The impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on peptic ulcer healing

Objective: Current literature was reviewed analyzing the outcome of peptic ulcer healing in relation to the results of the posttherapeutic Helicobacter pylori (HP) status.
Methods: Literature was reviewed along with an analysis of 60 studies, comprising a total of 4329 patients.
Results: Successful Helicobacter pylori eradication was found to induce a better response in peptic ulcer healing, regardless of diagnosis: gastric ulcer 88% vs 73% (odds ratio OR] 2.7,   p < 0.01  ), duodenal ulcer 95% vs 76% (OR 5.6,   p < 0.0001  ), and peptic ulcer 95% vs 76% (OR 6.6,   p < 0.0001  ), for patients having their HP infection successfully cured versus those remaining HP-positive, respectively (Fisher's exact test). For all evaluated time points (≤ 6, 7–8, and 10–12 wk after beginning treatment), HP-negative patients had higher healing rates than HP-positive patients (95% vs 82%, 94% vs 69%, and 96% vs 78% with corresponding OR of 4.2, 6.5, and 7.4, all   p < 0.0001  , Fisher's exact test). The use of concomitant acid suppression therapy during initial HP eradication provided a benefit on peptic ulcer healing only for patients with persistent HP infection (improved healing rates of 78% vs 67%; otherwise rates were 94–96%). Likewise, prolonged acid inhibition in HP treatment failures after the initial HP treatment phase resulted in 7–20% improved healing rates, whereas patients becoming HP-negative did not profit.
Conclusion: Successful HP eradication therapy accelerates peptic ulcer healing even without concomitant acid suppression.