RAPID UREASE TEST POSITIVITY BY ENDOSCOPY IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH DYSPEPSIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Background:

Dyspepsia, a common gastrointestinal complaint among adults, necessitates efficient diagnostic methods for tailored treatment. The Rapid Urease Test (RUT) during endoscopy offers a cost-effective and prompt approach for identifying H. pylori infection, a prevalent cause of gastritis. This study evaluates the diagnostic value and clinical utility of RUT in adults with dyspepsia.

Methods:

A diagnostic study was conducted, enrolling 500 adult patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Demographic data, indications for endoscopy, and endoscopic findings were collected. The RUT was performed using the RUT Test kit. Random positive samples were subjected to histopathological examination to see accuracy of the kit and significance of test accuracy was judged by statistical analyses.

Results:

In this study of 500 adult dyspeptic patients, a balanced gender distribution (54% vs 46%) with preponderance of rural background (66.7%) was observed. Common indications for endoscopy were pain abdomen, RUQ pain, and epigastric burning, with multifocal and mild antral gastritis being predominant endoscopic findings providing insights into dyspepsia and diagnostic methods. Other notable findings included esophageal and duodenal abnormalities, a history of hepatitis (25.6%), and chronic liver disease (15.5%). H. pylori infection was detected in 32.4% of cases on RUT. Sedation was administered in 39.1% of cases.

Conclusion:

The RUT during endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for H. pylori-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients. Its high sensitivity and specificity enable prompt and early targeted therapy for better outcome. We should consider RUT during endoscopy for dyspeptic patients, especially in populations with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection.