Duodenal ulcer relapse after eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

Thirty-six patients with healed duodenal ulcers, 27 infected with Helicobacter pylori and nine uninfected, were followed for up to 12 months to determine the rate of ulcer relapse. Eight patients withdrew over the follow up period. At one year, 15 of 20 (75%) infected patients and one of eight (13%) uninfected patients had relapsed, p less than 0.05. Eradication of H pylori favourably influences the natural history of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Significant patient morbidity may be prevented by using measures to eradicate H pylori during or after duodenal ulcer healing.