Treatment follow-up to the gastroesophageal reflux disease patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication based on varied values of urea breath test

Objective To observe the influence of Helicobacter pylori UBT values (turned negative) on the antacid used in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Method GERD was defined as ≥6 scores,which was obtained according to reflux symptoms,namely extent and frequency of heartburn,regurgitation and/or food reflux (mild and several times per month scored 1,moderate and several times per week scored 2,severe and several times per day scored 3).The patients with previous gastroduodenal ulcer esophageal surgery,Barrett′s syndrome,hiatal hernia and peptic ulcer were excluded.Patients for study were subdivided into three groups according to the varied values of UBT as Hp positive.Patients for control were Hp negative.Follow ups were five times,one per 4 weeks,to investigate the effect of changing the drug from omeprazole to nizatidine after Hp eradication.Results There was a more significant improvement in the patients with GERD coinciding with the highest value UBT than that in those with the lowest UBT value and in the control on the basis of symptoms′ scores and cure rates.Conclusion GERD patients coinciding with the highest UBT value (300 dpm/mmol CO 2)may reduce the dosage of antacids (change ameprazole to nizatidine),their curative effect strengthens gradually after an eight week′s time.