Thai Journal of Gastroenterology

Article :
Prevalence of Abnormal Esophageal Acid Exposure and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Preliminary Report

Author :
Watcharasak Chotiyaputta, M.D.
Somchai Leelakusolvong , M.D.
Supot Pongprasobchai, M.D.
Tawesak Tanwandee, M.D.
Siwaporn Chainuvati, M.D.
Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya, M.D.
Udom Kachintorn, M.D.
Sathaporn Manatsathit, M.D.

Abstract :

Background: There were observations in the overlap of symptoms between GERD and functional
dyspepsia.  Thai GERD patients have symptoms very similar to functional dyspepsia because heartburn or regurgitation is not common.  It is unclear whether some patients with diagnosed functional dyspepsia actually have abnormal esophageal acid exposure (AEAE).  Prevalence of H. pylori infection in dyspeptic patients with or without AEAE is unknown.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of AEAE in functional dyspeptic patients and the prevalence of
H. pylori infection in patients with and without AEAE.
Patients and Methods: Twenty-seven functional dyspeptic patients (12 male, 15 female, age 20-64
years) diagnosed by Rome II criteria were interviewed by gastroenterologists regarding their upper gastrointestinal symptoms by using questionnaires.  H. pylori status was detected by rapid urease test.  All patients underwent 24-hour pH monitoring. AEAE was diagnosed by fraction time pH below 4 ?4% or composite score ?14.72.

Results: There were 3 patients (11.1%) with AEAE diagnosed by abnormal fraction time pH below 4
and 6 patients (22.2%) by abnormal composite score.  H. pylori was detected in 6 patients (23%); 2 (66%) and 4 (17%) of patients with and without AEAE by fraction time pH below 4, respectively (p = NS); 3 (60%) and 3 (14%) of patients with and without AEAE by composite score, respectively (p = NS). There was no significant association between symptom details and the presence of AEAE.

Conclusion: Prevalence of AEAE and H. pylori infection in functional dyspeptic patients is low. The
correlations between symptoms or H. pylori infection and abnormal 24-hour pH monitoring could not be determined precisely due to the too small number of patients with AEAE.

[Thai J Gastroenterol 2005; 6(3): 125-130]

Keyword :
24-hour pH monitoring, esophageal acid exposure, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylori

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