SERIAL HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIBODY TITRES AFTER SPECIFIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACT

Aims: To serially determine the Helicobacter Pylori antibody titres in patients after giving them triple therapy for H. pylori eradication.

Settings: Out Patients Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Medical Research Council, Research Centre, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi over 4 years.

Methods: Prospective cohort study was done where patients found positive for CLO (Campylobacter like organism) test during endoscopy were tested serologically for anti H. pylori IgG titres before treatment. Patients were given triple therapy comprising of Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Clarythromycin for a week and were followed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months for repeat antibody titres. Data was collected on pre-designed performa which included patient’s demography, symptoms and diagnosis.

Results: Total of 186 patients yielded a positive CLO test during 4-years of study, but 173 patients consented to participate in the study. Serology results were positive in 68% cases.  A decline in antibody titres was observed as 11%, 21.5%, 54.7% and 59.2% at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months respectively.

Conclusion: Sensitivity of serology for diagnosing H pylori infection and monitoring response to treatment is doubtful. A slow drop in Helicobacter pylori antibodies is seen over 12 months therefore physicians are warned to not to re treat the already treated cases till about 1 year post treatment.