Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

More data are now available on the putative interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but results of epidemiological studies and therapeutic trials are still conflicting. While cohort studies reveal that H. pylori infection does not influence the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers in subjects receiving NSAIDs, a recent meta-analysis of case-control studies shows a twofold increase of the ulcer prevalence in infected NSAID users when compared to noninfected users. Furthermore, some studies suggest a protective role for infection in NSAID users against ulcer complications, particularly bleeding. While it is now well established that H, pylori infection has a positive effect on the healing rates of NSAID-associated gastric ulcers treated by antisecretory drugs, the role of eradication therapy in the management of NSAID gastropathy is Still debated. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 15 (suppl 1):S61-S65 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.