Background/Aims:

Relapse of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is a serious problem in high prevalent regions. We aimed to determine the relapse rate of Hp infection in patients with symptoms renewing after successful eradication.

Methods:

Successfully treated patients with first line [proton pump inhibitors (PPI)+amoxicillin+clarithromycin] or second line (PPI+Bismuth compound+metronidazole+ tetracycline) eradication regimens were enrolled into this study between 2006-2010 years. All patients received eradication 14 days and successful eradication confirmed by C-14 breath test. Patients with symptoms renewing during the follow-up period were evaluated for relapse of Hp infection by gastroscopy, histological examination and C-14 breath test.

Results:

Hp positive 1642 patients were treated by first and second line eradication therapy. Successful eradication rate was 89%. During the follow-up period 238/1642 patients (14.5%) of these were admitted to out-patient clinics complaining with dyspepsia and Hp infection was detected by gastroscopy/histology and breath test. Relapse rate was statistically high in third year (62%, 60%) after the treatment as comparing with first (10%, 8%) and second year (16%, 14%) (p<0.05) gastroscopy/histology and breath test control, respectively.

Conclusions:

Hp relapse rate was significantly higher in third year of eradication in patients with symptoms renewing.

Keywords: