.4%, CI 85-96.9). Eradication of H. pylori infection was the only variable independently associated with ulcer healing. Healing was observed in 97.2% of patients with H. pylori eradication versus 75% of those with persistent infection (p < 0.01; OR = 11.6; CI 95% = 2.06-65.9).
Conclusion: Eliminating H. pylori infection favors duodenal ulcer healing and, from a clinical point of view, confirmation of H. pylori eradication almost always means healing of duodenal ulcer.