Bismuth quadruple three-in-one single capsule three times a day increases effectiveness compared with the usual four times a day schedule: results from the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg).

BACKGROUND: The recommended schedule for single capsule bismuth quadruple therapy (scBQT, Pylera) includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) two times a day and three scBQT capsules four times a day. Four times a day treatments are inconvenient and reduce adherence. In contrast, adherence improves with three times a day schedules. In clinical practice, many gastroenterologists use four capsule scBQT three times a day. However, the effectiveness and safety of this latter approach remain uncertain. AIM: To assess the effectiveness and safety of scBQT administered three times a day in the patients included in the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori Management (Hp-EuReg). METHODS: All Spanish adult patients registered in the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database from June 2013 to March 2021 receiving 10-day scBQT were analysed. Modified intention-to-treat effectiveness, adherence and the safety of scBQT given three times a day were calculated and compared with the four times a day schedule. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent factors predicting cure of the infection. RESULTS: Of the 3712 cases, 2516 (68%) were four times a day and 1196 (32%) three times a day. Mean age was 51 years, 63% were women and 15% had a peptic ulcer. The three times a day schedule showed significantly better overall cure rates than four times a day (1047/1112, 94%; 95% CI 92.7 to 95.6 vs 2207/2423, 91%; 95% CI 89.9 to 92.2, respectively, p=0.002). Adherence and safety data were similar for both regimens. In the multivariate analysis, three times a day dosage, first-line therapy, use of standard or high-dose PPIs and adherence over 90% were significantly associated with cure of the infection. CONCLUSIONS: ScBQT prescribed three times a day was more effective than the traditional four times a day schedule. No differences were observed in treatment adherence or safety.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding associated with oral anticoagulants.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has shown non-inferiority compared to oral anticoagulation (OAC) in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke. The objective of this study was to assess whether LAAC reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and/or chronic anaemia associated with OAC, as well as the consumption of healthcare resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, single-center study from 2016 to 2022, LAAC was performed. Clinical, analytical and healthcare resource consumption data were collected (endoscopies, blood transfusions, hospital admissions) prior and 6 months after LAAC. RESULTS: 43 patients were included, with an average age of 77.6 years. LAAC indication was upper, low and obscure GIB in 7 (16%), 8 (19%) and 28 patients (65%) respectively. GIB source was intestinal angiodysplasias in 27 patients (63%), occult origin in 12 (28%), and others (antral vascular ectasia, portal hypertension gastropathy, etc.) in 4 patients (9%). The mean number of packed red blood cells per patient before LAAC was (mean ± SD) 7.29 ± 5 vs 0.42 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001); endoscopic procedures were 4.34 ± 2.85 vs 0.27 ± 0.76 (p < 0.001); and hospitalizations 2.67 ± 2.14 vs 0.03 ± 0.17 (p < 0.001), with a hospital stay of 21.5 ± 17.3 vs 0.09 ± 0.5 days (p < 0.001) at 6 months post-intervention. Haemoglobin value increased from 8.1 ± 1.2g/dl to 12.4 ± 2.2g/dl (p < 0.001) at 6 months. No thromboembolic events were registered during a median follow-up of 16.6 months (range 6-65). CONCLUSIONS: LAAC could be a safe and effective alternative to OAC in patients with non-valvular AF presenting significant, recurrent or potentially unresolvable GIB. This intervention also leads to important savings in the consumption of healthcare resources.

Endoscopic suspect of subacute occlusive mesenteric ischemia.

A 74-year-old patient presented to our emergency department with melena for 24 hours, associated with postprandial abdominal pain, predominantly in the epigastrium, for one month. Urgent gastroscopy showed a pale mucosa with loss of vascular pattern in the gastric antrum, as well as several superficial ulcers, Forrest III, at that level and in the duodenal bulb highly suggestive of ischaemia. An abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a filiform celiac trunk, with calcified atherosclerotic plaques in the ostium, superior mesenteric artery and both renal arteries, with absence of enhancement in a large part of the intestinal wall, suggestive of ischaemia. An exploratory laparoscopy confirmed patchy ischaemia of the small intestine, as well as of the cecum, ascending colon, and portion of the transversus. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of occlusive chronic mesenteric ischaemia. The 'classic triad' consisting of postprandial pain, weight loss and abdominal bruit, is found in only a minority of patients, with a significant percentage of paucisymptomatic patients due to abundant colateral circulation, making diagnosis difficult. The endoscopic finding of edema, erythema or signs of mucosal atrophy, as well as gastric or duodenal ulcers, not justified by other causes can guide us in the diagnosis. However, more distal sections of the digestive tract which are not accessible with the conventional endoscope can often be affected, and the absence of these findings, does not exclude the diagnosis. Abdominal CTA is the gold-standard imaging test. Early diagnosis of mesenteric ischaemia is a challenge in clinical practice. Recognizing its endoscopic signs can facilitate its early diagnosis and treatment.

Use of double-layered covered esophageal stents in post-surgical esophageal leaks and esophageal perforation: Our experience. / Uso de prótesis esofágicas cubiertas de doble malla en fístulas esofágicas postquirúrgicas y perforaciones esofágicas: experiencia en nuestro centro.

INTRODUCTION: The use of esophageal stents for the endoscopic management of esophageal leaks and perforations has become a usual procedure. One of its limitations is its high migration rate. To solve this incovenience, the double-layered covered esophageal stents have become an option. OBJECTIVES: To analyse our daily practice according to the usage of double-layered covered esophageal metal stents (DLCEMS) (Niti S™ DOUBLE™ Esophageal Metal Stent Model) among patients diagnosed of esophageal leak or perforation. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive and unicentric study, with inclusion of patients diagnosed of esophageal leak or perforation, from November 2010 until October 2018. The main aim is to evaluate the efficacy of DLCEMS, in terms of primary success and technical success. The secondary aim is to evaluate their (the DLCEMS) safety profile. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were firstly included. Among those, 8 were excluded due to mortality not related to the procedure. Following stent placement, technical success was reached in 100% of the cases, and primary success, in 75% (n=17). Among the complications, stent migration was present in 21.7% of the patients (n=5), in whom the incident was solved by endoscopic means. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, DLCEMS represent an alternative for esophageal leak and perforation management, with a high success rate in leak and perforation resolutions and low complication rate, in contrast to the published data. The whole number of migrations were corrected by endoscopic replacement, without the need of a new stent or surgery.

Translation into Spanish and validation of a short questionnaire to measure the control of inflammatory bowel disease from the patient's perspective: IBD-Control, EII-Control. / Traducción al español y validación de un cuestionario breve de medida del control de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal desde la perspectiva del paciente: IBD-Control, EII-Control.

OBJECTIVE: Measurement of patient-perceived outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care is becoming increasingly important. A simple and validated tool exists in English for this purpose, the "IBD-Control". Our aim is to translate it into Spanish, adapt and validate it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The IBD-Control was translated into the Spanish instrument "EII-Control" and prospectively validated. Patients completed the EII-Control and other questionnaires that served as baseline comparators. The gastroenterologist performed a global assessment of the disease, calculated activity indices and recorded treatment. A subgroup of patients repeated the entire assessment at a second visit. The usefulness of IBD-Control summary scales (IBD-Control-8 and IBD-Control-VAS) was also analysed. RESULTS: A total of 249 IBD patients were included (101 repeated the second visit). Psychometric standards of the test: internal consistency: Cronbach's α for EII-Control 0.83 with strong correlation between EII-Control-8 and EII-Control-EVA (r=0.5); reproducibility: intra-class correlation 0.70 for EII-Control; construct validity: moderate to strong correlations between IBD-Control, IBD-Control-8 and IBD-Control-VAS versus comparators; discriminant validity: P<.001; sensitivity to change: same response as quality of life index. Sensitivity and specificity at cut-off point 14 of 0.696 and 0.903, respectively, to determine quiescent status. CONCLUSIONS: The IBD-Control is a valid instrument to measure IBD-Control from the patient's perspective in our environment and culture. Its simplicity makes it a useful tool to support care.

Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy to treat recurrent sigmoid volvulus in an almost centenary patient.

We report the case of a 96-year-old institutionalized male, with severe dementia, who was admitted to our hospital with sigmoid volvulus. After successful decompression, the patient developed recurrent sigmoid volvulus twice within 76 hours, which required endoscopic repositioning. However, after a new recurrence and rejecting surgery, we chose percutaneous endoscopic colostomy, using the standard gastrostomy technique, in order to fix the mobile intestine to the abdominal wall to prevent torsion. Although observational studies with more cases and longer follow-up are needed, percutaneous endoscopic colostomy could be a safe and effective alternative in patients in whom conventional surgery is considered unsafe or inappropriate.

Gastrointestinal and liver immune-related adverse effects induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: A descriptive observational study. / Efectos adversos inmunomediados gastrointestinales y hepáticos inducidos por los inhibidores del punto de control inmunitario: estudio descriptivo observacional.

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective agents against several malignancies. However, they are associated with gastrointestinal and liver immune-related adverse events (GI-IrAEs and LI-IrAEs), which can lead to their temporary or permanent discontinuation. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and gastrointestinal and liver toxicity of ICIs in oncological treatments in actual clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with advanced cancer who received at least 1ICI dose between May 2015 and September 2018 were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: 132 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (65.15%, n=86); melanoma (22.7%, n=30); renal carcinoma (9.09%, n=12); and other tumours (3%, n=4) were included. The treatments administered were nivolumab (n=82), pembrolizumab (n=28), atezolizumab (n=13), durvalumab (n=2), ipilimumab (n=1) and the antiCTLA-4/PD-1 combination (n=6). In total, 51 patients (38.6%) developed IrAEs, 17 (12.9%) of which experienced GI-IrAEs. Of these, 8 (47%) needed steroids and 1patient required surgery due to intestinal perforation. Grade I Li-IrAEs were observed in 4 patients (3.03%): 2 (50%) required corticosteroids and 1 patient had to discontinue treatment. Four patients (66.6%) who received combination therapy experienced GI-IrAEs. IrAE incidence were not associated with age, gender or drug response. CONCLUSIONS: GI-IrAEs are one of the most common adverse events in patients receiving ICIs. A multidisciplinary approach and a greater understanding of these events could help to reduce morbidity and therapy discontinuation.

[Prevalence of viral hepatitis type C in blood donors in Peru 2016 - 2017]. / Prevalencia del virus de hepatitis C en donantes de sangre en el Perú 2016 - 2017.

OBJECTIVES: Knowing the current prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection has taken great importance nowdays due to the new advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in which the new direct-acting antivirals have demonstrated a high rate of sustained viral response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on the detection of anti VHC in the blood banks of â€Å“Ministerio de Salud del Perú†according to the information obtained from â€Å“Programa Nacional de Hemoterapia y Bancos de Sangre†(PRONAHEBAS). RESULTS: In our study, the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C antibodies in blood donors nationwide was 0.428% in 2016 and 0.301% in 2017. CONCLUSION: To know updated data about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in our population. It is the first step to be able to treat the disease and drastically reduce the infection rate according to the WHO target for 2030.

Involvement of the digestive system in covid-19. A review. / Afectación del aparato digestivo en la covid-19. Una revisión sobre el tema.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is leading to high mortality and a global health crisis. The primary involvement is respiratory; however, the virus can also affect other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The most common symptoms are anorexia and diarrhea. In about half of the cases, viral RNA could be detected in the stool, which is another line of transmission and diagnosis. covid19 has a worse prognosis in patients with comorbidities, although there is not enough evidence in case of previous digestive diseases. Digestive endoscopies may give rise to aerosols, which make them techniques with a high risk of infection. Experts and scientific organizations worldwide have developed guidelines for preventive measures. The available evidence on gastrointestinal and hepatic involvement, the impact on patients with previous digestive diseases and operating guidelines for Endoscopy Units during the pandemic are reviewed.

Psoriasis induced by antiTNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: Therapeutic management and evolution of both diseases in a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: some patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with antiTNF develop drug-induced psoriasis (antiTNF-IP). Several therapeutic strategies are possible. AIMS: to assess the management of antiTNF-IP in IBD, and its impact in both diseases. METHODS: patients with antiTNF-IP from ENEIDA registry were included. Therapeutic strategy was classified as continuing the same antiTNF, stopping antiTNF, switch to another antiTNF or swap to a non-antiTNF biologic. IP severity and IBD activity were assessed at baseline and 16, 32 and 54 weeks. RESULTS: 234 patients were included. At baseline, antiTNF-IP was moderate-severe in 60 % of them, and IBD was in remission in 80 %. Therapeutic strategy was associated to antiTNF-IP severity (p < 0.001). AntiTNF-IP improved at week 54 with all strategies, but continuing with the same antiTNF showed the worst results (p = 0.042). Among patients with IBD in remission, relapse was higher in those who stopped antiTNF (p = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, stopping antiTNF, trunk and palms and soles location were associated with antiTNF-IP remission; female sex and previous surgery in Crohn´s disease with IBD relapse. CONCLUSION: skin lesions severity and IBD activity seem to determine antiTNF-IP management. Continuing antiTNF in mild antiTNF-IP, and swap to ustekinumab or switch to another antiTNF in moderate-severe cases, are suitable strategies.

A cross-sectional study of knowledge of sex partner serostatus among high-risk Peruvian men who have sex with men and transgender women: implications for HIV prevention.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of a sex partner's HIV serostatus can influence sexual behavior and inform harm-reduction strategies. We sought to determine how often Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) knew the HIV serostatus of their sex partners, if this knowledge was associated with any predictive factors or unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), and if UAI was associated with partner serostatus. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2008 Peruvian MSM Sentinel Surveillance Survey. Data were collected by CASI about each participant's three most recent male sex partners. Primary outcome was knowledge of a partner's HIV test result. Multivariate analysis assessed the effect of age, education, sexual identity, number of male partners, alcohol use during intercourse, type of partnership and length of partnership using logistic regression. RESULTS: 735 participants provided data on 1,643 of their most recent sex partners from the last 3 months. 179/735 (24.4%) of all participants knew HIV test results for at least one of their 3 most recent partners, corresponding to 230/1643 (14.0%) of all sexual partnerships in the last 3 months. In multivariate analysis, casual (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17-0.42) and exchange sex (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.88) partners, compared to stable partners, were negatively associated with knowledge of partner serostatus, whereas relationships lasting longer than one night (<3 months OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.39-3.51; 3 months to 1 year OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.80-5.01; ≥ 1 year OR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.40-7.10) were positively associated with knowledge of partner serostatus. Knowledge of partner serostatus was not associated with unprotected anal intercourse with that partner. CONCLUSIONS: Few MSM and TW in Peru know their partners' HIV serostatus. Our findings suggest that the type and length of partnership influence the likelihood of knowing a partner's serostatus. Further research should explore the contexts and practices of partner communication, their effect on sexual behavior, and interventions to promote discussion of HIV testing and serostatus as an HIV prevention strategy in this population.

CRISIS AFAR: an international collaborative study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and service access in youth with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic are documented in the general population. Such heterogeneity has not been systematically assessed in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). To identify distinct patterns of the pandemic impact and their predictors in ASD/NDD youth, we focused on pandemic-related changes in symptoms and access to services. METHODS: Using a naturalistic observational design, we assessed parent responses on the Coronavirus Health and Impact Survey Initiative (CRISIS) Adapted For Autism and Related neurodevelopmental conditions (AFAR). Cross-sectional AFAR data were aggregated across 14 European and North American sites yielding a clinically well-characterized sample of N = 1275 individuals with ASD/NDD (age = 11.0 ± 3.6 years; n females = 277). To identify subgroups with differential outcomes, we applied hierarchical clustering across eleven variables measuring changes in symptoms and access to services. Then, random forest classification assessed the importance of socio-demographics, pre-pandemic service rates, clinical severity of ASD-associated symptoms, and COVID-19 pandemic experiences/environments in predicting the outcome subgroups. RESULTS: Clustering revealed four subgroups. One subgroup-broad symptom worsening only (20%)-included youth with worsening across a range of symptoms but with service disruptions similar to the average of the aggregate sample. The other three subgroups were, relatively, clinically stable but differed in service access: primarily modified services (23%), primarily lost services (6%), and average services/symptom changes (53%). Distinct combinations of a set of pre-pandemic services, pandemic environment (e.g., COVID-19 new cases, restrictions), experiences (e.g., COVID-19 Worries), and age predicted each outcome subgroup. LIMITATIONS: Notable limitations of the study are its cross-sectional nature and focus on the first six months of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitantly assessing variation in changes of symptoms and service access during the first phase of the pandemic revealed differential outcome profiles in ASD/NDD youth. Subgroups were characterized by distinct prediction patterns across a set of pre- and pandemic-related experiences/contexts. Results may inform recovery efforts and preparedness in future crises; they also underscore the critical value of international data-sharing and collaborations to address the needs of those most vulnerable in times of crisis.

[Inverse association between asthma and neural tube defects: a binational ecological study]. / Asociación inversa entre asma y defectos del tubo neural: estudio ecológico binacional.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary intake of methyl donors such as folic acid prevents neural tube defects (NTD), but recent studies showed that it might also favor the development of asthma. In this work a possible ecological association between NTD and asthma was explored. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data bases from Mexico and the United States (US) were reviewed to obtain information about geographical distribution (by state) and temporal trends (by year) of NTD and asthma. RESULTS: Those states with the lowest frequency of NTD had the highest frequency of asthma, both in Mexico (rS=-0.48, p=0.005) and US (rS=-0.39, p=0.005). Temporal trends also showed an inverse correlation in Mexico (1997-2007, rS=-0.73, p=0.01) and US (1979-1998, rS=-0.91, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In both countries the frequency of asthma inversely correlated with the frequency of NTD, both in geographical distribution and annual trends, giving support to the possibility that methyl donors intake in diet or supplements is influencing the asthma frequency.

FAST tuberculosis transmission control strategy speeds the start of tuberculosis treatment at a general hospital in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the FAST (Find cases Actively, Separate safely, Treat effectively) strategy on time to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients at a general hospital in a tuberculosis-endemic setting. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with historical controls. PARTICIPANTS: Patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis during hospitalization at Hospital Nacional Hipolito Unanue in Lima, Peru. METHODS: The FAST strategy was implemented from July 24, 2016, to December 31, 2019. We compared the proportion of patients with drug susceptibility testing and tuberculosis treatment during FAST to the 6-month period prior to FAST. Times to diagnosis and tuberculosis treatment were also compared using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regressions. RESULTS: We analyzed 75 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis through FAST. The historical cohort comprised 76 patients. More FAST patients underwent drug susceptibility testing (98.7% vs 57.8%; OR, 53.8; P < .001), which led to the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis in 18 (24.3%) of 74 of the prospective cohort and 4 (9%) of 44 of the historical cohort (OR, 3.2; P = .03). Overall, 55 FAST patients (73.3%) started tuberculosis treatment during hospitalization compared to 39 (51.3%) controls (OR, 2.44; P = .012). FAST reduced the time from hospital admission to the start of TB treatment (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.39-3.21; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Using the FAST strategy improved the diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis and the likelihood and speed of starting treatment among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at a general hospital in a tuberculosis-endemic setting. In these settings, the FAST strategy should be considered to reduce tuberculosis transmission while simultaneously improving the quality of care.

Characterization of P2Y receptors mediating ATP induced relaxation in guinea pig airway smooth muscle: involvement of prostaglandins and K+ channels.

In airway smooth muscle (ASM), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) induces a relaxation associated with prostaglandin production. We explored the role of K(+) currents (I (K)) in this relaxation. ATP relaxed the ASM, and this effect was abolished by indomethacin. Removal of airway epithelium slightly diminished the ATP-induced relaxation at lower concentration without modifying the responses to ATP at higher concentrations. ATPγS and UTP induced a concentration-dependent relaxation similar to ATP; α,ß-methylene-ATP was inactive from 1 to 100 µM. Suramin or reactive blue 2 (RB2), P2Y receptor antagonists, did not modify the relaxation, but their combination significantly reduced this effect of ATP. The relaxation was also inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; which uncouples G proteins). In myocytes, the ATP-induced I (K) increment was not modified by suramin or RB2 but the combination of both drugs abolished it. This increment in the I (K) was also completely nullified by NEM and SQ 22,536. 4-Amynopyridine or iberiotoxin diminished the ATP-induced I (K) increment, and the combination of both substances diminished ATP-induced relaxation. The presence of P2Y(2) and P2Y(4) receptors in smooth muscle was corroborated by Western blot and confocal images. In conclusion, ATP: (1) produces relaxation by inducing the production of bronchodilator prostaglandins in airway smooth muscle, most likely by acting on P2Y(4) and P2Y(2) receptors; (2) induces I (K) increment through activation of the delayed rectifier K(+) channels and the high-conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels, therefore both channels are implicated in the ATP-induced relaxation; and (3) this I (K) increment is mediated by prostaglandin production which in turns increase cAMP signaling pathway.

Predicting multiscan MRI outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental conditions following MRI simulator training.

Pediatric brain imaging holds significant promise for understanding neurodevelopment. However, the requirement to remain still inside a noisy, enclosed scanner remains a challenge. Verbal or visual descriptions of the process, and/or practice in MRI simulators are the norm in preparing children. Yet, the factors predictive of successfully obtaining neuroimaging data remain unclear. We examined data from 250 children (6-12 years, 197 males) with autism and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children completed systematic MRI simulator training aimed to habituate to the scanner environment and minimize head motion. An MRI session comprised multiple structural, resting-state, task and diffusion scans. Of the 201 children passing simulator training and attempting scanning, nearly all (94%) successfully completed the first structural scan in the sequence, and 88% also completed the following functional scan. The number of successful scans decreased as the sequence progressed. Multivariate analyses revealed that age was the strongest predictor of successful scans in the session, with younger children having lower success rates. After age, sensorimotor atypicalities contributed most to prediction. Results provide insights on factors to consider in designing pediatric brain imaging protocols.

The Validity of the Invasive Tests for Helicobacter Pylori Diagnosis is Unequally Affected by the Consumption of Antibiotics or Pump Inhibitors. Test Performance under Real-World Conditions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients undergoing upper endoscopy have often used proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and/or antibiotics (ABx) recently. Both drugs have been associated with a poorer yield of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) diagnostic tests. The aim was to assess the accuracy of the polymerase chain reaction test (qPCR), histological exam (HE) and ultra-fast urease test (UFUT) for H. pylori detection in patients that recently used PPI or ABx. METHODS: Prospective study recruiting 206 patients who underwent upper endoscopy and gastric biopsies. Demographics and use of PPI/ABx were obtained. Sensibility (Sn), specificity (Sp), predictive value (PV), likelihood ratio (LR) and PABAK concordance index, were calculated, considering as the gold standard the positivity of 2 out of 3 analyzed tests. A global analysis and another one based on the PPI/ABx intake were performed. RESULTS: 48.5% of patients used PPI and 12.8% ABx within the 2 and 4 weeks prior to endoscopy, respectively. The UFUT was positive in 13.1% of patients, HE in 34% and qPCR in 35.9%. UFUT achieved lower Sn (37%) than HE (98%) and qPCR (98%) (p<0.001) overall. ABx were associated with lower Sn in HE (p=0.04) and lower Sp in qPCR (p=0.03). PPI did not associate with a significant drop in Sn and Sp. The concordance between HE and qPCR was 0.83 (95%CI: 0.73-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Under real world conditions, the accuracy and concordance of HE and qPCR to diagnose H. pylori were excellent, but UFUT achieved unsatisfactory outcomes. The intake of ABx was associated with the worse performance, fundamentally for HE. The PPI did not reduce the tests' yield significantly.