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Helicobacter pylori infection status in relation to antibiotic and non‐steroidal prescribing in patients on maintenance treatment for chronic duodenal ulcer

&NA; It has been suggested that establishing. Helicobacter pylori infection status is irrelevant prior to H. pylori eradication treatment in chronic duodenal ulcer, as virtually all may benefit from therapy. Objective: The aim of the present study was (i) to determine the prevalence of active H. pylori infection in patients with proven chronic duodenal ulcer on long‐term H2‐antagonist prophylactic treatment and whether knowledge of this would influence the use of eradication therapy and (ii) to assess other factors which might influence the clinical diagnosis or H. pylori status, such as non‐steroidal and antibiotic use. Methods: One hundred and forty‐five patients receiving long‐term H2‐antagonists for chronic duodenal ulcer were recruited. Their case records and a prescribing database were reviewed. Patients underwent endoscopy with biopsies for rapid urease test, histology and H. pylori culture. Serum was immunoblotted and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for H. pylori was performed. Results: Of the 145 patients, 128 (88%) were H. pylori biopsy positive. Twelve of the 17 H. pylori biopsy‐negative patients had anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and 10 of the 17 H. pylori‐negative patients had previously received antibiotics for other indications. Nine patients were exposed to non‐aspirin nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and one had additional aspirin exposure. Conclusion: Only 11.7% of patients on maintenance treatment for chronic duodenal ulcer had no current infection with H. pylori, although more than 70% of these had serological evidence of previous infection. Confirmation of active infection may be indicated where there is a history of NSAID or antibiotic exposure and may result in more precise targeting of eradication therapy, thus avoiding unnecessary and potentially hazardous treatment.