ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is supposed to be one of the major causes of digestive and other diseases. Among a lot of invasive and non-invasive methods for its detection, none is ideal. The aim is assessment of the HP infection in stomach using breath test and comparison to other diagnostic methods, as well as following up the effect of therapy.
In 17 patients with digestive discomfort breath tests were performed, rapid urease test and histology, while in 47 patients with proven HP infection the effect of therapy was followed up using breath test and clinical findings. Breath test was performed after per oral administration of the capsule of 14C urea (37 kBq), which, in the presence of Helicobacter pylori breaks up into 14CO2 and NH3. Radioactivity was measured by beta counter in the exhaled air fasting and 30 minutes after ingestion of the capsule. For rapid urease test and histology, samples were taken from antral mucosa.
According to our results, the rise of activity over 100% was considered positive. From 17 patients, 7 were breath test positive, 9 negative and one equivocal. Fast urease test was in 6 positive, in 11 negative while histology was in 7 positive and 10 negative. Findings of the breath and urease tests were in accordance in 14/17 patients (83%) while breath test and histology in 16/17 patients (94%). During following up the therapeutic effects, breath test and clinical findings were in accordance in 43/47 patients (98%).
Breath test can be useful in the diagnosis but is a method of choice in following up the patients after therapy for H.pylori infection, because it is noninvasive, fast and precise.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, breath test, 14C-urea

Correspondence to:
Doc. dr Vera Artiko
Institute for Nuclear Medicine
Visegradska 26, 11 000 Beograd
phone: 3615641 fax: 646 988
e_mail: veraart@beotel.yu or vera.artiko@kcs.ac.yu