The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on gastric antral myoelectrical activity and gastric emptying in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia

Background: Dysmotility of the gastroduodenal region and delayed gastric em ptying have been considered to play roles in non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). Hel icobacter pylori-induced inflammation of the gastric mucosa may affect gast ric motility. Aim: To evaluate the effects of H. pylori eradication therapy on gastrointe stinal motility and symptoms in NUD patients. Methods: Forty-six NUD patients were examined for gastric emptying, antral myoelectrical activity, H. pylori infection. and symptom scores, in H. pylo ri-positive NUD patients, gastric emptying. antral myoelectrical activity, and symptom scores were also analysed 2 months after cure of H. pylori infe ction. Results: Sixty-seven per cent of NUD patients were H. pylori-positive. Both abnormal gastric emptying and antral myoelectrical activity were observed in NUD patients. H, pylori-positive NUD patients were divided into three gr oups according to their gastric emptying: the delayed group. the normal gro up, and the rapid group. in the delayed and rapid gastric emptying groups, the emptying and symptom scores were improved significantly by eradication. There was no improvement in symptom scores in the normal gastric emptying NUD group by the eradication therapy. Conclusions: Disturbed gastric emptying and antral myoelectrical activity p lay roles in NUD. H. pylori-induced disturbed gastric emptying may cause so me NUD symptoms. Gastric emptying and symptom scores are improved by H, pyl ori eradication therapy in NUD patients with disturbed gastric emptying; H. pylori eradication therapy is effective in H. pylori-positive NUD patients with disturbed gastric emptying.