Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among ambulatory middle-aged patients in Lithuania and its relation to dyspeptic symptoms

Abstract

Introduction. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is decreasing in Western well economically developed countries, but remains comparably high in developing regions. There are very limited data about the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Eastern and Central European regions. Aim. To establish the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among 40-50 years old ambulatory patients routinely consulted by general practitioner (GP) in Kaunas (350000 inhabitants) and to evaluate the relation of different dyspeptic symptoms with the Helicobacter pylori. Methods. The middle-aged patients from 40 to 50 years old persons who visited their GP were invited to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria were: former Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment, patients on dialysis, use of immunosuppressive medications patients. SureScreen HPSC Helicobacter pylori test from finger blood was used to detect antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. Patients anonymously filled-in the gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale questionnaire. The intensity of different upper dyspeptic symptoms (epigastric pain or discomfort, heartburn, regurgition, hunger-like-pain, nausea, epigastric fullness, belching) was assessed during last week rating symptoms in 7 grade Likert scale. [...].