The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on dyspepsia symptoms in industrial workers in Japan

Background: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and non- ulcer dyspepsia is still controversial. The potential benefits and risks of the treatment could depend on local conditions, such as the prevalence of the infection and the local rates of gastric cancer. Aim: To evaluate the effects of H. pylori eradication therapy on non-ulcer dyspepsia symptoms in industrial workers in Japan. Methods: A total of 615 employees of an industrial corporation were examine d for H. pylori infection and symptom scores; 215 H. pylori-positive non-ul cer dyspepsia cases underwent eradication therapy. Symptom scores were also analysed 12 months after the eradication therapy. Serum pepsinogen A and p epsinogen C levels were analysed and chronic atrophic gastritis was serolog ically diagnosed on the basis of the criteria of a pepsinogen A < 70 ng/mL and pepsinogen A : pepsinogen C ratio < 3.0. Results: The symptom score improved significantly in the cured cases, but n ot in the non-cured cases. The effect of the cure of H. pylori infection on symptoms was analysed according to the serological diagnosis of chronic at rophic gastritis. In both groups, cases with atrophic gastritis and cases w ith chronic gastritis only, the cure of infection was effective in improvin g symptoms. Conclusion: The cure of H. pylori infection was effective in reducing non-u lcer dyspepsia symptoms in industrial workers in Japan.