Indications for Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy

ABSTRACT

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982, it has been recognized as one of the most significant risk factors for gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease and has been associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. Several sets of guidelines on the treatment indications for H. pylori have been published in many parts of the world. The prevalence of H. pylori is closely related to socioeconomic conditions and varies between the countries, and there are circumscribed indications for H. pylori eradication in high-prevalence regions such as Asian countries, which have higher H. pylori incidence levels than Western countries. However, according to an epidemiological survey conducted in Korea in 2005, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to have decreased by up to 59.6%. Hence, it has been suggested that the indications for treatment of H. pylori infection should be expanded. The aim of this review was to identify indications for H. pylori eradication in Korea as compared with other countries and assess the possible future indications for H. pylori eradication.