Helicobacter pylori Infection and Functional Dyspepsia: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Current Treatment

Dyspepsia comprises a group of symtpoms including epigastric pain, burning, postprandial fullness and early satiation. Its prevalence in general population ranges from 10 to 40%. Functional dyspepsia prevalence estimates are 5-12%. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori and functional dyspepsia is complicated. There are no differences between infected and uninfected patients in prevalence and severity of dyspepsia. The meta-analysis of the efficacy of eradication therapy in functional dyspepsia showed a small but significant benefit in curing dyspeptic symptoms after one year therapeutic gain in comparison with placebo was 8% and the number of patients needed to treat was 15. According to the Maastricht IV guidelines, eradication therapy is considered appropriate for patients that have a confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection and a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia (recommendation grade: A).

Keywords: Dyspepsia, functional dyspepsia, H. pylori, eradication treatment, endoscopy.