[Helicobacter pylori and ulcer disease: significance for diagnosis and therapy].

Helicobacter pylori can cause acute gastritis. It is also associated with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. The clinical significance of chronic gastritis is not clear, there are apparently no connections between chronic gastritis and dyspeptic complaints. There is hitherto no reason to treat Helicobacter pylori infestation in patients with gastritis or non ulcerating dyspeptic disease. In patients with ulcers several studies have suggested that the rate of recurrence of ulcers is diminished after eradication of Helicobacter. Unfortunately most of these studies have methodologic deficiencies. Treatment with the goal to eradicate helicobacter is tedious, carries a substantial risk of side effects and has a limited chance for success. These treatments are of an experimental nature and should essentially be reserved for controlled studies. These will have to compete with the established and safe treatment by H2-antagonists.