Baseline characteristics at entry
| Test and eradicate group (n = 250) | Prompt endoscopy group (n = 250) | |
|---|---|---|
| NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; PPI, proton pump inhibitor. | ||
| Demographics | ||
| Age (y) (median (range)) | 44 (18–88) | 47 (19–84) |
| Sex (M/F) | 105/145 | 125/125 |
| History | ||
| History of dyspepsia (y) (median (range)) | 3.2 (0–50) | 7.9 (0–70) |
| Length of present episode (months) (median (range)) | 2.8 (0–180) | 2.5 (0–120) |
| Sick leave days in preceding month (median (range)) | 0 (0–30) | 0 (0–30) |
| NSAID use in past month | 53 (21%) | 48 (19%) |
| H pylori positive | 64 (26%) | 77 (31%) |
| Smoker | 114 (46%) | 117 (47%) |
| Previous PPI or H2 blocker therapy | 107 (43%) | 99 (40%) |
| Previous H pylori test | 0 | 3 (1%) |
| Previous endoscopy | 70 (28%) | 68 (27%) |
| Previous peptic ulcer | 20 (8%) | 22 (9%) |
| Previous oesophagitis | 11 (4%) | 13 (5%) |
| Effect of dyspepsia on lifestyle | ||
| No/minimal | 15 (6%) | 15 (6%) |
| Minor influence | 126 (54%) | 121 (48%) |
| Moderate influence | 99 (40%) | 110 (44%) |
| Debilitating symptoms | 0 | 4 (2%) |
| Dominant symptom complex | ||
| Heartburn and/or regurgitation | 84 (34%) | 75 (30%) |
| Epigastric pain | 86 (34%) | 101 (40%) |
| Nausea | 24 (10%) | 25 (10%) |
| Bloating | 56 (22%) | 49 (20%) |