HELICOBACTER-PYLORI IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERATIONS IN INTESTINAL GAS PROFILE AMONG PATIENTS WITH NONULCER DYSPEPSIA

The pathogenesis of nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is unknown. Gas and postp randial bloating ate frequent symptoms. The role of Helicobacter pylor i (HP) in the pathogenesis of NUD is controversial. We studied the int estinal gas profile of NUD patients (N = 34) at baseline and after lac tulose administration. The prevalence of hydrogen and methane producer s was similar among HP+ and HP- patients. Breath H-2 concentrations in response to lactulose showed significantly greater rise among HP+ sub jects (P < 0.0001). HP positivity was associated with higher total bre ath excretion for H, and methane combined (2984 +/- 1038 vs 1776 +/- 5 21 ppm/hr) compared to HP- subjects (P < 0.05). There was no correlati on between peak H, and methane levels. The role of alterations in inte stinal gas in producing symptoms in HP+ patients with NUD needs furthe r investigation.