Comparación de la prueba de antígenos fecales (Elisa) y test de aliento de la urea frente a histología para el diagnóstico de Helicobacter pylori: Revisión sistemática de la literature

This is a systematic review of literature of the results of sensibility (S) specificity (E), (VPP) positive predictive value, and (VPN) negative predictive value, of original articles published between 2003 and 2008, of the test of fecal antigens and urea breath test with the hematoxilin and eosin and giemsa stains in histology in pre and post treatment for the detection of Helicobacter pylori. The results showed S=98%, E 95% for the test of fecal antigens in pre treatment, E=100% y S=100% for the urea breath test of in pre treatment, E=100% y S=100% for the test of fecal antigens in post treatment and fi nally E=100% y S=100% for the urea breath test in post treatment. The graphs of Funnel Plot in 3 of the 4 groups revealed asymmetry, and the test of heterogeneity in the studies of the 4 groups were homogeneous so much for S as for E. In conclusion the histology continues being the best alternative for the diagnostic of the infection before the treatment; on the contrary the urea breath test and the test of fecal antigens are the best options to verify the eradication of the infection. The test of fecal antigens can be implemented easily in routine laboratories in developing countries as Colombia where there are not realized tests of the routine form to verify the eradication of the infection.