Federal government websites often end in. The site is secure. Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October Learn More or Try it out now. Helicobacter pylori H. The urea breath test UBT has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H. Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy, the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations. These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H.
We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing, time after urea administration, and assessment technique. To investigate a possible threshold effect, we conducted Spearman correlation analysis, and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic SROC curves to assess heterogeneity.
The titles and abstracts of studies were screened; 79 articles were retrieved and selected for full-text reading. Finally, 60 studies were included in the diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Additionally, our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage, assessment timing, and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision.
Nevertheless, it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice. While the majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, chronic gastritis inevitably ensues, leading to a significant burden of morbidity and mortality[ 2 , 3 ]. Adults who are infected with H. To address this, current guidelines advocate for either a test-and-treat or a scope-and-treat approach in managing uninvestigated dyspepsia, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention[ 7 , 8 ].
Diagnostic testing for H. For individuals aged 50 years or older or those with alarm features, the recommended standard diagnostic approach involves upper endoscopy, followed by histopathological examination HE or rapid urease test RUT , and occasionally, culture[ 8 ]. In contrast, in dyspeptic patients under 50 years without specific risk factors or alarm symptoms, non-invasive methods such as urea breath testing UBT , stool antigen testing, and serology are preferred[ 8 , 10 ].
