Tunisian consensus on the management of Helicobacter Pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common infectious disease worldwide. It is associated with duodenal and gastric ulcer disease and the risk of gastric neoplasia. The management of helicobacter pylori infection currently represents a real challenge for clinicians, given the ever-increasing rate of resistance of Helicobacter pyolori to various antibiotics. In this consensus document, we present recommendations adapted to the Tunisian context, including indications for the detection of helicobacter pylori infection, indications for the use of different diagnostic methods, and a therapeutic strategy for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in normal or asymptomatic patients]. / Prevalence de l'infection a Helicobacter pylori chez les sujets normaux ou asymptomatiques.

The propose of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects in year 2000. Ninety eight patients not suffering from upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 39 years. Helicobacter pylori was present in 81 patients (82.7%). Helicobacter pylori infection increase with age. It was maximal between 30 and 50 years. Helicobacter pylori prevalence is still high in Tunisia as well as in most developing countries. Improvement of hygiene conditions will decrease this prevalence.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer. Data of a prospective study apropos of 78 NSAID-negative patients with duodenal ulcer]. / Prévalence de l'infection à Helicobacter pylori dans la maladie ulcéreuse duodénale. Résultats d'une étude prospective à propos de 78 ulcéreux duodénaux AINS negatifs.

The aim of our study was to evaluate, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer tunisian patients not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. Seventy eight patients having a non complicated duodenal ulcer and not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs were enrolled in this prospective study carried out between February 2000 and January 2001. Six gastric biopsies were undertaken in all patients; five for an histologic analysis and one for urease test. A serum sample was taken for a Helicobacter pylori serology. Patients were considered infected if two tests were positive. Helicobacter pylori infection was present in 77 patients (98.7%). Helicobacter pylori infection is still high among patients with a non complicated duodenal ulcer and not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs suggesting an empirical Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in this group of patients.

[Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and the digestive tract]. / Inhibiteurs selectifs de la cyclo-oxygenase-2 et tube digestif.

The use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is tempered by the development of side effects primarily in the gastro-intestinal tract. These effects result mainly from inhibition of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1. Two NSAIDs (celecoxib and rofecoxib) COX-2 specific inhibitors had considerably lower ulcerogenic rates and lower serious gastro-intestinal side effects when compared with other NSAIDs used in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, the exact place of COX-2 specific inhibitors remain to be determined as compared with the association of other NSAIDs and proton-pump inhibitors in the elderly. The efficacy of COX-2 specific inhibitors in digestive tumors is still unclear.