ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Follow-up studies with low sensitivity and specificity make it difficult to predict precisely long-term effect of H. pylori eradication therapy. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of Giemsa staining and CLO test following eradication therapy. METHODS: In this study, H. pylori eradication therapy was done in 99 consecutive peptic ulcer patients and followed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Follow-up diagnosis was performed by Giemsa staining and CLO test using 6 specimens taken from the gastric antrum and midbody. Eradication was considered if the results of the two tests were negative. RESULTS: Overall the results of 63 (64%) patients among 99 patients who followed more than 6 months did not changed including 9 persistent positive, and 54 negative. However, the result of 36 patients changed to 21 positive and 15 negative conversion after 6 months. The estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of the Giemsa staining and CLO test, using PCR and culture as 'gold standard', were 67%, 85%, 82%, 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity and specificity of Giemsa staining and CLO test following eradication therapy are lower than other reports. It is suggested that the large, multicenter prospective study is necessary to prove diagnostic accuracy of those follow-up studies.