Test-and-Treat Strategies for Helicobacter pylori in Uninvestigated Dyspepsia: A Canadian Economic Anaylsis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recognition of the pivotal role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease has revolutionized primary care approaches to dyspepsia. Decision analysis was used to compare the cost effectiveness of empirical ranitidine with a test and treat strategy using either H pylori serology or the 13carbon-urea breath test (13C-UBT).