Helicobacter pylori eradication reduced the risk for ulcers in dyspeptic patients who were about to begin NSAID treatment.

P a t i e n t s 102 patients who required long-term regular NSAID treatment, had a positive result for H. pylori on a urea breath test, and had moderate dyspepsia or a history of endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcers. Exclusion criteria were exposure to NSAIDs (except for aspirin, ≤ 325 mg/d) for > 1 month within the previous 8 weeks; concomitant treatment with steroids, anticoagulants, or antiulcer drugs; substantial renal impairment; previous treatment for H. pylori; or history of gastric surgery or serious ulcer complications. Followup was 98% (mean age 63 y, 67% women).