| Sumario: | At least 90% of duodenal ulcers and most gastric ulcers are thought to be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Eradication of this infection can cure ulcer diathesis. Screening for H pylori infection is indicated for all patients with acute ulcer disease or a history of ulcers. Serologic testing for H pylori can be done in the office, with results readily available. Diagnosis can also be made by rapid urease testing or histologic analysis of biospy specimens obtained during endoscopy. For patients with confirmed H pylori GI disease, several drug regimens are available. For example, triple therapy with metroniclazole, omeprozole, and clarithromycin for 7 days is effective. An alternative is to give bismuth subsalicylate, metronidozole, and tetracycline for 2 weeks. Maintenance therapy with an H2 antagonist may need to be continued until H pylori is eradicated.
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