Delta values of the 13C-urea breath test in Helicobacter pylori positive persons with and without dyspepsia
2004
Abstract
The possible role of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in functional dyspepsia is still controversial. Some authors hypothesize that excessive gastric urea production by Hp could be responsible for dyspeptic complaints.
The aim of this study was to investigate the difference (delta) of the 13CO2 / 12CO2 ratio in 13C-urea breath test (13Curea-UBT) among Hp-positive persons with and without dyspepsia. Hp status was investigated by means of 13Curea-UBT in 2,478 persons, 1,230 men and 1,248 women (4 - 100 year-old, mean 40, median 38 years), randomly taken from a general non-selected population.
Breath samples were analyzed by means of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (AP 2003, Analytical Precision, UK).