Dramatic Decline in Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and Peptic Ulcer Disease in an Endoscopy-referral Population

Abstract Purpose To determine if endoscopic Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease prevalence has changed over an 11-year period in a rural region. Methods Current endoscopic records were reviewed and compared with similar data obtained over a time period 11 years earlier at the same institution with regard to H. pylori status, endoscopic findings, microscopic pathologic findings, and medication use. Results There were 251 records reviewed in the current study group (mean age 52.8 years, 59.0% female) and 263 in the previous group (mean age 60.1 years, 56.7% female). H. pylori was positive in 17 (6.8%) in the current study and 173 (65.8%) in the earlier study ( P