Peptic ulceration with urea

Optimal therapy of patients with peptic ulcer disease (both duodenal and gastric ulcers) who are infected with K pylori requires antimicrobial treatment. To document infection with fcL pylori, endoscopic biopsy of the gastric mucosa or various noninvasive methods are available, including serologic tests and breath tests for urea. Figure 24.2 shows a biopsy sample with i . pylori closely associated with the gastric mucosa. Eradication of FL pylori results in rapid healing... 

Urea breath test Used to identify patients with HeScobaclerpylori rltec6on which is strongly associated with peptic ulcer disease... 

In the presence of peptic ulcer disease, it is important to identify the presence of H. pylori before the institution of therapy so that eradication of the organism can be confirmed 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. In this respect, successful eradication can be documented in duodenal ulcer patients by use of the noninvasive urea breath test. In individuals with gastric ulceration, endoscopy is necessary not only to confirm adequate healing but also to ensure that no neoplasia exists. 

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