Screening for Peptic Ulcer Disease

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Screening for Peptic Ulcer Disease

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests or Guidelines

At this time there are no screening tests or screening guidelines for peptic ulcers, though because of the relationship between peptic ulcers and the bacteria “H. pylori,” screening for the latter might prove possible. Some data supports screening for bacterial infection, but not specifically for peptic ulcer disease.

References:

American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://www.acg.gi.org/ . Accessed March 3, 2006.

Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.

Meurer LN, Bower DJ. Management of helicobacter pylori infection. Am Fam Physician [online]. Apr 2002;65(7). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1327.html.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at:. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 3, 2006.

Ford AC, Forman D, Bailey AG, Axon AT, Moayyedi P. A community screening program for Helicobacter pylori saves money: 10-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Gastroenterology. 2005;129(6):1910-1977.

Last reviewed June 2008 by ]]>Daus Mahnke, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.