Clinical presentation of Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND: A questionnaire was used to record the clinical presentation of functional dyspepsia in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection in a consecutive series of patients sent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Only patients without macroscopic abnormalities in their oesophagus, stomach and duodenum were included. METHODS: The study questionnaire included two questions related to daily life, and the calculation of a symptom score. Biopsy specimens were taken from all patients for histological and microbiological examination, and immunoglobulin G antibodies were also determined. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were H. pylori positive and 182 patients were H. pylori negative. Loss of weight was significantly more common in the H. pylori positive group (P<0.001). Patients with H. pylori infection had a significantly higher overall symptom score compared with H. pylori-negative subjects (P<0.05). In addition, the severity of epigastric and nocturnal pain, heartburn, retrosternal heartburn, and vomiting was significantly higher in H. pylori-positive functional dyspeptic patients, and the influence on daily life and activities was significantly worse. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of retrosternal pain, weight loss, food intolerance and the absence of halitosis signified a 64% accuracy in predicting H. pylori infection. It is not possible to differentiate between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative functional dyspeptics on the basis of clinical presentation and the number of complaints. However, overall symptom score and severity of several symptoms was significantly higher in the H. pylori-positive group.