[Effect of bismuth salts in elimination of Helicobacter pylori from gastric mucosa in patients with duodenal ulcer].

Bismuth salts belong do basic drugs used for elimination of Helicobacter pylori (HP), a microorganism which is postulated to participate in etiopathogenesis of duodenal ulcer. The study was aimed at evaluation of effectiveness of application of tripotassium bismuth citrate (Ventrisol-Polfa) in elimination of HP and its influence on treatment of the ulcer. In 30 patients with diagnosed endoscopically duodenal ulcer, Ventrisol in tablets was applied (2 x 2); it was also used in its fluid form (4 x 5 ml). The time of treatment amounted to 28 days. During endoscopy, samples from various parts of the stomach were taken for microbiological inspection and they were studied in direct smear and in culture. HP was isolated from 20 out of 30 patients (37%) before treatment. After application of Ventrisol, the bacteria were present in 11/30 (34%) treated patients (p < 0.05). There was no influence of the form of drug for elimination of HP. No dependence was also found between elimination of HP and healing of the ulcer.